Applying for a Nigerian passport or visa is only part of the process. Once an application has been submitted, many applicants want to know exactly where it stands, whether it has been approved, is awaiting processing, or is ready for collection.

Fortunately, the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has introduced online tracking tools that allow applicants to monitor the progress of their applications without frequently visiting an immigration office.

In this article, Tribune Online discusses how these systems can save time, reduce uncertainty, and help avoid missed appointments or delayed document collection for Nigerians at home and abroad.

Online status tracking matters

Before digital services became widely available, applicants often relied on physical visits, phone calls, or third-party updates to check the progress of passport and visa applications. This process could be frustrating, especially for Nigerians living outside the country.

The Nigeria Immigration Service now provides online platforms that allow applicants to check application status using details generated during the application process. According to NIS guidelines, applicants can track passport applications through the official passport portal and dedicated status-checking systems.

This online tracking improves transparency by allowing applicants to monitor progress from submission to approval and eventual collection.

How to track Nigerian passport application

After completing a passport application and making payment, applicants receive important reference details. These include an Application ID and Passport Reference Number.

The NIS passport portal provides an Application Status section where applicants can monitor progress. According to the Nigeria Immigration Service, users can access the tracking feature through the official passport portal and select the option for checking application status.

Also, applicants may also use the dedicated passport status platform, where they enter their Application Number and Reference Number to view updates on processing stages.

Status updates may indicate whether an application has been received, is undergoing processing, awaits biometric capture, has been approved, or is ready for collection.

Therefore, applicants who recently submitted renewal requests, tracking helps confirm that processing is progressing as expected.

Tracking Nigerian visa application

Visa applicants can also monitor their applications online through Nigeria Immigration Service platforms.

The NIS online visa system allows users to submit applications electronically and follow processing updates after submission. Depending on the visa category, applicants may receive notifications through their registered email addresses while status updates remain available through the application portal.

According to NIS guidance, visa applications can be initiated and managed online through official immigration platforms.

Meanwhile, applicants should ensure they use the same email address and application details used during registration to avoid difficulties accessing status information.

Common reasons for tracking delays

Occasionally, applicants may notice that status updates do not change immediately. This does not necessarily indicate a problem.

Passport and visa processing involves several stages, including document verification, payment confirmation, biometric checks where required, and final approval procedures. Processing times can vary depending on application volume, location, and the type of service requested.

So, applicants should retain their acknowledgement slips, payment receipts, Application IDs, and Reference Numbers, as these details are required for status enquiries and tracking.

Applicants should also ensure that contact information provided during registration remains active throughout the process.

What Nigerians abroad should know

For Nigerians living overseas, passport renewals and re-issuance applications are generally processed through the nearest embassy, high commission, or consulate.

The NIS passport guidelines state that Nigerians in the diaspora are expected to submit applications through the nearest Nigerian diplomatic mission while continuing to use official immigration portals for application management.

This is particularly important for individuals seeking to renew Nigerian passport London High Commission appointments, as online tracking can help applicants monitor progress before collection arrangements are made.

Stay updated through official channels

Tracking a Nigerian passport or visa application online has become much easier thanks to the digital services introduced by the Nigeria Immigration Service.

By keeping application records safe and using official tracking platforms, applicants can monitor progress in real time and stay informed about the next steps in the process.

In a nutshell, whether you are applying within Nigeria or from abroad, online tracking offers a convenient way to follow an application’s journey from submission to approval. As immigration services continue to modernise, applicants who make full use of these digital tools can enjoy a smoother and more transparent experience. (Nigerian Tribune)

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