3 weeks after I submitted my application for a Canadian student visa and completed the biometrics, I was so eager to know what was happening with my application.
Every day felt like an eternity, and I constantly wanted to check the status of my application.
If you applied for a Canada visa in Nigeria, I’m sure you can relate to that overwhelming desire to know what’s happening with your application.
Read also: How do I sponsor a visitor to the UK?
Nobody wants to be left in the dark, especially when so much is at stake.
Thankfully, Canada has ways for you to track your visa application.
Whether you applied for a student visa, visitor visa, dependent visa or work, you can track your visa application successfully in Nigeria.
The amazing part is that you don’t need a computer; your phone will do just fine!
To do it, you can use the following methods.
 Tracking Canada visa application in Nigeria
You can track your Canadian visa application in Nigeria by using the IRCC online tool, through email updates, by phone inquiry, or by visiting the visa application centre in Abuja or Lagos in person.
Whether you track it using:
- IRCC’s online tracking tool
- Via phone inquiries.
- Email updates
- Or by visiting the Visa Application Center (VAC).
You’ll know the status of your application – each method will give you the right result.
So, to help you understand each method better, I’ll break them down so you can choose the one that suits you best.
Read also: How to check Canada visa status with passport number
When I tracked my student visa application, I used the only tool as it was more convenient for me.
Method 1: Online Tracking
The online tracking tool was my go-to method.
It’s incredibly convenient. With it, you’ll know the status of your application from anywhere, whether you’re at home, at work, or on the go.
Here’s how I did it:
1. You need your application details
To track your Canada visa application in Nigeria using the online tool, you need your application number and passport number.
- Application number: When you submitted your visa application, you were given a unique number, you need this number to track your visa status.
- Passport number: You also need your passport number, and if you created an account (with Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada) during the application, you’ll need your password and username.
If for any reason, you didn’t create an account with IRCC during your application, you can still track your visa status with other methods I’ll explain here.
2. Go to the Canada visa application tracking tool
With your passport and application number, you can visit the official website for tracking Canadian visa applications in Nigeria.
Or, simply log in to your IRCC account and check the status from your dashboard.
3. Enter your account detailsÂ
On the tracking website, you’ll find a section where you’ll enter your account details.
Put your application number and passport number in the designated fields.
Ensure the numbers are correct to avoid any errors.
4. Click on submitÂ
After entering your details, click on the “Track Application” or similar button to proceed.
The system will track the status of your visa application and display it for you on your screen.
Meaning of the update you’ll see
There are different stages involved in the processing of visa applications.
What the tracking system will show you is, the stage your application is, at the time you checked it.
You’ll find any of the following:
- Application received: This means that your application has been received, and processing has started.
- In progress: If you see “in progress”, it suggests that your application is already being reviewed by the authorities.
- Decision made: This suggests that a decision has been made on your application, the decision could be “visa denied” or “approved”.
- Passport ready for collection: You’ll get this if your passport is ready for collection.
If you encounter any issues or have questions about your application, you can contact the Visa Application Center in Nigeria.
They’ll help you with anything you need.
Method 2: Tracking your Canada visa application in Nigeria using your email address
Email update is the second method you can use to track your Canada visa application in Nigeria.
I used this method the first time I visited Canada before going there to study.
However, it is not as fast as the first method because you have to wait to get an email update, but it works and you can use it if you prefer.
Below is how it works.
1. You need a valid email address
In your Canada visa application form, there is a space for you to put an email address, make sure you put an active one.
2. Subscribe to updates
After submitting your visa application, you should receive a confirmation email.
This email includes your application reference number.
You’ll also find an option to subscribe to email updates.
Once subscribed, you’ll receive emails at each stage of the application process, from submission to final decision.
If your application is in progress, the Canadian visa application system will send you an automated email update.
You’ll receive an email update when your application has been received, when it is being processed, and when a decision has been made.
With this, you can track your Canada visa application in Nigeria by “just” checking your email regularly.
Method 3: Phone inquiries
This is the third and for me, one of the most reliable methods of tracking Canadian visa applications in Nigeria.
If you prefer a more direct approach, you can contact the Visa Application Center (VAC) in Nigeria via phone.
Canada Emergencies in Nigeria and their contact details.
1. Port Harcourt – Honorary consul of Canada
Address: Street Address15 Ahoada Street, Rumuibekwe Housing Estate, Port Harcourt
Telephone: +234 (806) 399 7054
Email: port-harcourt@international.gc.ca
Website: https://www.international.gc.ca/country-pays/nigeria/port_harcourt.aspx?lang=eng
2. Lagos – Deputy High Commission of Canada
Address: No4 Anifowoshe Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria
Telephone: +2342012715665Fax+2342012715651
Email: lagosconsular-consulaire@international.gc.ca
Website: https://www.international.gc.ca/country-pays/nigeria/lagos.aspx?lang=eng
3. Abuja – High Commission of Canada
Address: No 13010G, Palm close, Diplomatic drive, Central Business District, Abuja, NigeriaPostal AddressP.O. Box 5144, Abuja, Nigeria
Telephone: +234 (209) 461 2900Fax+234 (209) 461 2901
Email: abuja@international.gc.ca
Website: https://www.international.gc.ca/country-pays/nigeria/abuja.aspx?lang=eng
When you contact them, ask them about the status of your visa, give them your details and they’ll track it for you and give you an update immediately.
My friend who applied for a visitor visa some time back used this method and it worked fine.
This method is reliable but requires patience, as you might have to wait on hold.
Method 4: In-person visits
This is the fourth and probably the best method of tracking Canadian visa applications in Nigeria.
If you love face-to-face interaction (like me) or maybe you have specific concerns about your application, you can visit the Visa Application Center in Nigeria yourself.
At the VAC, the Canadian visa officers will help you in any way you want.
They’ll give you updates about your application and also answer any other questions you have about your visa.
This method sounds so good, but before you get to the VAC, contact them to book an appointment.
Any of these methods serves just fine, you can use any one that you like the most to track your Canada visa application in Nigeria.
How long does it take to process a Canada visa application in Nigeria?
It takes between 8 to 12 weeks to process a Canada visa application in Nigeria, but it could be longer depending on the type of visa and the time of year.
If you want it processed fast, include every required detail in your application before submitting and apply early.
Can I track my Canada visa application without a tracking number?
No, you can’t track your Canada visa application without a tracking number. The tracking number is given to you after you submit your application and you need it to check your visa status online.
If you don’t have it, try contacting the visa application centre where you applied for help.
What should I do if my Canada visa application is taking longer than expected?
If your application is delayed beyond the expected processing time, contact the Canadian High Commission or the Canadian Embassy where you submitted your application.
If you need any help with your application, check the official website of the Canadian High Commission in Nigeria for more information.
Final words
Tracking your Canada visa application in Nigeria is now easy. With several methods available, you can choose the one that works best for you.
From my experience, the online tracking tool is the most efficient. It gives you real-time updates without stressing you.
I have used it severally and I love it.
But no matter which method you choose, you’ll get the same result.
Good luck with your Canadian visa application!
Leave a comment