Canada Visitor Visa from Nigeria (2026): Fees, Time, Biometrics

Canada visitor visa from Nigeria: fees, processing time and biometrics

By the SkyKoda travel desk · Updated 27 October 2026

Short answer: A Canada visitor visa from Nigeria costs CAD 185 for one person (CAD 100 visa fee plus CAD 85 biometrics). You apply online only, then give fingerprints at the VFS Global centre in Lagos or Abuja. IRCC's own data showed about 106 days of processing for applications from Nigeria (21 October 2026), so apply at least 4 months before you travel.

Canada visitor visa: key facts (2026)

  • The visitor visa (TRV) processing fee is CAD 100 per person, or CAD 500 maximum for a family of 5 or more applying together at the same time and place. The same fee applies to single- and multiple-entry visas. ircc.canada.ca
  • The biometrics fee (fingerprints and photo) is CAD 85 per person, or CAD 170 maximum for a family of 2 or more applying together. A typical first-time single applicant pays CAD 185 in total (100 + 85). ircc.canada.ca
  • You must apply online through the IRCC Portal or an IRCC secure account. Paper is allowed only if you cannot apply online (e.g. because of a disability) or you travel on a refugee, stateless or non-citizen document. Fees are paid by credit or debit card. canada.ca
  • IRCC's processing-time data showed 106 days for visitor visas applied from Nigeria (last updated 21 October 2026). IRCC says the time includes giving biometrics, starts when it receives a complete application, and is not a maximum or a guarantee. canada.ca
  • A visitor visa can be valid for up to 10 years, or until your passport or biometrics expire, whichever comes first. An officer may set a shorter date. Since IRCC guidance of 6 November 2024, a 10-year multiple-entry visa is no longer the default. Officers decide case by case whether to issue single or multiple entry and for how long. canada.ca
  • IRCC lists two visa application centres (VACs) in Nigeria: Abuja and Lagos. VACs are private companies under contract with the Government of Canada (VFS Global in Nigeria). canada.ca

How to apply for a Canada visitor visa from Nigeria

  1. Check that your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned travel date. Renew it first if not.
  2. Create an IRCC Portal account (or IRCC secure account) and answer the questions to get your personal document checklist.
  3. Fill in the forms and upload the documents on your checklist (passport bio page and stamped pages, purpose-of-trip documents, financial and employment proof).
  4. Pay online by card: CAD 100 visa fee plus CAD 85 biometrics fee (family caps: CAD 500 and CAD 170).
  5. Wait for the Biometrics Instruction Letter (BIL), then book and attend an appointment at the VFS Global Canada VAC in Lagos or Abuja.
  6. Track your application in your account. If approved, you get a passport request letter. Submit your passport at the VAC (no appointment needed) so the visa counterfoil can be placed in it.

Documents for a Canada visitor visa

  • Valid passport, ideally valid 6+ months beyond your travel date: biographical page plus any pages with stamps, visas or markings
  • Purpose-of-visit documents, e.g. letter of invitation, event registration, itinerary
  • Travel history (previous visas, entry and exit stamps)
  • Bank statements covering at least the last 6 months
  • Employer letter on official letterhead, dated no earlier than 3 months before you apply
  • Flight and accommodation plans
  • Letter authorising a minor child to travel, if a child is travelling
  • Any extra items on your personalised IRCC checklist or the local visa office instructions

Tips

  • Apply well ahead of your trip. At around 106 days of processing (Oct 2026), apply at least 4 months before you travel, and don't buy non-refundable tickets before you have the visa. canada.ca
  • Book your biometrics as soon as the instruction letter arrives. IRCC says delays in giving biometrics delay your application. canada.ca
  • Use a recent employer letter (dated within 3 months) and 6 months of bank statements. These are the supporting documents IRCC itself recommends. canada.ca

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SkyKoda sells flights, not visas. Rules change often: always confirm with the embassy or official website before you pay or travel. Facts checked 27 October 2026.

Common questions

How much does a Canada visitor visa cost from Nigeria?

CAD 100 visa fee plus CAD 85 biometrics, so CAD 185 for one person. Families pay at most CAD 500 (5+ people) plus at most CAD 170 for biometrics. VFS may charge separate service fees.

How long does a Canada visitor visa take from Nigeria?

IRCC's tool showed 106 days for applications from Nigeria (data updated 21 Oct 2026). This includes biometrics, is not guaranteed, and changes often, so check the IRCC tool before you book flights.

Can I apply on paper at VFS?

No, not normally. Applying online is required, except for people who cannot apply online (e.g. because of a disability) or who travel on refugee, stateless or non-citizen documents. VFS is where you give biometrics and submit your passport, not where you file the application.

Where do I do biometrics for Canada in Nigeria?

At the Canada visa application centre (VFS Global) in Lagos or Abuja, after you receive your Biometrics Instruction Letter. Book an appointment as soon as possible to avoid delays.

Will I get a 10-year multiple-entry visa?

Not automatically. A visitor visa can be valid up to 10 years (or until your passport or biometrics expire), but since November 2024 officers decide single vs multiple entry and the validity case by case.

Do I need to give biometrics again if I gave them before?

Possibly not. You may need to give them again if your earlier biometrics are about to expire, if a previous permanent residence application was refused, or if you gave only partial biometrics.

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Sources

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