Nigerians applying to study or travel to Canada are facing longer estimated processing times following the latest temporary residence update released by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
The immigration department updated its processing-time estimates on August 5, 2026, with the latest figures showing increases across several temporary residence categories. For Nigerian applicants, the estimated processing time for study permits increased from six weeks to seven weeks between July 28 and August 5.
The wait for Canadian visitor visas also increased, rising from 64 days to 68 days. However, the estimated processing time for Nigerians applying for a work permit remained unchanged at seven weeks. There was also a slight increase in the estimated processing time for super visa applications from Nigeria, which rose from 41 days to 43 days.
With these latest figures, Nigerian applicants should now expect an estimated wait of seven weeks for a work permit, seven weeks for a study permit, 68 days for a visitor visa, and 43 days for a super visa.
The changes in Canada’s latest update were not limited to Nigerian applicants. Work permit processing for applicants from Pakistan recorded one of the biggest increases, jumping from 11 weeks to 25 weeks, a rise of 14 weeks.
Study permit processing for applicants from the Philippines also increased by one week, while super visa processing for applicants from the Philippines rose from 73 days to 100 days. Some applicants, however, saw their estimated waiting periods fall.
The biggest reduction among the featured categories was recorded for super visa applications from Pakistan, which dropped from 196 days to 185 days.
IRCC’s processing times are estimates and do not represent a guaranteed date for when an application will be completed. The actual time required to process an application can vary depending on factors such as the complexity of the case, the volume of applications awaiting processing, available resources, and whether immigration officials require additional information or documents.
The Canadian immigration department updates temporary residence processing times weekly, meaning the estimates for Nigerian applicants could change again in the next update, which is expected around August 12, 2026.
