Ontario has extended its province-wide stay-at-home order until June 2. The Premier of the Province, Doug Ford, says the citizens need to abide by the pandemic restrictions a little longer to flatten the curve.
“The situation is slowly trending in a better direction- but make no mistake, we are not out of the woods yet.” He adds.
KaySays
Hi Abu Susan, my question is if lockdown is lifted June 2, how early will Nigeria high commission Ottawa open for in person passport renewal.
RachealSays
Hi Abu Susan, I sent you an email about an emergency situation that I’m in. Could you please check it out and respond?
Abu SusanSays
I will have to ask my colleagues on Monday.
GbolahanSays
Hello Abu Susan, I applied for a Passport Renewal since January, however I didn’t know I could book appointment immediately, I thought I’d have to pay first and I have been having problems with my payments and stuff. Now I tried to schedule an appointment and saw that there are no open slots till August and my passport and Visa expires at July, any advice you can give?
Abu SusanSays
Sorry about that Gbolahan. There is nothing I can do about that now. Go ahead and pick a date in August. Could you send us a reminder by the end of June? Perhaps, the traffic may be less. We can then try to get you to come for your biometric exercise.
MunahSays
Hi, I want to apply for a renewal for myself and a fresh passport for my child. I was able to book an appointment for myself but couldn't get the same date for my child. I wanted to know if we both would be able to use my appointment time and if we would both be allowed in together. thank you
Abu SusanSays
No problem Munah, You can come with your child.
MunahSays
thank you
TeeSays
Hi Abu Susan, I had applied for my passport renewal and currently out of status and my application for Permanent Resident is in the advance stage and I had received a letter to submit my passport unfailingly latest by the first week of June, I had reached out to my case officer and he said that is why he gave me up to the first week of June for submission and If I do not submit it my PR application will be cancelled. My work permit was also affected cos I am out of status My appointment date at the commission for biometric recapture is May 20, 2021. Pls how do I go about this?
Abu SusanSays
Sorry about the stress, Tee, Kindly read the following carefully and click on the link that applies to your situation and fill the form provided by IRCC as a Plan B pending when you can renew your passport. Update on Immigration Services As a result of the current challenges affecting Immigration services resulting from the 3rd wave of the Coronavirus in Ontario-Canada, the Nigeria High Commission, Ottawa, is pleased to provide Nigerian citizens in Canada with the following vital information. 1. Temporary residents in Canada whose passports/travel documents are about to or have expired and cannot be renewed due to COVID-19 restrictions are encouraged to apply for an extension or restoration of their status online. 2. More information on applying for an extension can be found @ https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/coronavirus-covid19/visitors.html#extend 3. Additional information on applying for restoration is available @ https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/coronavirus-covid19/restoration-extension-trv.html 4. Applicants who apply before their status expires will have their status maintained while their application is being processed. 5. Where additional documentation or information is required to decide on an application (such as a valid passport), Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will request the necessary material. However, they may allow the applicant 90days to submit the required documentation. Nigerians with expired Nigerian passports planning to travel back home are allowed to do so, but must: 1. Obtain clearance from their airline of choice about travelling with an expired Nigerian passport. 2. On arrival in Nigeria, such individuals should make deliberate efforts to visit the closest Nigeria Immigration Service passport renewal office to renew their passport before returning to Canada. The Nigeria High Commission, Ottawa, will continue to post updates on the website and social media platforms.
DamilolaSays
I have an appointment for an in-person passport renewal appointment on June 3, seeing that the lockdown has been extended,can I mail my application instead ?
Abu SusanSays
Dont bother, Damilola, We will get back to you.
DavidSays
Hello Susan, I hope you are doing well. I came to Ottawa twice last year for the renewal of my passport the first time in June 2020 but I wasn’t allowed in because there was a stay at home order in place. I came to Ottawa again in December after I received a letter of invitation; it was then my biometrics and extra document were collected. I finally came back to Alberta where I reside and I even had a friend in Ottawa go to embassy and see why it’s still taking so long to get my passport. I’ve sent out emails and called so many times and still haven’t gotten any response. This just seems to be my last resort at this point and I hope that we can get to the end of this amicably, as it is also delaying the renewal of my study permit. So please, what do I do ?
Abu SusanSays
Hello David, I can imagine your frustration. My apologies. What is your full name? I can check to find out why.
