Nigerians applying to study or visit Canada are facing slightly longer estimated processing times, according to the latest update from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
The estimated processing time for study permit applications submitted from Nigeria increased from nine to 10 weeks as of September 16, according to the latest figures released by IRCC.
Visitor visa applicants also saw the estimated processing time rise from 84 to 87 days.
The figures, compiled by CIC News, were contained in IRCC’s latest temporary residence processing-time update published on September 16.
However, the estimated processing time for work permit applications submitted from Nigeria remained unchanged at 10 weeks.
For Nigerians applying for super visas, the estimated processing time increased from 44 to 46 days.
IRCC updates its temporary residence processing estimates weekly. The department stressed that the figures are estimates and should not be regarded as fixed deadlines or guarantees.
According to the department, processing times may vary depending on factors such as the type of application, the volume of applications being processed and the complexity of individual cases.
For visitor visa applications, processing may also take longer if applicants are required to provide additional documents, attend an interview, undergo a medical examination or submit a police certificate.
Processing times for other countries
The latest update shows that applicants from several other countries also experienced changes in estimated processing times.
For study permits, the estimate for applicants applying from within Canada increased from seven to eight weeks, while processing estimates for applicants in India, Pakistan, the United States and the Philippines remained unchanged.
For visitor visas, the estimate for applicants in Pakistan increased from 73 to 75 days, while that for applicants in India fell from 31 to 29 days.
The estimated processing time for super visa applications from the United States increased significantly, from 66 to 116 days. Applicants in Pakistan, however, saw their estimate fall from 132 to 95 days.
IRCC noted that processing times differ from its service standards, which are targets for how quickly the department aims to process applications under normal circumstances.
The department also cautioned that individual applications may take either longer or shorter than the published estimates.
Applicants can use IRCC’s processing-time tool to check the latest estimates for their specific application type and country of application.
