You do not need to wait until graduation before applying for an international passport. Once you meet the requirements and complete the application process, you can obtain one while still studying.

Many students only think about getting a passport when they receive a scholarship opportunity, secure admission abroad, apply for a conference, or plan an international internship. By then, they may have only a few weeks before the deadline and discover that passport processing takes longer than expected.

Applying early gives you enough time to correct any issues with your documents without risking missed opportunities.

Step 1: Confirm That You Need an International Passport

An international passport is an official travel document that proves your identity and nationality when travelling outside the country.

As an undergraduate, you may need it for:

• Scholarship applications.
• Student exchange programmes.
• International conferences.
• Study abroad opportunities.
• Visa applications.
• Professional certification examinations held overseas.
• Vacation travel.
• International internships.

Even if you have no immediate travel plans, having a valid passport means one less document to worry about when opportunities arise.

Step 2: Ensure Your Personal Information Is Consistent

Before beginning your application, compare the details on your important documents.

Check that your:

• Full name.
• Date of birth.
• Gender.
• State of origin where applicable.
• Place of birth where applicable.

are consistent across your records.

Common documents to compare include:

• Birth certificate.
• NIN record.
• JAMB records.
• University admission documents.
• Student ID (if available).

A mismatch in your personal details can delay processing or require additional correction procedures.

If you discover inconsistencies, resolve them before submitting your passport application whenever possible.

Step 3: Obtain a National Identification Number (NIN)

A National Identification Number is now a key requirement for passport applications.

If you do not yet have one, complete your NIN registration before starting the passport application process.

Make sure the details on your NIN record are accurate because they are used during identity verification.

If your name or date of birth is incorrect on your NIN record, correct it before proceeding with your passport application.

[VERIFY: Confirm the current NIN requirements for first-time passport applications.]

Step 4: Gather the Required Documents

Although requirements may change, first-time undergraduate applicants are commonly expected to provide documents such as:

• National Identification Number (NIN).
• Birth certificate.
• Local government certificate of origin where required.
• Passport photographs if requested.
• Means of identification where applicable.
• Student identification or admission documents where necessary.

Some applicants may also be required to present additional supporting documents depending on their circumstances.

[VERIFY: Confirm the current list of required documents before booking your appointment.]

Gather every document before beginning the online application to avoid delays.

Step 5: Complete the Online Passport Application

Passport applications begin online.

During the application process, you will normally be asked to provide:

• Personal information.
• Contact details.
• NIN.
• Residential address.
• Occupation.
• Next-of-kin information.
• Passport type.
• Preferred passport office.

Take your time while entering your information.

A spelling mistake in your name or an incorrect date of birth can create additional work later.

Before submitting the application, review every field carefully to ensure it matches your supporting documents exactly.

Step 6: Select the Correct Passport Type

Applicants are usually asked to choose the passport category that applies to them.

For most undergraduates applying for personal travel, scholarships, conferences, or study opportunities abroad, the standard passport option is appropriate.

Avoid selecting a category you do not qualify for simply because you believe it will be processed faster.

[VERIFY: Confirm the available passport categories and booklet options currently offered.]

Step 7: Make Payment Through Approved Channels

After completing the application, you will be directed to pay the applicable processing fee.

Before making payment:

• Confirm the official amount.
• Use approved payment channels only.
• Save your payment confirmation.
• Print or download your receipt if available.

Avoid paying unofficial agents who promise faster processing or guaranteed approval.

[VERIFY: Confirm the current passport application fees and approved payment methods.]

Step 8: Book Your Biometric Appointment

After completing your online application and payment, the next stage is to book a biometric appointment.

Depending on the current application system, you may be required to:

• Select your preferred passport office.
• Choose an available appointment date.
• Choose an available time slot.
• Print or save your appointment confirmation.

Some passport offices have more available appointment slots than others. If your preferred office is fully booked, you may need to choose another location or wait for new dates to become available.

[VERIFY: Confirm whether appointment booking is mandatory for your selected passport office.]

Do not miss your appointment without checking the rescheduling policy, as you may have to book another date.

Step 9: Attend Your Biometric Enrolment

Biometric enrolment is one of the most important stages of the passport application process. Your passport cannot be processed until your biometric data has been captured.

