Planning to visit, study, work, or relocate to Canada from Nigeria in 2026? One of the first questions most Nigerians ask is:
👉 “How much does a Canada visa cost?”
👉 “What is the process like?”
👉 “How long will it take?”
This detailed guide answers all of that — clearly and in practical steps you can follow today, with official fee info, current processing standards, and real sources you can trust.
We’ll cover:
- All major Canada visa types
- Official fees (in Canadian dollars)
- Step-by-step process
- Processing timelines
- Tips to increase your approval chances
Let’s dive in.
🇨🇦 What Types of Canada Visas Can Nigerians Apply For?
Canada offers several visa categories. The main ones Nigerians apply for are:
- Visitor Visa (Tourist / Temporary Resident Visa)
- Study Permit (Student Visa)
- Work Permit
- Permanent Residence (PR)
Each has its own fee, requirements, and process.
💵 Canada Visa Fees for Nigerians (2026 Official)
Canada visa fees are set by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and are paid in Canadian dollars (CAD). Fees are generally the same worldwide, but you must check the official Government of Canada site when applying.
Official fee list (selected visas):
| Visa Type | IRCC Fee (CAD) | Biometrics Fee (CAD) | Approx Total (CAD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa) | 100 | 85 | 185 |
| Visitor Visa — Family (5+) | 500 | 170 | 670 |
| Study Permit | 150 | 85 | 235 |
| Work Permit | 155 | 85 | 240 |
| Open Work Permit | 100 | 85 | 185 |
| Temporary Resident Permit | 246 | 85 | 331 |
| Restore Status (Visitor) | 246 | — | 246 |
🔗 Official fee information:https://ircc.canada.ca/english/information/fees/fees.asp
🔗 Pay visa fees online:https://eservices.cic.gc.ca/epay/order.do?category=17
💡 Tip: Fees are subject to change, so always verify before payment.
Approximate NGN equivalents:
Using exchange rates typical for 2025–26, CAD 185 is roughly around ₦110,000–₦130,000 (varies by bank/rate).
📍 Where You Pay Canada Visa Fees
Visa fees are not paid at the embassy/VAC directly — they are paid through the official IRCC ePay portal. You must submit:
- Your application
- Supporting documents
- Fee payment
before you can book biometrics.
🔗 Pay here (secure): https://eservices.cic.gc.ca/epay/order.do?category=17
📝 Canada Visa Application Steps (Step-by-Step)
Here’s the actual process you’ll follow from Nigeria:
✔ Step 1: Choose Your Visa Category
Decide whether you’re applying for:
- Visitor Visa
- Study Permit
- Work Permit
- Permanent Residence
Each has different requirements.
✔ Step 2: Create an IRCC Account
Go to the official Government of Canada portal:
👉 https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship.html
This is the starting point for your application.
✔ Step 3: Complete the Online Form
Fill in all details honestly:
- Personal info
- Passport info
- Travel history
- Purpose of visit
If you make errors here, it can delay or derail your application.
✔ Step 4: Upload Required Documents
These may include:
- Passport bio page
- Recent photo
- Proof of funds
- Invitation/offer letter (if applicable)
- Letter of acceptance (student)
Submit all documents before paying fees to ensure completeness.
✔ Step 5: Pay the Visa Fees
Use the official payment portal above. Save the receipt. It’s required before you give biometrics.
✔ Step 6: Biometric Appointment
After payment, you’ll receive instructions to give fingerprints and a photo at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) — either in Lagos or Abuja.
📌 Biometrics are required for most visa types, including visitor, study, work, and PR.
✔ Step 7: Processing & Wait for Decision
Once biometrics are done and all documents submitted, your application enters processing.
✔ Step 8: Receive Decision
If approved, you’ll be issued a visa sticker or electronic document.
📅 Canada Visa Processing Times (Official Estimates)
Processing times vary by visa type and completeness of your application. The Government of Canada publishes estimates online:
Here’s a general idea:
| Visa Type | Typical Processing Time |
|---|---|
| Visitor Visa | ~30–60 days† |
| Study Permit | ~60 days |
| Work Permit | ~60 days (varies) |
| Permanent Residence | longer (often months) |
†Note: Canada publishes service standards showing Nigeria visitor visa timelines around 31 days (as of late 2025), but this can change. Important: IRCC says your application time starts once your completed application (including payment and biometrics) is received.
📌 Documents You Must Prepare
Each visa type has specific documents, but most require:
- Nigerian passport valid for travel
- Two recent passport photos
- Proof of funds/bank statements
- Travel itinerary
- Supporting invitation/offer letters
- Payment receipt for visa fees
- Biometric appointment confirmation
Missing documents are the leading cause of delays or refusals.
📁 Canada Visa Requirements for Nigerians
To qualify for a Canadian visa, you must show:
- Valid travel document and passport
- Good health
- No criminal record
- Sufficient funds for your stay
- Strong reason to return to Nigeria after travel
This is especially important for visitor visas since immigration officers must be convinced you won’t overstay.
❓ Common Questions Nigerians Ask
Do I need a visa to visit Canada from Nigeria?
Yes. Nigerians require a visa for visitor, work and study entry.
Can I apply online from Nigeria?
Yes. You can apply fully online via the IRCC portal and pay visa fees before biometrics.
Is biometric submission mandatory?
Yes. Most applicants need biometrics before Canada can process your visa.
Can I track my visa status?
Yes — through your IRCC account after submission.
📊 Fee Summary Table (Quick Reference)
| Visa Type | Visa Fee (CAD) | Biometrics (CAD) | Total (CAD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visitor | 100 | 85 | 185 |
| Study Permit | 150 | 85 | 235 |
| Work Permit | 155 | 85 | 240 |
| Open Work Permit | 100 | 85 | 185 |
| Temporary Resident Permit | 246 | 85 | 331 |
Fees from the official IRCC fee list.
✔ Tips to Improve Approval Chances
✔ Submit complete, clear documents
✔ Show strong ties to Nigeria (job, family, assets)
✔ Show proof of funds
✔ Pay fees before biometrics
✔ Apply early (process can take a few weeks)
📌 Helpful Official Links
Canada Immigration official site:
👉 https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship.html Visitor visa info: