Important Announcement

          The Nigeria High Commission Ottawa, Canada, wishes to inform the public that it has not appointed any agent(s) to carry out transactions with applicants for Nigerian visas on its behalf.

          All applicants for Nigerian visas are strongly advised to deal directly with the High Commission by completing the online visa application processes and also mailing the necessary documents to its official address at: No. 295, Metcalfe Street, Ottawa, Ontario, K2P 1R9.

          Any applicant for Nigerian visa who engages the services of visa agents does so out of his/her personal discretion and risk. 

           Please note that as a result of the introduction of the new e-payment system by the Nigerian Immigration Service, the Nigeria High Commission has reviewed the procedures for submitting applications and making payments for Visas that are processed here in Ottawa.

Visa Application Guidelines

Applicants for Visas are advised to apply and make payments for their Visa applications online at the Nigeria Immigration Service(NIS) website and thereafter send supporting documents and payment confirmation to the the Nigeria High Commission Ottawa as specified below for processing.

Required documents to send to Nigeria High Commission, Ottawa for processing:

NOTE: Please allow two to three weeks processing period for all visa applications. 

All applicants MUST complete and use the Application Tracking section online as the final stage of the application process. Ensure that you have completed this section before your documents arrive at the High Commission Ottawa.

REQUIREMENTS FOR STR VISAS

All applicants must strictly comply to the requirements otherwise your application will be returned and you may have to re-submit your application with another administrative fee.

1. STR form to be completed online at portal.immigration.gov.ng in quadruplicate. Please print the forms before submitting the application online

2. The following documents should be attached to each completed form:-

a) 4 recent coloured passport size photograph (White Background) and ensure to write name at the back with stamped date.

b) Valid National Passport: Passport should be valid for a minimum of six months.

c) 4 copies of Certified or Notarised copies of Professional Certificates/Diplomas and Resume that qualify the applicant for the job.

d) 4 copies of Expatriate Quota approval letter issued by the Nigerian Immigration Service.( Copies to be certified by the federal Ministry of Internal Affairs in Nigeria)

e) 4 copies of Letter of Offer of Appointment from the employing company in Nigeria, detailing the job description and personal emoluments.

f) 4 copies of Letter of Acceptance of the Offer.

g) Police Character/ Clearance Certificate.

h) Photocopy of Vaccination Certificate against Yellow Fever.( Do not send the original yellow card

i) In addition to the online payment, send an administrative fee of CAD$20.00 money order payable to the Nigeria High Commission, Ottawa

j) Self-addressed return CANADA POST PRIORITY COURIER ENVELOPE ONLY with which to mail back the passport, a personal pick-up . Please note no other courier service is acceptable. Ensure to fill out the sender and receiver addresses on the envelope.

k) Accompanying wife and children must comply with items 2(a, b, & j). In addition, a separate invitation is required for spouse and dependants.

l) Please allow minimum of 7 working days processing period. The interview date scheduled online is not applicable unless you are contacted.

FOR INTERNS AND VOLUNTEER WORKERS:

1. Comply with items 1, 2 a, b, c, e, f, g, h, i, and j above.

2. Additionally, the following requirements must be met:

i. Copy of Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) or Contract between the appropriate Nigerian Government Agency/ Ministry and the Non Government Organization (NGO) concerned.

ii. Acceptance of the conditions in the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)

iii. Request from the sponsoring Government agency or Ministry.

REQUIREMENTS FOR STUDENT VISAS

In addition to the other requirements for STR Visa except Quota approval, applicants for student Visa must submit the following:

1. Formal letter of application for student Visa

2. A copy of the letter of admission

3. A copy of the letter of acceptance

4. Evidence of payment of school fees

NOTE:

• Canadian nationals who are also nationals of other countries must apply for visa with their Canadian passports only.
• The Mission requires a minimum of one week to process STR/TWP Visas
• It is important that the form be duly completed and all supporting documents attached.
• The Consular Section opens to the public from 9.00a.m. – 1.00p.m. daily except weekends and public holidays.
• The High Commission reserves the exclusive right to grant or reject visas.

