Nigeria and Canada Address Visa Delays for Students

On September 9, 2023, Nigeria raised concerns with Canada about persistent delays in processing visa applications for Nigerian citizens, especially students. Magdalene Ajani, the permanent secretary of the Nigerian Ministry of Interior, conveyed these issues during a meeting with David Sproule, the Charge D'Affairs of the Canadian High Commission.

Ajani highlighted that Nigerian students have faced difficulties traveling to Canada to commence their studies, even after their visa applications were approved, due to untimely issuance of study permits. She advocated for ongoing dialogue and closer cooperation between both nations' institutions to resolve these challenges.

The discussions also included migration management and the establishment of a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) between Nigerian authorities and the Canada Border Services Agency for managing individuals without legal status in Canada. Sproule acknowledged the visa delays as a significant issue in the bilateral relationship and committed to addressing these concerns with Canadian immigration authorities.

Both parties agreed to form a technical working group to facilitate continuous communication.