The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) responsible to issue National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP) to Pakistani citizens living abroad or planning to travel including to Canada.
The NICOP is important for overseas Pakistanis, allowing them to enter Pakistan without a visa and serving as an important identification document for various legal and administrative purposes.
NADRA emphasizes that its streamlined application process and transparent fee structure are aimed at helping Pakistani nationals maintain strong connections with their homeland.
This card allows holders, especially those with dual nationality, to travel to Pakistan without a visa. However, first-time applicants for the smart NICOP must provide a passport number.
To facilitate management, NADRA divided countries into two categories: Zone A and Zone B, each with distinct fee structures. Canada is included in Zone A, which also encompasses several other countries.
FEE STRUCTURE FOR NICOP
NADRA’s fee structure is designed to ensure that overseas Pakistani nationals can easily obtain their NICOPs, aiding their travel and identification needs. Despite rumors of fee changes, the stability of the fee structure for September 2024 provides clarity for applicants planning their travel and documentation.
As of September 2024, the fee structure for NICOP applications from Canada remains unchanged. Fees for online applications are charged in US dollars, with the normal fee for a new Smart NICOP set at $39, the urgent fee at $57, and the executive fee at $75.
For applications submitted within Pakistan, fees are listed in Pakistani rupees.
The standard fee for Zone A countries, including Canada, is Rs11,340, while the urgent fee is Rs16,589, and the executive fee is Rs21,820.
