After the UK, the US, Canada and Europe’s Schengen countries are where most Nigerians apply. Each works differently — and the US rules changed a lot in 2026. Here is the process, cost and timeline for each.
🇺🇸 United States — read this first
⚠️
Most US visas paused for Nigerians
Since 1 January 2026, a US presidential proclamation has suspended visitor (B-1/B-2), student (F, M) and exchange (J) visas and immigrant visas for most Nigerian nationals, with narrow exceptions. People can still book interviews, but most will not be issued a visa. Check ng.usembassy.gov before paying anything.
- Where visas are still possible, the visa application (MRV) fee is $185 for visitors, and a new visa integrity fee of at least $250 was created by US law in 2025.
- Since August 2026 routine visa services are at the US Consulate in Lagos, not Abuja.
- Visitors may be asked to post a visa bond of $10,000–$20,000, refunded if they leave on time.
- Since July 2025 many visas for Nigerians are single-entry and valid for 3 months.
🇨🇦 Canada
| Step | Details |
|---|---|
| Apply online | IRCC account on canada.ca — visitor visa (TRV), study permit or work permit. |
| Fees | Visitor visa CAD 100 + biometrics CAD 85 (valid 10 years). |
| Biometrics | At the Visa Application Centre (VFS) in Lagos or Abuja, within about 30 days of the request. |
| Study permit | Needs an acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution, a Provincial Attestation Letter, and proof of tuition plus living costs (over CAD 20,000 a year for one person). |
| Timeline | Nigeria is one of the slower routes — check the live processing time on the IRCC website. |
