Canadian immigration authorities have clarified the eligibility and requirements for visitor visas, emphasizing that most foreign nationals, including Nigerians, need a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) before traveling to Canada. The visa, which is placed in the traveler's passport, confirms that the holder meets the conditions for temporary entry.
Visa Processing Times and Fees
According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), processing times for visitor visas vary by country. Application fees start at CAN$100. Applicants may also need to provide biometric information, but the time required for biometrics is not included in the published processing timelines.
Who Needs a Visitor Visa?
IRCC states that most foreign nationals require a visitor visa to enter Canada. Travelers passing through a Canadian airport en route to another destination may also need a visa. However, since May 26, 2026, eligible citizens of Indonesia and Malaysia can apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) instead of a visa when flying to Canada. Those with valid visitor visas can continue using them until they expire.
Visa officers decide whether to issue single-entry or multiple-entry visas. A visitor visa can be valid for up to 10 years, but cannot exceed the validity of the holder's passport or biometrics.
Length of Stay in Canada
Most visitors are allowed to stay for up to six months. Border services officers may approve a shorter or longer stay based on individual circumstances. If a different period is granted, the departure date is entered in the passport or recorded in a visitor record. Without a passport stamp, visitors can generally stay for six months from entry or until their passport or biometrics expire, whichever comes first. Super visa holders who entered after June 22, 2023, may stay for up to five years.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must hold a valid passport or travel document, be in good health, and have no criminal or immigration-related convictions. They must also demonstrate sufficient ties to their home country and intend to leave Canada at the end of their authorized stay. Additionally, applicants must prove they have enough money to support themselves during their visit. Depending on circumstances, a medical examination or a letter of invitation from a host in Canada may be required.
IRCC warns that some individuals may be refused entry due to inadmissibility, which includes criminal activity, organized crime, human rights violations, security concerns, health reasons, or financial issues.
Required Documents
Applicants must submit a clear digital copy of a valid passport or travel document that remains valid for at least six months beyond the intended travel date. Copies should include the page with personal details and any pages containing visas, stamps, or official markings. Applications involving children may require a letter authorizing the minor to travel to Canada, depending on whether the child is traveling alone or with another person.
Online applicants receive a personalized document checklist and are advised to provide every required document. Local visa offices may request additional documents based on the applicant's country of residence.
Public Health Restrictions
Effective May 27, 2026, foreign nationals living in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, South Sudan, and Uganda cannot travel to Canada under temporary entry measures linked to public health restrictions.
In related news, Canada has introduced new immigration and asylum rules through Bill C-12, the Strengthening Canada’s Immigration System and Borders Act, which received royal assent on March 26, 2026. These reforms affect Nigerians and other foreign nationals seeking protection, study, or work opportunities in Canada.
