Surrogacy in Nigeria / Travel requirements

[ossum]

Did these friends not apply for TRVs or WPs a long time ago? Are you covering their costof travel? This was not a surprise or emergency situation so not sure why you waited until the last minute especially coming from a country like Nigeria where there is concern about overstay.

We had a change of plans and two actual family members bailed on us. Therefore we were close to having my wife travel there and these two ladies volunteered to help her. We are covering cost of travel and stay 100%. Since it was so close, we included surrogacy docs, medical records, airline regs, etc as part of the visa application

 

[ossum]

There may be the presumption that the helpers are being paid, if 'visiting' for six months. If it was just for the airline purpose, that might be better understood if they were coming for a short trip.

I don't know, this is just my gut.

The default visitor visa is for 6 months. So I booked the ticket to show a return flight thinking they would like to see that as proof of return. we did proof of funds, their businesses, and all the other requirements. Canada is beautiful, we would of course take them around to show them our country which is so different than Nigeria. The one lady has known my wife for 20+ years, and the other is her good friend through the church. Of course we have been donating used clothing, rented their house they are currently staying, etc; the sort of things friends do for eachother

 

[canuck78]

We had a change of plans and two actual family members bailed on us. Therefore we were close to having my wife travel there and these two ladies volunteered to help her. We are covering cost of travel and stay 100%. Since it was so close, we included surrogacy docs, medical records, airline regs, etc as part of the visa application

By definition that is paid work. They are not covering their own costs. Also asking for 6 months was a bad idea. They should be ready to return within a week or two if this was purely to transport the children. Had your family obtained visas? If not why was this not planned in advance. What if they are denied?

 

[ossum]

By definition that is paid work. They are not covering their own costs. Also asking for 6 months was a bad idea. They should be ready to return within a week or two if this was purely to transport the children. Had your family obtained visas? If not why was this not planned in advance. What if they are denied?

I understand that when visitors come we are expected to cover full costs and support them while here, no?

The original family members didn't have a dime to their name or anything to return to, we cancelled application out of abundance of caution. Too young. Obviously it would be nice to have more help when she returns, 3 kids is no joke, and the ladies are like grandmas to the kids. Albeit rare, I believe there is such a thing as true compassion

 

[armoured]

The default visitor visa is for 6 months. So I booked the ticket to show a return flight thinking they would like to see that as proof of return. we did proof of funds, their businesses, and all the other requirements. Canada is beautiful, we would of course take them around to show them our country which is so different than Nigeria. The one lady has known my wife for 20+ years, and the other is her good friend through the church. Of course we have been donating used clothing, rented their house they are currently staying, etc; the sort of things friends do for eachother

I'm not trying to argue the point, I'm noting and explaining how it might be seen.

 

[ossum]

I'm not trying to argue the point, I'm noting and explaining how it might be seen.

I can appreciate that perspective. Apologies in advance I would do anything to see my kids.

 

[armoured]

I can appreciate that perspective. Apologies in advance I would do anything to see my kids.

No worries, understand completely.

 

[canuck78]

I understand that when visitors come we are expected to cover full costs and support them while here, no?

The original family members didn't have a dime to their name or anything to return to, we cancelled application out of abundance of caution. Too young. Obviously it would be nice to have more help when she returns, 3 kids is no joke, and the ladies are like grandmas to the kids. Albeit rare, I believe there is such a thing as true compassion

Visitors are expected to cover their own costs. So you cancelled family members applications it wasn’t that they could no longer visit. 3 newborns is no joke but that is one of the reasons you likely should have planned to go to Nigeria and had one helper when you had 2 surrogates and 3 children at one time.

 

[ossum]

Just for followup, I can confirm that yes, you do need to exit Nigeria on a Nigerian passport, even if you are a dual citizen with a Canadian passport.

 

[Jessicaola]

Just for followup, I can confirm that yes, you do need to exit Nigeria on a Nigerian passport, even if you are a dual citizen with a Canadian passport.

Hello, congrats on the birth of your babies. Quick question please, how long did it take to get nigerian passport for your babies. Also how long did the Canadian passport take. Thanks

 

[Jessicaola]

Hello, please does anyone know how long it takes to bring back a child born through surrogacy to Canada from Nigeria. Thanks

 

[Veevian]

Hi everyone, I'm grateful for the community. As most know it's very difficult to navigate the process and it adds to the stress not having proper direction. Hopefully this ends up helping someone else going through the process also.

I can elaborate on the whole process but I will keep it short to make it easier to navigate my question if possible.

I am born in Canada, and my wife is a citizen here as well. I am currently in Canada, and my wife is currently in Nigeria (she was born there), with our three newborns, using two surrogates. I am their genetic father. The first had twins, born in Nov 2024, and the remaining child born in Dec 2024. You can imagine how exited I am to meet my children after trying everything for the last 10 years.

I applied for citizenship and received it on urgent basis as they are citizens born overseas. This took approximately 2 weeks. Then I have applied for passports at the Lagos Consulate. They have accepted the application and we are currently waiting on Canadian passports for the children.

Currently there are two outstanding issues:

First and most importantly, does anyone know if we need Nigerian Passports for the children to come back to Canada? I hear mixed answers, and this would be a costly mistake if we are denied boarding when the time comes to return to Canada. They are currently in Lagos, and the last thing I want to imagine is sending the crew including 3 infants on the road or flight to Abuja.

Secondly, we have two helpers to take care of the children, along with my wife. Canadian and international airlines mandate one adult per infant on the airlines. Therefore we have applied for the canadian visas for the two helpers. They were applied for Dec 20th and biometrics have been taken etc. It is very hard to hear back from IRCC at their overseas office, regarding any update for urgent processing. It seems hardly fair that the citizenship and passport can be applied for as an urgent basis, but there is no expediting process for helper's visas, which are the roadblock for my family to come home. I have sent webforms with explanations as well as contacted my MP, and they made an "inquiry". but I can only make another inquiry in one month. Any insight on how to expedite the process would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks everyone for any insight toward options available!

Hi @ossum I’m planning gestational surrogacy in Nigeria and bringing the child to Canada. I saw your post and would really appreciate if you could share how your process went.