How to submit passport for Canada visa in Nigeria

If you’re applying for a Canadian visa from Nigeria; whether a student visa, visitor visa, or work visa, you’ll submit your passport to the Canadian authorities.

It’s a mandatory requirement for applicants from Nigeria.

I have had to do this almost all the time I apply for a Canadian visa either in Nigeria or other places outside Canada.

And, it looks like a stressful thing to do if you haven’t done it before, but it’s not.

I remember during my first “ever” visa to Canada, I was a bit anxious when I booked my appointment for passport submission.

Read also: How to upload documents for a Canada visa

I didn’t know exactly what to expect, but the process turned out to be much smoother than I anticipated.

There are easy ways to submit your passport for a Canada visa in Nigeria, and I’m pleased to share them with you below.

How to submit passport for Canada visa in Nigeria

You can submit your passport for a Canada visa in Nigeria at the Visa Application Centre in person or through a courier service.

Let’s explain each method.

1. In-person at the Visa Application Center (VAC)

If you have time to visit the VAC by yourself, this is the best way to submit your passport for a Canada visa in Nigeria.

This is the method I use, and it’s convenient.

An in-person visit simply means you visit the nearest authorized Canadian visa application centre and submit your passport there by yourself.

For me and this is coming from my experience, in-person is straightforward and helps you avoid any unfortunate stories.

In addition, you can talk to the officers directly and get any help or clarification you need.

The last time I visited to submit my passport, I spent time with the officers and it helped me resolve a long-standing issue I have had.

Here’s how it works – How I do mine:

• Find the VAC closest to you: The Canadian government has authorized several VACs in Nigeria. Visit the VAC website and find their nearest location to you. This is the VAC website: https://visa.vfsglobal.com/nga/en/can/attend-centre. Click on it and check which of their centres are closer to you
• Book an appointment: When you find the VAC nearest to you, book an appointment with them. Booking appointments is done online on their website (https://visa.vfsglobal.com/nga/en/can/attend-centre). The appointment is important because walk-ins are not allowed. We’ll explain to you, how to book the appointment below.
• Attend your appointment: On the day of your appointment, arrive at the VAC with all your documents. The staff are efficient, and will direct you on what to do – the process is always fast – there is no wasting time.
• What you’ll submit: They’ll collect your passport and other documents. If there is anything else they need, they’ll inform you. I want to also advise that you go with all the necessary documents.
• Receive email notification: After submitting your passport, you’ll receive an email confirming that your passport has been forwarded to the Canadian High Commission in Lagos.
• Collect your passport: A few days later, you’ll get another email notifying you that your passport is ready for collection. Return to the VAC and pick it up in person.

Submitting your passport in person at the VAC is best if you prefer a hands-on approach, as I did.

The VAC staff are amazing and will assist if you have any questions.

Read also: Should you keep your passport on you when travelling?

Below is how you can book the appointment for your passport submission at your nearest VAC

How to book an appointment for passport submission for Canada visa

To book an appointment for your passport submission for a Canada visa in Nigeria:

1. Got to the official website of the Canadian visa application centre in Nigeria at https://www.vfsglobal.ca/canada/nigeria/ or https://visa.vfsglobal.com/nga/en/can/book-an-appointment
2. Create an account on the website if you don’t have one already.
3. Log in to your account and select the option to schedule an appointment.
4. Select the visa category you are applying for, which would be “Passport Submission Only” for a Canada visa.
5. Choose the visa application centre where you want to submit your passport.
6. Select the date and time slot that suits you best from the available options.
7. Confirm the appointment details and make payment.

Print out the appointment confirmation and bring it with you to the visa application centre on the day of your appointment.

You can also use the account you created above to:

• Re-schedule an appointment (if you missed your appointment date).

• Cancel an appointment (if you don’t want to continue with your visa application and wish to terminate the passport submission appointment.

2. Through a Courier Service

This is another effective way to submit your passport for a Canada visa in Nigeria.

If you’re unable to visit the VAC in person, you can submit your passport through a courier service.

The VAC partners with courier service providers to collect and deliver passports to the Canadian High Commission in Lagos or Abuja. 

You can check the VAC website for a list of approved courier service providers.

This option can save you time and the hassle of travelling to a VAC.

Here’s how it works:

• Choose a courier service: Upon getting a request from the Canadian authorities to submit your passport, choose a reputable courier service to submit your passport. Several courier service providers offer this service in Nigeria. You have DHL, FedEx, and UPS. The few times I used courier service, I used FedEx, they’re efficient.
• Give your passport to the courier service provider: The courier will deliver your passport to the VAC.

This method is excellent if you prefer a hands-off approach and want to avoid the trip to the VAC.

3. Online submission

If you applied for your Canadian visa online, you might be eligible to submit your passport online.