All applicants MUST complete and use the Application Tracking section online as the final stage of the application process. Ensure that you have completed this section before your documents arrive at the High Commission Ottawa.

REQUIREMENTS FOR TEMPORARY WORK PERMIT (TWP VISA)

Please print a copy of the underlisted requirements before you proceed with the online Visa application process:

1) Valid national Passport - This should be valid for at least 6 months.

2) Complete online application at portal.immigration.gov.ng .

3) To obtain the payment receipt slip, allow 45 minutes after completion of payment online. To print receipt, go to portal.immigration.gov.ng, click on the ‘Entry Visa Application form’ under Visas section, Select ‘print receipt’ tab in the new window. Provide your Reference no. and Application ID and click on ‘search record’. Print off the receipt page. Google receipt is not acceptable please.

4) Certified/Notarised copies of Professional and Educational Certificates/Diplomas and Resume.

5) One Coloured Passport Photograph (White Background) affixed to the Form.

6) Copies of Nigerian Immigration Service approval to work in Nigeria sent to Nigeria High Commission via NITEL.

7) Photocopy of Letter of Offer of Appointment.

8) Photocopy of Letter of Acceptance of Appointment.

9) Police Clearance/Character certificate

10) Photocopy of Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate.

11) Administrative processing fee of CAD $20.00 made payable by Money Order to Nigeria High Commission, Ottawa. Fill out your name and address on the money order.

12) Include a self-addressed return PRIORITY POST COURIER ENVELOPE ONLY with which to mail back the passport, unless a personal pick-up. Ensure to fill out the sender and receiver addresses correctly on the envelope. Note that no other courier service pick-up is acceptable.

NOTE:

• Canadian nationals who are also nationals of other countries must apply for visa with their Canadian passports only.
• Please allow a waiting period of seven days from the date your application was received at our office before calling in to check the status. We are experiencing a high volume of phone calls and avoiding frequent calls to our office would enable us serve you promptly.
• Improper completion of application form and/or absence of visa supporting documents may extend the issuing period. (All questions in forms must be answered).
• Visa correspondence to be attention Consular Section.
• The Consular Section opens to the public from 9.00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. daily except on weekends and public holidays.
• The contact line is (613) 236-0521 extension 224.
• The High Commission reserves the exclusive right to grant or reject visas.
• Interview date scheduled on-line is not applicable unless contacted

NOTE: All applicants MUST complete and use the Application Tracking section online as the final stage of the application process. Ensure that you have completed this section before your documents arrive at the High Commission Ottawa.

REQUIREMENTS FOR VISITOR/ BUSINESS/TOURIST/TRANSIT VISAS TO NIGERIA

Allow seven days processing period at our office in Ottawa for all duly completed applications.

Duly completed online application (Form IMM/22), to be accompanied with the following:

1. One recent coloured passport size photograph (White Background) and ensure to write name at the back with stamped date.

2. Apart from the online payment to be made at http://portal.immigration.gov.ng , send an administrative fee of CAD$20.00 money order payable to the Nigeria High Commission, Ottawa

3. Additional CAD$82 is required for Multiple Entry which is valid for six months

4. Applicant’s original valid passport. This must be valid for at least SIX months.

5. Photocopy of return/flight Itinerary. (No Airline Tickets please)

6. Letter of Introduction from the sponsoring company or agency or confirmation of employment from the employer in Canada (for business Visas and Visitors Visa for Non-Nigerians).

7. Letter of invitation for business/visiting visa. Letter to indicate nature of business and duration of visit. A photocopy of certified certificate of registration of the Nigerian company with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), to be attached to the letter.