During your appointment, officials may capture:

• Your fingerprints.
• Your facial photograph.
• Your digital signature.
• Other identity details required for passport production.

Arrive early with all your required documents. If your appointment is in the morning, aim to arrive well before the scheduled time, especially if the passport office handles many applicants each day.

Dress neatly, as the photograph taken during biometric capture will appear in your passport.

Step 10: Present Your Original Documents

At the passport office, you may be asked to present the original copies of the documents you uploaded or listed during your application.

These may include:

• NIN slip or printout.
• Birth certificate.
• Payment receipt.
• Appointment confirmation.
• Supporting identification documents.
• Any additional documents requested for your application category.

Officials may compare your original documents with the information submitted online.

If there is any inconsistency, your application may be delayed until the issue is resolved.

Step 11: Monitor Your Application Status

After completing biometric capture, your application enters the processing stage.

Depending on the available services, you may be able to monitor the progress of your application through:

• Your online application portal.
• SMS notifications.
• Email notifications.
• Direct communication from the passport office.

Avoid making repeated applications simply because your passport has not been produced immediately.

[VERIFY: Current passport processing timelines vary depending on demand, office location, and operational circumstances.]

If the processing period extends beyond the expected timeframe, contact the passport office using official communication channels.

Step 12: Collect Your Passport

When your passport is ready, follow the instructions provided by the passport office.

Depending on current procedures, collection may require:

• Your acknowledgement slip.
• Identification documents.
• Collection slip.
• Personal appearance where required.

Before leaving the collection centre:

• Check that your full name is correctly spelt.
• Confirm your date of birth.
• Verify your passport number.
• Check your gender.
• Confirm that your photograph is correct.
• Inspect the booklet for any obvious printing errors.

If you notice any mistake, report it immediately before leaving the office.

What to Do If You Need Your Passport Urgently

Sometimes students receive scholarship interviews, exchange programme invitations, or visa appointments with very little notice.

If you have an urgent need:

• Apply as early as possible.
• Complete every stage promptly.
• Respond quickly to any requests for additional information.
• Follow only official procedures.

Do not rely on unofficial promises of “express processing” from individuals outside the approved system.

If your urgency is genuine, ask the passport office whether any official expedited process is available.

[VERIFY: Confirm whether expedited passport processing is currently available and under what conditions.]

Common Mistakes Students Make

Waiting Until an Opportunity Arrives

Many students begin the passport application only after receiving a scholarship offer or overseas admission.

This often creates unnecessary pressure because passport processing may take longer than expected.

Avoid it: Apply months before you actually need the passport.

Entering Incorrect Personal Information

Typing errors in your name, date of birth, or NIN can delay processing.

Avoid it: Compare every detail with your official documents before submitting the online application.

Arriving Without Required Documents

Some applicants attend biometric appointments without the necessary documents.

This may require another appointment.

Avoid it: Prepare both the originals and photocopies of every required document before travelling to the passport office.

Paying Through Unofficial Channels

Fraudsters sometimes claim they can speed up passport processing.

Avoid it: Use only approved payment channels and follow official procedures.

Leaving the Passport Office Without Checking Your Passport

Errors discovered after leaving the collection centre can take longer to correct.

Avoid it: Inspect every detail immediately after collecting your passport.

International Passport Application Checklist

Before submitting your application, confirm that you have completed each of the following:

• □ Obtained a valid NIN.
• □ Verified that your personal information is consistent across all documents.
• □ Gathered every required supporting document.
• □ Completed the online passport application carefully.
• □ Selected the correct passport category.
• □ Paid through an approved payment channel.
• □ Booked your biometric appointment.
• □ Printed or saved your appointment confirmation.
• □ Attended biometric capture with all required documents.
• □ Kept your payment receipt and acknowledgement slip.
• □ Monitored your application status.
• □ Checked every detail after collecting your passport.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I apply for an international passport while I am still an undergraduate?

Yes. You do not need to graduate before applying. Once you meet the requirements and complete the application process, you can obtain an international passport while studying.

2. Is a student ID enough to apply for an international passport?

No. A student ID alone is not sufficient. You must provide the required identification and supporting documents specified for first-time passport applicants. [VERIFY: Confirm the current list of acceptable identification documents.]

