Weeks after I submitted my application for a Canadian visa here in Nigeria, I was so eager to know what was happening with it.
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Every day felt like an eternity, and I constantly wanted to check the status of my application.
Thankfully, Canada has ways for you to track your visa status, including tracking your Canada visa application in Nigeria.
Whether you applied for a student visa, visitor visa, dependent visa, or work visa, you can track your visa application status successfully in Nigeria.
To do it, follow any of the procedures below:
How to track Canada visa application in Nigeria
You can track your Canadian visa application in Nigeria using the IRCC online visa tracking tool, through email updates, phone inquiries, or by visiting the visa application centres in Abuja or Lagos.
When I tracked my application, I used the online tracking tool because it was more convenient for me.
Method 1: Tracking Canada visa applications in Nigeria through your IRCC account
To track your Canada visa application in Nigeria through your IRCC account:
- Log in to your IRCC account with your email and password.
- From your dashboard, go to the ‘View my applications’ section.
- Select and click on the visa application you wish to track from the list.
- The application status and any updates will be displayed, including processing times and whether or not you need to submit additional documents.
Method 2: Tracking Canada visa applications in Nigeria using the IRCC tracking tool
To track your Canada visa application in Nigeria using the online tracking tool:
- Go to the Canada visa application tracking tool.
- Select the type of visa you applied for and click continue
- Choose how you applied for the visa by clicking the IRCC secure account option
- It’ll give you the option to sign into your IRCC-secured account.
- Click on it and sign in with your GCKey username and password.
- Follow the prompts to verify your identity.
- Once logged in, you’ll be able to view updates on your application’s progress, including any information or questions from IRCC.
Method 3: Tracking Canada visa application in Nigeria through email updates
The email update method is another way to track your Canada visa application in Nigeria.
This method is slow because you need to wait for IRCC to send you email updates before you know the status of your application.
To use email updates in tracking your Canada visa in Nigeria:
- Enter an active email address on your visa application form.
- After submitting your visa application, you’ll receive a confirmation email with your application reference number.
- In this email, there’s an option to subscribe to email updates.
- Once subscribed, you’ll receive updates at each stage of your application process, from submission to final decision.
- The system will send you automated email updates when your application is received, when its processing starts, and when a decision is made on it.
- If you subscribed to this method, you need to regularly check your email.
Method 4: Tracking Canada visa application in Nigeria via phone inquiries
This for me is one of the most reliable methods of tracking Canadian visa applications in Nigeria.
To use this method, you just need to contact the Visa Application Center (VAC) where you submitted your visa application here in Nigeria via phone and ask them about the status of your application.
Below are their contact information:
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, give them your details and they’ll tell you the status of your application.
Method 5: Tracking Canada visa application in Nigeria by in-person visits
This is the best method of tracking Canadian visa applications in Nigeria.
If you love face-to-face interaction (like me), you can visit the Visa Application Center in Nigeria.
At the VAC, the Canadian visa officers will give you updates about your application and also answer any questions you have about your visa.
Meaning of the update you’ll see
When you check the status of your visa application, you’ll get updates like:
- Application received: This means that your application has been received, and processing has started.
- In progress: This suggests that your application is already being reviewed by the authorities.
- Decision made: It means 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.
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 it.
In addition, 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 submitted your visa) 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
From my experience, the easiest way to track your Canada visa in Nigeria is through the online tracking tool or via your IRCC account.
I have used these two methods severally and I love it.
However, no matter the method you choose, you’ll get the same result.
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