If you are in Nigeria and you intend to move to Canada to work then you should be aware of the processing time for a Canadian work visa from Nigeria.
This will help you prepare and actualize your dream of working in Canada on time.
Before you continue reading this article, you need to see my personal guide on moving to Canada you don’t want to overlook the secret and advice it has helped a lot of people.
In this article, I will enlighten you on the duration of processing a Canadian Work Visa from Nigeria.
But first, what is a work visa?
Table of Contents
What is a Work Visa?
A work visa is an official stamp on your passport authorizing you to work in another country for a specified length of time.
All countries, including Canada, require a work visa from foreigners to allow them to work in their country.
Canadian employers may not hire you without one.
Don’t miss out;
Processing Time for Canadian Work Visa.
The processing time for a Canada Work visa means how long it takes the immigration authorities, particularly in the Immigration,
Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to process your Work Visa application, from the day they receive it to the day they conclude.
The processing time for a Canada Work Visa can vary depending on several factors.
The two main factors are the workload of Canadian immigration officials and the type of Work visa.
It is estimated that the time taken for a Canada Work Visa to be approved from Nigeria is 20 weeks (approximately 1 year and 8 months).
However, this time frame may fluctuate due to various factors like the volume of applications, changes in immigration policies, or other unforeseen circumstances.
During the processing period, immigration officials will carefully review your documents to ensure that you are eligible for the Work Visa and that your application meets the requirements.
So, endeavour to submit your application well in advance (at least 2 years before the time you would be moving to Canada to work) to prevent potential processing delays.
Proper planning and preparation can help to smoothen your work visa application process and minimize any potential disruptions to your travel/immigration plans.
Required Documents for a Canada Work Visa.
For your Canada Work Visa to be processed, you must provide some necessary documents to prove your eligibility.
These are the documents required for a Canada Work Visa:
- Criminal clearance certificate from the police.
- Evidence of financial capability.
- Job offer letter.
- Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) (optional for some jobs).
- Language competency (optional, like the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or the Test d’évaluation de français (TEF)).
- Medical report.
- Passport photographs.
- Proof of professionalism.
- Proof of academic achievements.
- Valid passport or travel certificate.
Eligibility Criteria for a Canadian Work Visa.
You must meet certain criteria to be eligible for a Canadian Work Visa. Some of these criteria include:
- Possession of a valid travel passport.
- A job offer letter from an employer in Canada.
- Language proficiency in either English or French.
- Sufficient funds to support yourself at least for the first year you’re in Canada.
- No criminal history
How to Apply For a Canadian Work Visa from Nigeria.
Applying for a Work Visa is a lengthy process and there are several steps involved.
Step 1. Get a Job in Canada.
The first step is to get an employment offer in Canada.
Once you have secured a job offer in Canada and confirmed your eligibility you can start the process of getting a Work Visa.
Your job role must meet the job requirements.
Step 2. Get Your Papers Ready.
Ensuring you have the correct documentation in place before applying is a key requirement and failing to submit the correct documents could lead to a refusal.
Step 3. Take a Medical Exam and a Criminal Background Check.
You would arrange for and take a medical exam and a criminal background check.
As a Nigerian who plans to work in Canada, you need to undergo a medical checkup performed by a licensed doctor.
You would also present police clearance documents as proof of your good moral character and that you have no criminal profile.
You can apply for your Canada work visa online at the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website or in person at the Canadian Visa Application Centre in Lagos or Abuja.
At the time of application, you will also be required to pay the correct application fee.
The standard application fee is CAD 155.
However, the cost of applying for a work visa in Canada varies depending on the type of Work Visa you are applying for.
Recent 2024 Updates in Canada Processing Times For Work Visa-related Issues:
Over time, the processing times for work visas and related issues like PR Card application, PR Card renewal, Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), Visitor Canada outside Canada, Super Visa, etc. have changed a bit.
I discuss these changes in processing time below.
1. PR Card Application
New processing time: 32 days.
New PR card applications have experienced an increase in processing time, with an additional 9 days since February 6, 2024.
2. PR Card Renewal.
New processing time: 64 days
There has been a gradual increase in the timeline over the weeks, and PR card renewal applications now observe a processing time of 64 days.
3. Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
New processing time: 7 months
The processing time for the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) is now 7 months, with a slight reduction of 1 month since January 31, 2024
4. Visitor Canada outside Canada
New processing time: This varies across countries, and for Nigeria, it is 148 days with a 1-day increase.
5. Super Visa.
New processing time: 74 days for Nigerians.
6. Work Permit outside Canada
New processing time: 12 weeks for Nigerians.
Conclusion
Applying for a Canadian Work Visa from Nigeria can be stressful and time-consuming due to the demanding nature of the process.
As a Nigerian, it is important to stay informed about these updates as they could affect your planning and decision-making.
With the right information, your dreams of seeking greener pastures in Canada will come to fruition.
To ensure a seamless application, you can hire a dedicated immigration lawyer or agent to help you manage and process your application, and provide personalized assistance for your specific circumstances/needs.
