Renewing your Nigerian Passport in Canada - I got it on the same day.

by IBK A

Find relevant information for renewing your E-passport at the Nigerian High Commission in Ottawa, Canada. 

Several years ago I tried to renew my Nigerian passport in Ottawa but they said their machines were down and there was a backlog. I didn't want to take the risk so I sent my application to the States. That is no longer possible and now the system is much better in Canada. However, calling the embassy or emailing might not get you the hasty response you desperately need. So here are some helpful tips for Nigerians wanting to renew their passport in Canada.

Oh before I go into details, I must share my experience back in 2006. I called the Nigerian embassy and for once I did actually get someone on the line. I have been in Canada for quite a while now, so while that doesn't mean I have lost my manners, it does mean that I am used to going directly to the reason of the call. (Canadian way)

Conversation went something like this:

ME: Hello, is this the Nigerian High Commission?

Rep: Yes! it is!

ME: Oh hi, please I am wondering what I need to do to renew my passport. It will expire next year...yade yada yada

Rep: Are you Nigerian? (tone changed a bit)

ME: (taken aback) - Yes I am!

Rep: So you are Nigerian, and you don't know how to greet your elders! just talking nonsense

ME: I was humbled and tickled at the same time. I found it funny because I wasn't being rude by going directly to the point but I didn't take time (must have completely forgot) to do the "greetings" and "proper mannerisms" - Like I am wondering, could I, may i... and so on. I quickly apologized.

So learn from this short story and make sure if you do get someone on the line - remember to be extra polite...

OK! Enough beating around the forest...

How to apply:

What documents do you need?

– Complete this application form online, via this link

• FOR UPDATED E-PASSPORT instructions (scroll all the way to the bottom of the page) link here

– Pick “Standard e-Passport” on the drop down menu

_ You will have to create a login account with yahoo/gmail

– Fill out all the information required. It usually has the (*) sign close to them. You can fill it all out if you want, but the required ones you have to.

– You must have $65 Dollars available to you via Debit Visa or Credit Card to complete the application.

– Print both acknowledgement slip and Payment Receipt Slip once application is complete and payment made.

– You may not need a return envelope. However, just to be safe, you should get the Xpress Post envelope from Canada Post, just in-case they decide on sending it to your home address. It's not a waste if you don't use it that day.

THEN

–       Visit your bank and tell them you want a $30 Money Order, payable to the Nigeria High Commission.

–       2 Passport sized- Photographs

–       Old Passport

Take all these neatly in a folder and go to the Nigeria High Commission in Ottawa on the interview date specified. If you get there early, it is possible to be out within 1 - 2 hours.

295 Metcalfe Street
Ottawa, Ontario
K2P 1R9

FAQs

Do you need your school transcripts, enrollment later etc?

I didn't need any of that. Some people have said you can bring documents to show you are a student so you can get same day service. I was not a student anymore when I renewed my passport and I got it on the same day.

What if I made a mistake on my application?

If you made a mistake before you paid. STOP. Make sure you know your Application ID and Reference Number. Go back to the link shown above, look for the left panel that says “Edit Passport Application”, Go there and start over. They can also make corrections at the embassy as you will need to verify your information before they send it in to Nigeria and wait for feedback (happens within an hour in the morning, I have no idea how long you have to wait in the afternoons)

Do you need to have your passport application done in Ottawa?

Very frustrating but the answer is: Yes you do! Somehow the airline benefits if you are traveling from far away. I stayed in a hotel the night before because no flights could get me to Ottawa early enough but if you are lucky to have an early arrival flight then you can book your departure for later in the evening and save an overnight hotel trip.

I lost my passport..

File a police report, get evidence that you did! Bring your original documents and follow the instruction on the Nigerian High Commission website here: link

How do I re-schedule my interview?

You could either call them or use this link  - You don't get to pick the date you want (doesn't make sense to me) they automatically set a date for your interview and i tried calling no response (same with emailing) - what worked for me was rescheduling my interview date. Sometimes tried a day later to reschedule until i got a date that was favorable for a cheaper flight

Standard passport or Official passport?

Choose Standard passport (Official passport is for government officials).

 Direct passport office number - (613)-565-5555

How long till I get my passport?

If you’re a student usually same day. I wasn't a student and I got mine same day also. I hear it could be 30 days if mailing out.