How to Apply for a NICOP Card: A Step-by-Step Guide
As a Pakistani living abroad, it's essential to have a National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP) card to facilitate your stay in the country you reside in. NICOP is a multi-purpose identification card that serves as your Pakistani passport in most cases, and it also grants you certain privileges and benefits, such as voting rights, land ownership, and inheritance.
If you're living in Saudi Arabia and want to apply for a NICOP card, you're in luck. The process is straightforward, and you can complete it online in a matter of minutes. In this article, we'll walk you through the steps required to apply for a NICOP card.
Step 1: Gather the Required Documents
Before you start the application process, make sure you have all the necessary documents ready. You'll need the following:
- Your original Pakistani passport
- A photocopy of your Pakistani passport
- A photocopy of your Saudi Arabian Iqama
- Two recent passport-sized photographs
- A copy of your Pakistani CNIC if you have one
If you don't have a CNIC, don't worry; you can still apply for a NICOP card. However, you'll need to provide additional documentation, such as your birth certificate or your parents' NICs.
Step 2: Visit the NADRA Website
Once you have all your documents ready, visit the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) website. This is where you'll find the online application form for a NICOP card.
Step 3: Create an Account
To start the application process, you'll need to create an account on the NADRA website. Click on the "Sign Up" button on the top right-hand corner of the page and fill out the registration form with your personal information, such as your name, email address, and password.
Once you've created your account, log in to the NADRA website.
Step 4: Fill Out the Application Form
On the NADRA website, click on the "NICOP" tab and then click on "New Overseas ID (NICOP)" to start filling out the application form.
The application form is straightforward and requires you to enter your personal information, such as your name, date of birth, and place of birth. You'll also need to provide your Pakistani passport number, your Saudi Arabian Iqama number, and your contact information.
Make sure you double-check all the information you've entered before submitting the application form.
Step 5: Pay the Application Fee
After you've submitted the application form, you'll need to pay the application fee. The fee for a NICOP card varies depending on the type of card you're applying for and the duration of validity.
To pay the fee, you can use a credit card or debit card. Make sure you have enough funds in your account to cover the fee.
Step 6: Schedule an Appointment
Once you've paid the application fee, you'll be given an appointment date and time to visit the nearest NADRA office to complete the application process.
Make sure you print out the appointment slip and bring it with you along with all the required documents.
Step 7: Visit the NADRA Office
On the day of your appointment, visit the NADRA office at the scheduled time. The NADRA officer will verify your documents and take your fingerprints and photograph for the NICOP card.
After all the formalities are completed, the NADRA officer will give you a receipt that you'll need to keep safe. The receipt contains a tracking number that you can use to check the status of your NICOP card application online.
Step 8: Receive Your NICOP Card
After the verification process is completed, your NICOP card will be processed, and you'll receive it at your registered address within the timeframe specified on the NADRA website.
It's important to note that the NICOP card processing time can vary, so it's best to check the status of your application regularly using the tracking number provided on your receipt.
Conclusion
Applying for a NICOP card is a straightforward process that can be completed online. Make sure you have all the required documents ready, create an account on the NADRA website, fill out the application form, pay the application fee, and schedule an appointment to visit the nearest NADRA office to complete the process.
Once you've completed the process, you'll receive your NICOP card at your registered address within the specified timeframe. The NICOP card is a crucial document that provides Pakistani citizens living abroad with various privileges and benefits, so make sure you apply for it as soon as possible if you haven't already.
We hope this step-by-step guide has been helpful in explaining the NICOP card application process. If you have any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to contact NADRA for assistance.