3. Is a NIN compulsory for passport application?

Yes, a National Identification Number is a key requirement for first-time passport applications. Ensure that the information on your NIN record matches your other official documents before applying.

4. How long does it take to get an international passport?

Processing times vary depending on the passport office, application volume, and operational factors. [VERIFY: Confirm the current estimated processing period published by the Nigeria Immigration Service.]

5. Can I apply from a state where I do not attend school?

Yes. Your university location does not usually determine where you can apply. You may choose a passport office based on the options available during your application, subject to current policies.

6. What happens if my name is different on my NIN and birth certificate?

You should correct the discrepancy before completing your passport application. Mismatched personal details can delay processing or require additional verification.

7. What should I do if I lose my passport while I am still in school?

Report the loss immediately to the appropriate authorities and follow the official replacement procedure. You may be required to submit additional documents and complete a fresh application. [VERIFY: Confirm the current replacement requirements for lost passports.]

8. Can someone else collect my passport for me?

Collection procedures vary depending on current regulations. In many cases, applicants are expected to collect their passports personally after identity verification. [VERIFY: Confirm the current passport collection policy.]

9. Do I need an international passport before applying for a scholarship abroad?

Not always. Some scholarship programmes allow applicants to submit their passport later, while others require a valid passport during the application stage. Read the scholarship guidelines carefully before applying.

10. How long is an international passport valid?

Passport validity depends on the type issued and current government policy. Check the expiry date immediately after collection and begin renewal well before it expires if you expect to travel again. [VERIFY: Confirm the current passport validity options.]

How to Renew Your International Passport

If your passport is close to expiring, do not wait until the last minute especially if you intend to travel for postgraduate studies, conferences, internships, or exchange programmes.

A renewal application generally involves:

1. Confirming that your passport is due for renewal.
2. Completing the online renewal application.
3. Paying the approved renewal fee.
4. Booking a biometric appointment if required.
5. Presenting your current passport and any additional documents requested.
6. Collecting the renewed passport after processing.

[VERIFY: Confirm the current renewal procedure and required documents.]

What to Do If Your Passport Is Lost or Damaged

A lost or badly damaged passport should be reported immediately.

If this happens:

• Report the incident to the appropriate authorities if required.
• Keep any supporting documents relating to the loss.
• Apply for a replacement through the official passport process.
• Follow every instruction provided by the passport office.

Do not attempt to alter or repair a damaged passport yourself. Even minor damage can make it unacceptable for travel.

How to Protect Your Passport While in School

Because replacing a passport can be stressful and time-consuming, take steps to protect it throughout your degree.

Good practices include:

• Store it in a waterproof document folder.
• Keep it in a secure location rather than carrying it daily.
• Make clear photocopies of the identification page.
• Save scanned copies in secure cloud storage.
• Keep a backup copy on another device or external drive.
• Do not laminate or alter any page in the passport.
• Avoid lending it to anyone unless officially required.

If you move between hostels or off-campus accommodation, remember to take your passport with your important documents instead of leaving it behind.

Other Important Documents to Keep With Your Passport

Your international passport is only one part of your academic and identity records. Keeping related documents together can save you time when applying for scholarships, visas, internships, postgraduate admission, or professional programmes.

Maintain both physical and digital copies of:

• National Identification Number (NIN) slip or printout.
• Birth certificate.
• JAMB admission letter.
• JAMB result slip.
• University admission letter.
• Student identification card.
• Course registration forms.
• Academic transcripts (when available).
• Scholarship award letters.
• Visa documents, if applicable.
• Passport payment receipts and acknowledgement slips.

Organise these documents in clearly labelled folders and back them up digitally. Retrieving them years later can be difficult if they are misplaced.

Apply Before You Need It

Many students delay applying for an international passport until an urgent opportunity arises. By that time, they may be racing against scholarship deadlines, visa appointments, or travel dates.

Applying while you are still an undergraduate gives you enough time to complete every stage carefully, resolve any documentation issues, and keep a valid travel document ready whenever an opportunity comes your way. A little preparation today can prevent unnecessary delays in the future.