Average Processing Times
As of December 16th, 2011, in order to benefit from extended business hours, on site client service and to minimize delays caused by incomplete documentation, we recommend that applicants for temporary residence (visitors, students and workers) submit applications at a visa application centre (VAC) in Lagos.
Processing times begin on the day our office receives a complete application and end on the day the final decision (i.e. approval/refusal) leaves our office. These are not a guarantee of how long it will take to process your application. We are currently experiencing very high volumes of applications in all categories. The processing times indicated below will be adjusted as volumes change.
Temporary Residence Applications:
Temporary resident visa (visitor visa):
35-45 working days*
It is strongly recommended to make Visitor Applications a minimum TWO to THREE months before your intended departure date.
Study permit :
4-6 months*
Processing times begin on the day our office receives a complete application and end on the day the final decision (i.e. approval/refusal) leaves our office. These are not a guarantee of how long it will take to process your application. We are currently experiencing very high volumes of applications in all categories. The processing times indicated below will be adjusted as volume change
Temporary work permit:
3 months*
Worker Applications should be submitted at least 3 months prior to the start of their employment offer.
Travel document for permanent resident returning to Canada:
25-30 working days*
In person in emergency situation: 1-3 days.
* These are average processing times only. Some applications take longer to process for various reasons. For example, the following factors could delay the processing of your application:
- incomplete applications
- needing a medical exam (additional 3-4 weeks from the date of the medical exam if no complications arise, such as the need for further testing)
- requiring background or security checks
- having a criminal record
- needing an interview
- documents that need to be verified
- other factors that complicate your case .
Applications are dealt with in the order in which they are received.
Note: This visa Section will not respond to case status enquiries within the processing times above. Processing times begin on the day our office receives a complete application.
For more detailed information on processing times for all other categories of applications at Canadian visa sections, please see the Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) website.
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