As the japa wave continues to hit Nigeria, what many Nigerians do not consider is how to renew their passport in a foreign country, especially a top destination like Canada.

However, renewing a Nigerian passport in Canada is a straightforward process, especially if one follows current consular guidelines stipulated by the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) and the Nigerian High Commission in Ottawa.

The process usually involves an online application on the NIS portal followed by a biometric appointment at the High Commission. Below is a breakdown of the entire process.

The four steps to renewing a Nigerian passport in Canada

Step one: Online application

• Visit the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) portal
• Log in or create an account, and begin a new application
• Select “Apply for Renewal/Reissue”
• Verify your National Identification Number (NIN) and passport information
• Select Canada as the processing country and the desired booklet size
• Upload the specified passport-sized photograph and fill in your required personal details
• Pay the required fee online and print the payment confirmation and acknowledgement slips

Step two: Appointment booking

• Proceed to the Nigerian High Commission’s website
• Go to the e-passport services section to book an appointment

Step three: Attend appointment in Ottawa

At the appointment, present: 

• Old or expired Nigerian passport (original and photocopy)
• Completed online application form
• Payment and acknowledgement slips from the NIS portal
• Valid ID such as PR card or work permit
• NIN slip
• An ICAO-compliant passport photo 

For minors:

• Letter of consent signed by parents
• Photocopies of parents’ passports (at least one Nigerian)
• Birth certificate
• Extra custody documents (if applicable)

Biometrics and photo capture will be done at the High Commission.

Step four: Receive passport

• Pay an administrative fee of 50 CAD by money order payable to the Nigeria High Commission or PayPal (link will be provided on confirmation) 
• Provide a self-addressed Canada Post Express regional return envelope (within Ontario) or national return envelope (outside Ontario)
• This envelope will be used to mail the new passport after processing.

Key facts to know about Nigerian passport renewal in Canada

Passport fee

According to the Nigeria Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the passport for different applicants is as follows:

Appointment guidelines

• Every appointment must be booked online
• Passport renewal hours: 9:30am to 2:30pm (weekdays, excluding holidays. Thus, if an appointment falls on a Canadian or Nigerian holiday, the applicant should attend on the next business day)
• For families: all family members requiring renewal must be indicated and each member will receive an individual appointment
• On the day of the appointment, the applicant must come with a printed copy of appointment slip, application form, payment confirmation, and other required documents
• In the case of a minor, only one parent may accompany the minor into the Chancery
• Cell phones and bags must be kept in a locker

Contactless passport application

A contactless passport application is a digitized process, often app-based, that allows people apply for, pay for, and complete biometric data collection (including fingerprints) for a new passport or renewal without having to visit an immigration office.

It enhances convenience, security, and efficiency by allowing the remote submission of applications and biometrics, especially for adult renewal of e-passports. 

According to the Nigeria High Commission, Ottawa, the contactless system is in its pilot phase and available for eligible applicants. The eligibility criteria are the applicant must be 18 years or older and the passport must be expiring within 6 months. 

Steps for contactless passport application

• Download the NIS mobile app (currently available only on Android)
• Create profile and comple eligibility check
• Enter NIN and passport details
• Upload required documents
• Capture biometrics (fingerprint and face)
• Submit application and pay online

After submission, the applicant should send:

• 50 CAD administrative fee through money order
• Self-addressed Canada Post Express Post envelope
• Old passport 

Processing time

It takes an average processing time of 4 to 6 weeks from the date of biometric capture for renewals.

Sometimes, this may vary depending on backlog, special checks, or data discrepancies. The applicant should also allow extra time for dispatch via postal services. 

It is important to apply way before a planned travel (ideally 3 months early) to make allowance for delays and extra checks.

How to avoid delays

Before avoiding delays, one must know the reason for delays in the first place. Below are common reasons for passport delays and tips to avoid them.

• Incomplete or mismatched NIN records

Tip: Ensure NIN matches all submitted details

• Incorrect or non-ICAO photos

Tip: Upload and bring the correct photo both online and to the appointment

• Missing documents (e.g. proof of residence, old passport)

Tip: Cross-check documents with mission checklist

• Paying third parties 

Tip: Always pay through the official NIS portal to avoid not just delays, but fraud

Summary

Renewing your Nigerian passport in Canada is a structured process that requires meticulousness and patience.

Every step mentioned above is key to ensure that the renewal is successful. It is essential to gather all necessary documents, apply early and stay updated with the Nigerian High Commission’s latest guidelines.

As the paperwork process is being sorted, the need to send money back home to Nigeria or make other international transfers will still be a priority.

For this, OhentPay comes in handy as a reliable and cost-effective solution. Its fast transfers, competitive rates, and secure platform makes it the perfect platform for navigating international transfers.