To check your Nigerian passport application status, use the official Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) tracker at track.immigration.gov.ng. Enter your Application Number and Reference Number, then select View Application Status.
Those numbers are sent to the email address you used when you applied. Keep the email and any payment receipt. You do not need to pay again just to view status on the tracker.
Only use websites that end in immigration.gov.ng. Fake “fast track” pages often copy the NIS look to steal payments or personal details.
Quick answer
Enter your Application Number.
Enter your Reference Number.
Select View Application Status.
Read the current stage. If it shows Produced (passport produced, ready for collection), arrange collection or courier delivery as directed by NIS.
Official portal
IMMIGRATION AND VISAS
How to Check Nigerian Passport Application Status
Sep 1, 2026
Sep 1, 2026
7 min read
Published
Updated:
To check your Nigerian passport application status, use the official Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) tracker at track.immigration.gov.ng. Enter your Application Number and Reference Number, then select View Application Status.
Those numbers are sent to the email address you used when you applied. Keep the email and any payment receipt. You do not need to pay again just to view status on the tracker.
Only use websites that end in immigration.gov.ng. Fake “fast track” pages often copy the NIS look to steal payments or personal details.
Quick answer
Enter your Application Number.
Enter your Reference Number.
Select View Application Status.
Read the current stage. If it shows Produced (passport produced, ready for collection), arrange collection or courier delivery as directed by NIS.
Official portal
Passport application tracker: track.immigration.gov.ng
NIS main site: immigration.gov.ng
Fresh passport / renewal applications: passportintl.immigration.gov.ng
Other passport services (including some re-issue and change-of-data routes): passport.immigration.gov.ng
An older check page also exists at portal.immigration.gov.ng/passport/checkPassportStatus. Prefer the dedicated tracker above. NIS has also stated that the older portal is no longer used for new passport and visa applications.
What you need
Your Application Number (also called Application ID on some NIS pages)
Your Reference Number (Passport Reference Number)
Access to the email inbox used for the application
A phone or computer with internet access
NIS emails typically include both the Application ID and the Passport Reference Number. Check spam or promotions folders if you cannot find the message.
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Step-by-step: how to check status online
1. Open the NIS tracker
Go to https://track.immigration.gov.ng/. Confirm the address before typing any details.
2. Enter your application details
Type the Application Number and Reference Number exactly as shown in your NIS email. Do not add spaces or change letters.
3. View the status
Select View Application Status. The page should show where your application currently sits in the process.
4. Decide your next action
If the status says the passport is produced and ready for collection, follow NIS collection or courier instructions for your processing centre. If the status is earlier in the chain, keep checking rather than paying an agent to “push” the file.
What the status stages mean
NIS has described passport tracking stages that applicants commonly see. Exact wording on your screen may vary slightly:
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Paid — application payment has been completed and the application has been vetted.
Application Sent — the application has been sent to the passport office workstation.
Application Received — the passport office has confirmed receipt.
Ready for Enrollment — the application is at the selected office for enrolment / biometrics.
NIN Verification — NIN checks linked to the application.
Production Queue — passport production is in progress.
Produced — passport produced and ready for collection (or ready for courier dispatch).
Passport Issued — passport issued / collected.
NIS introduced clearer “Produced (passport produced, ready for collection)” messaging so applicants can tell the difference between a booklet still waiting to print and one that is ready to pick up.
Common problems and fixes
Tracker says details are mandatory or invalid
Re-open the NIS email and copy the Application Number and Reference Number carefully. Try both the dedicated tracker and, if needed, the older check page. If both fail, contact NIS through official channels on immigration.gov.ng with the same numbers from your email.
Status stuck for a long time
Long waits can happen at enrolment, NIN verification or production queue. Check that your NIN details match the application. For NIN retrieval help, see How to Check Your NIN From Your Phone.
Email not found
Search your inbox for messages from NIS or immigration.gov.ng domains. Also check the payment confirmation message. Without the application and reference numbers, the public tracker cannot look up your file.
You already paid but still see early statuses
After payment you may still need to complete appointment booking and biometric enrolment at your chosen Immigration office, depending on application type. Fresh applications on the official how-to page require appearing for biometric data capture.
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Scam warning
Do not pay anyone who claims they can change your status overnight outside official NIS systems.
Do not share your application number, reference number, NIN, or one-time codes with strangers on WhatsApp or social media.
Ignore lookalike websites that are not on an immigration.gov.ng domain.
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FAQs
Is checking passport status free?
The official tracker asks only for your application and reference numbers. It does not require a new payment to view status.
Where do I get the Application Number and Reference Number?
From the confirmation email NIS sent after you applied. Some older NIS pages call these the Passport Application ID and Passport Reference Number.
Can I check without email?
You need the two numbers. If you lost the email, recover the inbox or ask NIS support through official channels with proof of payment and personal details. Do not buy “status check” services from unofficial agents.
When should I go to the passport office?
Go for scheduled biometric enrolment when your appointment requires it. For collection, wait until the tracker shows the passport is produced and ready for collection, unless NIS has given you a different instruction.
Does “Production Queue” mean my passport is ready?
No. Production Queue means production is still in progress. Ready for collection is indicated by the Produced status.
Sources
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