I found this option to be quite innovative, but it’s only available under specific conditions.

You can’t use this method to submit your passport for visa stamping – it can only work if you’re submitting your passport for verification or other use.

This option is available through the VAC website and you need to create an account to do this.

Even though I haven’t used this option before, you can try it if your situation meets its demand.

To start, complete your visa application, submit the form and pay the application fee.

Then:

1. Create an account with IRCC: Visit the official Canadian government’s website and create an account.
2. Upload your documents: Once your account is set up, upload your passport and any other required documents.

When you submit a digital copy of your passport through your IRCc account, the authorities will receive it just like in-person or courier method.

What is the best way to submit your passport for a Canada visa?

The best way to submit your passport for a Canada visa in Nigeria is through in-person visits and courier options.

These two options work just fine here in Nigeria.

They have worked for me severally.

Read also: Where to send your passport for a Canada visa stamping in the USA?

You can use any of them unless in special cases, where you’re asked to upload your passport online, then, your best option is through the IRCC portal.

How long does it take for Canada visa stamping in Nigeria?

Canada visa stamping in Nigeria takes about 2 to 4 weeks after you submit your passport to the Visa Application Center.

Once your visa application is approved, you’ll receive a notification from the Canadian visa office or IRCC (Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada) requesting that you submit your passport for stamping.

Read also: How many times can I visit Canada in one year?

Upon receiving your passport, the authorities will place a physical visa sticker (or stamp) inside your passport and return it to you.

This visa sticker is your official authorization to enter Canada.

Where to send passport for Canada visa stamping in Nigeria

To stamp your passport for a Canada visa in Nigeria, send it to the Canada Visa Application Center (CVAC) in Lagos or Abuja.

The address for the Canadian Visa Office in Lagos

• Manor Hall,  Plot 110, Admiral Ayinla Way,  Opposite Treasure Garden Estate,  Third Roundabout, Lekki Phase I, Lagos, Nigeria.

The address for the Canada visa office in Abuja

• Plot 1083 Mohammadu Buhari Way, Central Business District, Abuja 900103, Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria

Do you want to go right away?

If yes, click here and the map address will lead you to the Canadian Visa Office in Lagos

Or here for the Abuja office map.

Canada Visa Application Centre work hours:

• Business Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
• Passport Collection: Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
• Walk-In Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM

You should only send your passport to the Canadian Visa Office in Lagos if you have been specifically instructed to do so by the Canadian Visa processing authorities. 

The stamping is usually done after your visa has been approved.

If you need further information about submitting your passport for visa stamping, visit the official website of the Canada Visa Application Centre in Nigeria here: https://visa.vfsglobal.com/nga/en/can/attend-centre/Abuja

Do I need to submit my passport for a Canada visa in Nigeria?

Yes, you do. If you’re applying for a Canada visa from Nigeria, you need to submit your passport to the authorities.

You can be asked to submit it during the initial visa application process or for stamping after your visa has been approved.

Do I need an appointment to submit my passport at VFS Lagos?

Yes, you need an appointment to submit your passport at VFS Lagos. Passport submissions cannot be done on a walk-in basis. Before you go to submit your passport at VFS Lagos, you must book an appointment.

Useful resources

Addresses of Commissions of Canada in Nigeria

1. Port Harcourt – Honorary consul of Canada

• Street Address: 15 Ahoada Street, Rumuibekwe Housing Estate, Port Harcourt
• Email address: port-harcourt@international.gc.ca
• Telephone number: +234 (806) 399 7054

 2. Lagos – Deputy High Commission of Canada

• Street Address: 4 Anifowoshe Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria
• Telephone no: +2342012715665Fax+2342012715651
• Email address: lagosconsular-consulaire@international.gc.ca
• Website: https://www.international.gc.ca/country-pays/nigeria/lagos.aspx?lang=eng

3. Abuja – High Commission of Canada

• Street Address: 13010G, Palm close, Diplomatic drive, Central Business District, Abuja, NigeriaPostal AddressP.O. Box 5144, Abuja, Nigeria
• Telephone number: +234 (209) 461 2900Fax+234 (209) 461 2901
• Email address: abuja@international.gc.ca
• Their website: https://www.international.gc.ca/country-pays/nigeria/abuja.aspx?lang=eng

If you want more information about getting a Canadian visa in Nigeria, click here.

And, click here to find more visa application centres outside Canada.

Final words

As already stated, the two most proficient ways to submit your passport for a Canada visa in Nigeria are:

• In-person
• Courier services

You can choose any of these two depending on what works best for you.

Read also: Cost of living in Canada for a single person with rent?

If you’re using a courier service, ensure you track your passport, it helps you stay updated on its movement till it delivered to you