8. Personal invitations for visitor’s visa issued from Nigeria by Nigerians outside Canada must be accompanied by a photocopy of Nigerian Passport and evidence of genuine and effective link or relationship either by Marriage, kinship or Business. Invitations from other Resident Aliens in Nigeria must be accompanied by a photocopy of the valid Residence or Work Permit in Nigeria and a photocopy of information page of passport.

9. Canadian Citizens holding other passport are required to apply with Canadian passports only.

10. In addition to the other requirements, Nigerian holders of foreign passports must attach photocopies of their Nigerian passports or evidence of Nigerian links and kinship ties in Nigeria.

11. Non-Canadian Passport holders must attach photocopies of their immigration status in Canada, showing their Residence or Work Permit.

12. Evidence of confirmed hotel reservation or other accommodation arrangements in Nigeria with proof of identity of the hotel manager.

13. Applicants for Transit visas must show evidence of confirmed onward flights and Visa for country of final destination.

14. A self-addressed return CANADA PRIORITY POST ENVELOPE ONLY. Please, note that no other courier service is acceptable.

15. Photocopy of vaccination against Yellow Fever. Do not send original yellow card please.

16. Applications for minors to be accompanied by letters of consent signed by both parents and a photocopy of the passport of both parents as well as the Registration of live birth of the child (ren) which bears the names of either or both parents. The letters of consent must be endorsed in all cases by a Notary Public.

17. Evidence of sufficient funds: Photocopy of Receipts for the purchase of funds or travelers Cheque from the bank considered adequate to cover the cost of the trip (visitors and tourists only)

18. Any Other requirement(s) that the Visa section may deem necessary.

19. Please allow a minimum of 7 working days processing period. The interview date scheduled online by the Nigeria immigration service site is not applicable unless you are contacted by the Nigeria High Commission, Ottawa.

NOTE:

• Canadian nationals who are also nationals of other countries must apply for visa with their Canadian passports only. Visas are to be affixed to valid passports, after the appropriate application forms have been duly completed and received at the High Commission.
• Applicants traveling to Nigeria on special assignments such as religious or evangelical activities will require Temporary Work Permit (TWP) visa. Approval for issuance of TWP must be received by the Mission from the Nigerian Immigration Service.
• Applications from JOURNALIST traveling to Nigeria to prepare feature articles/films must receive prior approval from the Nigeria Immigration Service and final approval from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Applications to the mission must indicate the type of assignment and type of equipment to be taken into the country. For further details see: Accreditation requirements for foreign Journalists. (chidi create a link here to accreditation of journalists pdf doc)
• Improperly completed application forms and/or incomplete visa supporting documents may delay or cause rejection of visa requests. (All Questions must be answered please).
• The Visa Section opens from 9am to 1.00pm Monday-Friday except during Public Holidays, both in Canada and Nigeria.
• The Visa Section can be reached on Telephone Number: (613) 236-0521 ext 224
• Visa fee should be made payable by MONEY ORDER to Nigeria High Commission, Ottawa.
• Visa processing fees not refundable once paid, whether or not visas are granted or withdrawn.
• The High Commission reserves the exclusive right to grant or reject visas.

Ensure to print out the following online applications; failing which your passport would be returned without processing:

(i) Application

(ii) Application Acknowledgement Slip

(iii) Payment Confirmation.

NOTE: All applicants MUST complete and use the Application Tracking section online as the final stage of the application process. Ensure that you have completed this section before your documents arrive at the High Commission Ottawa.

CHECKLIST AND REQUIREMENT FOR CHANGE OF NAME ON PASSPORT

The completed online application form should be mailed to the High Commission by Priority post only, together with the following:

1. Please provide the Machine Readable Passport (MRP) used by applicant to enter Canada or Passport obtained at the Nigeria High Commission, Ottawa.

2. (a) Certificate of Change of Name from a Town Council in Canada or (b) Court affidavit and Newspaper notification from Nigeria

3. CAD$20.00 money order payable to the Nigeria High Commission

4. Self-addressed CanadaPost Priority Envelope

5. Download and fill the Change of Name form from here .

NOTE: All applicants MUST complete and use the Application Tracking section online as the final stage of the application process. Ensure that you have completed this section before your documents arrive at the High Commission Ottawa.

