Canada visa processing time for Nigerians 2026
How long each Canada route takes once you apply, and how early Nigerians should start gathering documents so nothing expires or runs late.
Processing time by route
| Visa | Decision | Start preparing |
|---|---|---|
| Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker) | 26–32 weeks | about 12 months before moving |
| Study Permit | 8–20 weeks | about 7 months before moving |
“Start preparing” adds the time to gather every document in order and two weeks of slack to the decision time.
Get your own dated plan
See which Canada visas fit you, then get every step with a due date worked back from your move date.
Check my eligibilityFrequently asked questions
- How long does a Canada visa take for Nigerians?
- Typical processing is 26–32 weeks for the Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker) and 8–20 weeks for the Study Permit, counted from the date you apply. Add time for gathering documents.
- What is the fastest Canada visa for Nigerians?
- The Study Permit, at 8–20 weeks after applying.
- How early should Nigerians start preparing a Canada visa?
- For the Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker), start about 12 months before your move. That covers gathering documents in the right order, the decision wait, and two weeks of slack. Processing time alone understates it, because documents often take longer than the decision.