DavidSays
Its almost 2 months I did my renewal at Ottawa, and I'm still yet to obtain my passport. I need to extend my visa status or I will lose my status in Canada. Individuals who did theirs on march 30th have gotten their passports since. Please what is happening with mine? Still nothing shows up when I track the passport on Canada post. I need urgent assistance.
Abu SusanSays
What is your full name?
WendySays
Hi Abu, I am an international Student and my Study permit will be expiring in few weeks. I did the passport intervention recently conducted in Edmonton. Is there a way i can apply for the study permit while awaiting the passport renewal before i am out of status? Thank you.
Abu SusanSays
Yes, Wendy, The Canadian government provides a plan B for people in your category. Kindly read the following carefully and click on the link that applies to you. Update on Immigration Services As a result of the current challenges affecting Immigration services resulting from the 3rd wave of the Coronavirus in Ontario-Canada, the Nigeria High Commission, Ottawa, is pleased to provide Nigerian citizens in Canada with the following vital information. 1. Temporary residents in Canada whose passports/travel documents are about to or have expired and cannot be renewed due to COVID-19 restrictions are encouraged to apply for an extension or restoration of their status online. 2. More information on applying for an extension can be found @ https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/coronavirus-covid19/visitors.html#extend 3. Additional information on applying for restoration is available @ https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/coronavirus-covid19/restoration-extension-trv.html 4. Applicants who apply before their status expires will have their status maintained while their application is being processed. 5. Where additional documentation or information is required to decide on an application (such as a valid passport), Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will request the necessary material. However, they may allow the applicant 90days to submit the required documentation. Nigerians with expired Nigerian passports planning to travel back home are allowed to do so, but must: 1. Obtain clearance from their airline of choice about travelling with an expired Nigerian passport. 2. On arrival in Nigeria, such individuals should make deliberate efforts to visit the closest Nigeria Immigration Service passport renewal office to renew their passport before returning to Canada. The Nigeria High Commission, Ottawa, will continue to post updates on the website and social media platforms.
Dara AssiakSays
Good day Abu Susan, I received an automated email that confirms my appointment date (June 18th) when I scheduled my appointment after applying for my passport renewal. Is this email what I should print out as an “invitation letter” during my visit for my appointment if the embassy is open? The requirements on this website for the documents I should bring lists an invitation letter. As this automated email says the date the embassy is expecting me, is this what I should print out and bring? Also can you please let me know an email or phone number I can use to contact the high commission in Ottawa? I have sent emails to the address I found on the website but have never received a reply. Thank you
Abu SusanSays
I am here to answer your questions. Print all the documents and keep them with you. However, check the website for the latest news to know if your date would still work or if there are other arrangements. But all things being equal, you should be ok with your date.
JosephSays
Hello Abu Will the Nigerian embassy be re-opening on 2nd of June with the Ontario lock-down lifting? I've applied online and have been waiting for the biometrics for over 8 months now, and my documents are now all expired. I have an appointment on the 4th of June
Abu SusanSays
Check our website for details of the date on 1 June.
DaveSays
Hey Tee, check this link below. They are holding a passport intervention in Regina, SK. Hope this helps. https://www.facebook.com/ncarcanada/
Abu SusanSays
Thanks, Dave.
HopeSays
Good day, once the lockdown is lifted can I come into the embassy because I had a prior renewal date even if I don’t get another email from the commission and do I get my passport the same day with the expedited fee? Thank you
Abu SusanSays
Hello Hope, You have to wait for an email from us. We have a large backlog. We are working on how to re-structure appointments to control human traffic.
KaySays
Hi Abu Susan, please my initial appointment for passport renewal interview was 8 April before it got canceled due to lockdown. How do I know when to come down for my interview after June 2. I will get $200.00 money order for expedited service so I can get my passport renew same day.
SadiqSays
I have an appointment for an in-person passport renewal appointment on May 19, seeing that the lockdown has been extended. What is the plan for the people in this situation ?
Abu SusanSays
Wait for an email from the High Commission. You can also check the website any time from June 1 for a news update about the new structure for biometric exercise in Ottawa when we re-open to the public.
Chidimma IbeSays
I have a June 2 scheduled passport renewal appointment. Can I still come for the appointment or do I mail it? What do I do?