CHECKLIST AND REQUIREMENT FOR EMERGENCY TRAVEL CERTIFICATES

Applicants are hereby advised that the High Commission just like all other Nigerian Missions abroad is under no obligation to issue travel document to adult applicants born outside Canada who claim they require passport for the first time or they arrived Canada without a genuine Nigerian passport. The same applies to claims of loss of Passport.

Travel Documents will be issued only when satisfactory reasons and requested original documents are submitted for examination. Applicants must present themselves for an Interview and be prepared to wait for approval. Thereafter, they may be asked to provide the following:

1. Original and photocopy of Birth Certificate issued at time of birth by a government agency before 1988 or original and photocopy of letter indicating Birth Registration from National Population Commission signed by the appropriate State Director.
2. Two (2) current Passport coloured photographs on white/grey background.
3. A self-explanatory letter of how applicant came to Canada with current address. 
4. Genuine police report where applicable
5. CAD$70.00 money order payable to Nigerian High Commission, Ottawa.

NOTE: All applicants MUST complete and use the Application Tracking section online as the final stage of the application process. Ensure that you have completed this section before your documents arrive at the High Commission Ottawa.

CHECKLIST AND REQUIREMENT FOR CHILD ENDORSEMENT ON PASSPORT

The completed online application form should be mailed to the High Commission by Priority post only, together with the following:

1. Please provide the Machine Readable Passport (MRP) used by applicant to enter Canada or Passport obtained at the Nigeria High Commission, Ottawa.

2. Completed Application form for Child Endorsement. Please click here to download the Child Endorsement form.

3. Consent letter signed by both parents of the Child

4. CAD$20.00 money order to the Nigeria High Commission

5. Self-addressed Canada Priority Envelope

6. Child Birth Certificate and Statement of birth indicating names of Nigerian parents.

NOTE: All applicants MUST complete and use the Application Tracking section online as the final stage of the application process. Ensure that you have completed this section before your documents arrive at the High Commission Ottawa.

CHECKLIST AND REQUIREMENT FOR CHILDREN BORN IN CANADA

1. Birth Certificate and Statement of Birth indicating the Name(s) of Nigerian Parent(s)

2. Two Passport coloured Photographs on grey background

3. Completed On-Line Application Form with Acknowledgement Slip indicating Application Reference and I. D. Numbers

4. Evidence of On-Line Payment of US$85.00. [See sample Here]

5. Payment of CAD$30.00 Money Order addressed to the Nigeria High Commission

6. Letter of consent from Nigerian parents of child to be issued with a passport

7. Photocopies of Valid Passport of Nigerian Parents.

8. Two (2) Self-Addressed Canada Priority Post Envelopes.

NOTE: All applicants MUST complete and use the Application Tracking section online as the final stage of the application process. Ensure that you have completed this section before your documents arrive at the High Commission Ottawa.

CHECKLIST & REQUIREMENTS FOR RE-ISSUE OF PASSPORTS

The completed online application form should be mailed to the High Commission by Priority post only, together with the following:

1. Please provide the Machine Readable Passport (MRP) used by applicant to enter Canada or Passport obtained at the Nigeria High Commission, Ottawa.

2. Visit the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) http://portal.immigration.gov.ng to complete and print the On-Line Application Form with Acknowledgement Slip.

3. Evidence of On-Line payment of US$85.00 [See sample Here]

4. Indicating Application I. D. and Reference Numbers.

5. Two (2) Passport Coloured Photographs on grey background.

6. Two (2) Self-Addressed Canada Priority Post Envelopes

7. CAD$30.00 Money Order addressed to the Nigeria High Commission.

NOTE: All applicants MUST complete and use the Application Tracking section online as the final stage of the application process. Ensure that you have completed this section before your documents arrive at the High Commission Ottawa.