NADRA NICOP fee for Pakistanis in Canada revealed

ISLAMABAD: The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) is the authorized body responsible for issuing National Identity Cards for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP) to Pakistani nationals residing abroad, including Canada.

This document allows Pakistani citizens to travel to Pakistan without a visa if they hold dual citizenship. However, a passport number is required to apply for Smart NICOP for the first time.

For better administrative purposes, NADRA has divided countries into two zones, Zone A and Zone B, each with different fees and Canada falls under Zone A along with several other countries.

Until September 2024, the fee structure for NICOP for Canada remains unchanged. Fees for online applications are charged in US dollars. The new Smart NICOP has a normal fee of $39, an immediate fee of $57, and an executive fee of $75.

For applications processed within Pakistan, the fee is charged in Pakistani rupees. The normal fee for Zone A countries, including Canada, is PKR 11,340, the prompt fee is PKR 16,589, and the executive fee is PKR 21,8201.

NADRA’s fee structure ensures that overseas Pakistanis can easily obtain their NICOPs, simplifying their travel and legal identification requirements, though there were rumors of revised fees for September 2024. The unchanged fee structure provides consistency and predictability for applicants planning their travel and documentation process.

It is important to remember that NICOP is an essential document for overseas Pakistanis, which allows them to travel to Pakistan without the hassle of obtaining a visa. Along with visa-free entry into their country of origin, it also serves as an important identification document for various legal and administrative purposes.

NADRA says its efficient processing and clear fee structure help streamline the application process, making it easier for Pakistani nationals to stay connected to their homeland.