Abu SusanSays
Sorry, Chidimma, you cannot come on that day. Wait for a message from the High Commission, please. And if you don't get it in your email? Kindly check the latest news on the website or any of our social media platforms for an update.
Chidimma IbeSays
What exactly is the passport interview invitation because I never received anything called that? Or is it the appointment booking confirmation email?
JacobSays
Hi I plan to travel with my family to Nigeria in early August 2021. I have both Nigerian and Canadian passports. I booked my appointment for May 25 but it will not be possible as the High Commission is closed until further notice. I had to rebook for July 21 because June is full. I heard that the Nigerian High Commission is out of booklets for Nigeria passport renewal. Questions: 1. How true is the rumour that the High Commission is out of int'l passport booklets. 2. If confirmed that there are no booklets, what other options do I have for me to travel in August with my Canadian passport? 3. If there are booklets for my renewal appointment on July 21, how long does it take for me to get my new passport back? 4. If I choose the same day option and pay C$200 admin fee, will I get my renewed passport the same day?
Abu SusanSays
My advice is that you should apply for a visa with your Canadian Passport. The shortage of booklets is true. We have no control over that. But we are hoping that the story will change by August. However, to play safe, your best option is the visa.
Chukwuebuka EmmanuelSays
Hello Abu, when should we be expecting an email or update from the commissioner? For those of us whose appointments have passed, would we be given priority on the first week of reopening. Many of us are in a desperate situation now. Also if you can please reply my email to you guys I would appreciate that. Thank you for your hard work.
Abu SusanSays
We would put up a notice by June 1. We do not want to get ahead of the provincial government, as they are still yet to decide about the date of opening for those in the first stage of resumption. They are looking 'at June 14 or earlier.
Tomi FadioraSays
Hello Susan, I hope you are doing very well. I had an appointment previously on the 3rd of May, but couldn't be attended to due to the lockdown. As my study permit is soon to expire, I would like to know when the high commission will be open for passport renewals again.
Abu SusanSays
We will open as soon as the Province decides on the date of resumption for stage one. For now, it is tentatively June 14. But they may move it back if 60 per cent of Adult in Ontario get the first dose of the vaccine. They are currently at 58%. Check the website for our news update on June 1. For those of you with previous appointments, we would try to focus on your biometric capture exercise on weekends.
EbenSays
Hi Abu Susan, I recently applied for passport renewal through the Nigerian Canadian Association of Regina (NCAR), and I would like to know if you guys are coming over to Regina anytime. I have to apply for my Post Graduate Work Permit before the end of July as my job offer is dependent on that. Is it possible for me to come over to the embassy myself when you guys are back in office despite submitting the required documents through NCAR? Thank you
Abu SusanSays
Get in touch with the Association in Saskatoon. The intervention exercise is billed to take place there this Friday-Sunday.
OfureSays
Hi, I have an appointment on the 3rd of June and would like to know if the high commission will be open. I would also like to know where I can get the details for the money order, I intend to pay for the $200 admin fee.
Abu SusanSays
Check the website for news update on resumption on June 1. the details for the money order is on the website. All you need to do is to purchase the money order payable to the Nigeria High Commission Ottawa. Bring the original copy when coming for your biometric exercise.
AlfredSays
Hi, WIll the High Commision be opening again now that the stay at home order will be lifted after June 2?
Abu SusanSays
Please, go and read about the reopening again. The opening of the province will be done in stages. The stay at home order expires June 2, but all non-essence businesses will still be forced to stay closed until the province enters stage one of reopening. This is from Premier Doug Ford. The tentative day for stage one is June 14. However, the Minister of Health says if 60 per cent of adults receive one dose of the vaccine, they would consider reopening earlier. Just check our website for the update by June 1.
DamiSays
Hi Abu, I attended the Edmonton intervention on May 9. I am required to apply for PGWP by the 28th of this month. When should I be expecting my passport? Thank u!
Abu SusanSays
Dami, we mailed out a second batch yesterday. The third back just left the Mission. I hope yours is amongst them. Goodluck.
