How long does a Canada family visit visa take to process for Nigeria citizens?

Standard Canada family visit visa processing for Nigeria citizens runs approximately 101 days once your complete application is received. Standard processing is approximately 8 weeks (source: canada.ca processing times). Processing times can lengthen during peak periods. Biometrics must be provided before a decision can be made — factor in the time to book a VAC appointment in your country.

What documents do Nigeria citizens need for a Canada family visit visa?

Beyond the standard passport (6+ months validity), biometric photos and completed application form, Nigeria citizens applying for a Canada family visit visa specifically need: Bank statements; Relationship proof documents — birth / marriage / adoption certificates; Invitation / sponsorship letter from family member in destination country; Sponsor's immigration status proof — passport copy + visa/status document; Sponsor's financial proof — bank statements + employment letter or tax returns; National Identity Card. In total this route requires approximately 8 mandatory documents plus 12 supporting/optional items.

How much does a Canada family visit visa cost for Nigeria applicants?

The official Canada family visit visa government fee is CA$100. You must also pay the CA$85 biometrics fee. Family applications submitted together may have additional per-applicant biometric fees up to a CA$170 cap.

What are the most common reasons Canada family visit visas get refused for Nigeria citizens?

Canada family visit visa decisions for Nigeria citizens are heavily document-driven. The most common refusal triggers on this specific route are: Insufficient proof of financial means; Weak ties to home country; Incomplete or inconsistent documentation. Applications that pre-empt these specific risks typically achieve materially better outcomes.

What is the single biggest risk on the Nigeria-to-Canada family visit visa route?

Weak demonstration of home country ties. IRCC refusals most commonly cite insufficient evidence that the applicant will return home after their stay. Building your application around this single risk — and addressing it head-on with credible, route-specific documentation — has the largest single impact on approval for Nigeria citizens applying for a Canada family visit visa.

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Where you plan to travel

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Nigeria → Canada

North America

10-20 days

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Nigeria → Canada: the family visit visa, honestly

Canada TRV (visit family) from Nigeria: ~65–73% refusal — among the world's highest.

IRCC weights three things very heavily on Nigerian family-visit files: the host's status + finances, your own dual-intent indicators, and prior travel. Letter-of-invitation alone does not move the needle.

Where it’s processed

IRCC online · VAC Lagos · VAC Abuja

Typical processing time

IRCC: ~4–12 weeks online · biometrics at VAC Lagos / Abuja

What the consulate flags most on this route

!Host's CRA Notice of Assessment + status doc (PR card / citizenship) missing or low-income
!No prior travel to US / UK / Schengen to show return record
!Single applicant ages 18–35 without dependants in Nigeria (IRCC profile flag)

Source: IRCC TRV refusal data 2024 (Africa caseload)

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Nigeria → Canada: the family visit visa, honestly

What the consulate flags most on this route

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