Elsie UdohIt’s one thing to fulfil your lifelong dream of relocating to Canada, but it’s another to ensure you can keep staying there seamlessly. One of the most important ways of maintaining your legal status and mobility in Canada is ensuring that your Nigerian passport is renewed. Without it, your ability to travel to and from Nigeria and even conduct certain business or legal transactions could be hindered.
With that said, renewing your Nigerian passport while living in Canada can be a stressful activity with long queues, bureaucratic delays, and frequent trips to the consulate. It can even be more challenging without enough information about the required documents and procedures.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelBut there’s an easy hack to go about it. In this detailed guide, we’ll provide a simplified step-by-step process for renewing your Nigerian passport from Canada, ensuring a smooth and stress-free experience. Let’s get started.
Required Documents for Renewing Your Nigerian Passport from Canada
Before we provide the detailed steps to renewing your Nigerian passport from Canada, let’s ensure that you have all the documents needed for the process. We don’t want you to make multiple trips due to incomplete documents.
According to the Nigerian Consulate General in Canada, located in Ottawa, the essential documents required to renew your Nigerian passport include the following:
- Current Nigerian Passport: This must be valid or expired within the last six months.
- Passport Data Page: A photocopy of your passport’s bio-data page.
- Passport Application Form: This will be completed online.
- Passport Photos: Two recent passport-sized photos (35mm x 45mm).
- Proof of Legal Residence in Canada: A valid Canadian visa, permanent resident card, or work/study permit.
- Payment Receipt: This will be generated after you make a payment online.
- Appointment Slip: After applying online, you must book an appointment at the consulate.
Now that you have your documents in order, let’s get started on the process.
Step-by-Step Process to Renew Your Nigerian Passport from Canada
Start Your Application Online
The first step is to visit the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) portal. Follow these steps:
- Go to the Nigerian Immigration Portal.
- Select “passport renewal” from the menu and fill in your details.
- You will need your current passport details, including passport number, date of issue, and expiration date.
Make Payment Online
After completing the online form, proceed to make your payment. Here’s what you need to know and how to do it:
- The renewal fee varies depending on the passport type. For adults, a 32-page passport typically costs around ₦25,000, and a 64-page one may cost about ₦35,000. However, international payments for those in Canada are made in US dollars and can amount to $120-$200 (subject to exchange rates).
- Pay using a credit card or bank transfer via the online portal.
- Be sure to print your payment receipt for proof during your appointment.
Schedule an Appointment
After payment, the next things to do are:
- Schedule an appointment at the Nigerian Consulate General in Ottawa or a mobile consular office if they visit a city near you.
- Print out your appointment slip and ensure all documents are prepared for submission.
Visit the Consulate
On your appointment date:
- Bring your appointment slip, payment receipt, and all required documents.
- At the consulate, they will collect your biometric data (fingerprints, signatures, and photographs).
Note: Processing times vary, but it usually takes 4–8 weeks to receive your passport.
What to Look Out For When Renewing Your Nigerian Passport in Canada
Now that you know the steps to go about your Nigerian passport renewal process in Canada, there are still some key things you need to keep an eye on:
- Consular Locations: The Nigerian High Commission in Ottawa is the primary place for passport renewals. But check around for mobile consular services in other major cities like Toronto and Montreal, among others.
- Appointment Delays: During busy periods, such as holidays, appointment slots can be limited, and this can cause delays. It’s essential to book your appointment well in advance of your passport’s expiration date.
- Double-Check Documents: Ensure you bring all required documents to your appointment. Missing paperwork can lead to delays.
- Beware of Scams: Be careful of unauthorised agents or websites claiming to expedite the renewal process for a fee. Carry out the process on the official Nigerian Immigration Portal.
Challenges Nigerians Face When Renewing a Passport from Canada
Getting the required documents and following the steps provided in this article can make your passport renewal in Canada a straightforward process, but this can still come with a few challenges:
- Distance to Consulate: If you live far from Ottawa, where the Nigerian High Commission is located, you might need to travel, which incurs additional costs.
- Appointment Availability: Slots can be limited, particularly during peak seasons like the spring and summer months, especially from March to August or the holiday season in December. This can lead to a rise in passport renewals as individuals prepare for travel.
- Extended Processing Times: During the holidays, passport processing can sometimes take longer than anticipated, leading to frustration.
- Communication Barriers: Dealing with consular offices can be frustrating if communication is unclear or delayed. Keep copies of your correspondence and documents handy.
Additional Tips for a Smooth Passport Renewal Process
In addition to the steps provided here for renewing your Nigerian passport in Canada, these tips would help to ensure a smooth passport renewal process:
- Check Your Passport’s Expiry Date: Don’t wait until the last minute to renew your passport. Start the process at least 6 months before it expires.
- Have a Backup Form of ID: If your passport renewal takes longer than expected, having a second form of identification can be helpful.
- Use Trusted Mailing Services: If the consulate offers to send your passport via mail, ensure you use a trackable and secure postal service.
Why You Should Renew Your Passport Early
It is very important for you to begin your Nigerian passport renewal process in Canada early. Here’s why:
- Travel Flexibility: If you intend to visit Nigeria or other countries, having a valid passport is essential to avoid last-minute rushes or cancellations.
- Identity Verification: A passport is vital for proof of identity in foreign countries. So having one ensures that you remain compliant with Canadian immigration laws.
- Consular Services: Many consular services for Nigerians abroad require a valid passport, such as notarizing documents or legal assistance.
Final Tip
Renewing your Nigerian passport from Canada doesn’t have to be a challenging process for you. Take note of the required documents and steps provided here, and most importantly, start early to prevent the rush of the holiday season or avoid being stranded when you need to use your valid Nigerian passport in Canada.
Remember to check for updates and carry out the process on the Nigerian Immigration Portal to avoid getting swindled.