Sam AdenleSays
Would appreciate if the high commission could make Saturday arrangements for those who were affected by the lockdown and to clear out the backlog after reopening in June as the high commissioner said in his previous video. Once again thank you and look forward to next week’s announcements
Abu SusanSays
That arrangement is still intact. Weekends to clear backlogs so as not to disturb those with regular dates.Thanks, Sam
Ayo BabalolaSays
Hi Abu Susan, thank you for your efforts. I have 2 questions. Question 1- My first date for renewal was April 15th which did not happen because of the lockdown so I rescheduled to June 3rd. Assuming the lockdown restrictions are lifted June 2nd, will the High commission be opened on the 3rd? Question 2- Do you currently have booklets to process passport as we hear some high commissions in other countries have passport booklet shortage. Thank you and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Abu SusanSays
These are vital questions, Ayo. The answer to question 1 is YES. If otherwise, we will put up a notice on the website and social media platforms. The Mission will send out emails. However, a few people complained about not receiving emails, so your backup is our website and social media platforms. Check any of them before coming to the High Commission. Question 2. Yes, the booklet issue is serious. We are almost running out. But we are optimistic that our portion would get to us in 6weeks. If not, we will continue to admit applicants, capture, and wait until the passports get here before production for onward delivery to you.
ZainabSays
I applied for my passport renewal with an appointment date for July 12, 2021. I stay in British Columbia and I would like to know if there is any ongoing close-by intervention.
Abu SusanSays
The next intervention starts on Friday, 28-30th, 2021 in Saskatoon. Get in touch with the Nigerian Canadian Association there. If they are full, get in touch with the Association in Regina; maybe they are next in line.
OfureSays
Hi, I have an appointment for the 3rd of June and was wondering if the office will be open. I was also wondering where I could get the details for the money order, because it is the last thing I need to get in place. I hope the embassy is open on the 3rd because the next appointment available is august and my student visa and study permit ends in July.
Abu SusanSays
We will put up a notice here about our resumption date. As you know, the Province of Ontario is opening in stages. The first stage according to the government is likely to be June 14 or earlier. So if they announce that we can reopen by June 2, then you are okay. If not, you have to pick a new date.
Abu SusanSays
The details of the money order for the passport can be found in the same place you applied for your passport renewal.
AzeezatSays
Hello, I had an appointment for April 14th but i got an email that it was canceled because of lockdown. So am i to book another date on your website or you guys will email me a date to come in when lockdown lifts ? My passport expires in December 2021 and I’m given a short period for my work permit cause of that, I need my passport to be renewed soon hopefully, so i can extend my work permit.
KaySays
Hi Abu Susan, thanks for all you’re doing. Please I have a question, my initial passport renewal interview was in April before it was canceled due to lockdown. So if I don’t get any email from high commission when the lockdown is lifted, can I come in any weekend for my biometric. I will appreciate a response from you. Thanks
SolomonSays
Hello, We have an appointment for an in-person passport renewal appointment on June 4, it is likely the Ontario lockdown will end on June 2nd. If the lockdown is lifted by June 2nd, can we show-up by June 4 but if it is not lifted what will happen to our appointment. Thank you.
Abu SusanSays
Please read news about the reopening process from the Government of Ontario online to be informed. The lockdown will be lifted official on June 2. But the official date for the stage 1 reopening is June 14. However, the Minister of Health says, if 70% of the population gets vaccinated before then, they may move the date back. We follow the news and would respond appropriately. For now, your date is not feasible. Please, do not come to the Mission until you see an update from us in your email or here on the website. Thank you.
DamolaSays
Hi Abu, is it possible to get an emergency travel certificate with the current lockdown in Ontario. Please let me know Thanks
Abu SusanSays
Yes, Damola, People have been applying for it. You can get an emergency travel certificate as a Nigerian with an expired passport or a visa if you are a Canadian. Both services do not require biometric capture.
EverSays
Hi, I have my passport renewal appointment booked for June 7th, based on news so far from Ontario government, I am not sure if the commission will be opened or not. I wanted to ask what next steps will be, because I need to renew my passport to be able to submit my pgwp extension.
Abu SusanSays
I am so glad that you are following the news and developments in Ontario. Obviously, the stage one reopening may not commence earlier than your date. I will post news about the next step here before June 2. Thank you, Ever.
Elsie AhachiSays
Hello, I and my brother applied for a Nigerian Passport Renewal and are scheduled for the 22nd of June. If we bring the $200 fee will we be able to get our passports that same day? Thanks
Abu SusanSays
Yes, you can get your passport the same day if we have the Passport booklets.