TEMPORARY WORK PERMIT
This is a class of visa issued to experts invited by corporate bodies to provide specialized skilled service.
Application Procedure / How to apply for Temporary Work Permit (TWP)
Eligibility
Experts invited by Corporate Bodies to provide specialized skilled services, such as after sales Installation /Commissioning/ Upgrading/Maintenance/Repairs of equipment and machinery, Training /capacity building for Nigerian staff, Audit of machinery/ equipment and financial records
Requirements for Temporary Work Permit
- Visa approval Letter (pre-approved visa letter) valid for 90 days from the date of issuance
- Passport with 6 months validity and at least 2 blank pages for visa endorsement
- 2 passport sized photographs (35/40mm) on a white background taken within the last 6 months.
- Duly completed Visa Form IMM22
- Evidence of payment of Visa fee
- Validity
- 90 Days
NB: Applicant(s) can be invited for interview
How to Apply
Step 1:
Corporate Body in Nigeria files a formal request to the CGI on your behalf stating the following:
- Name of visitor
- Passport number
- Nationality
- Purpose and duration of visit
- Mission where Visa is to be issued
- Acceptance of Immigration Responsibility
- The application shall be attached with the following documents in support of the application:
- Company profile*
- Certificate of Incorporation*
- CAC 2 & 7*
- Copy of Data page of the Expatriate’s Passport
- Evidence of existing contract or purchase / importation of machinery or equipment
- Any other relevant document
Application for TWP can also be submitted via this email address: oa@nigeriaimmigration.gov.ng
NB: In the case of TWP, approval will be forwarded to the Mission receiving the application.
*These requirements are for first time applications only.
Step 2:
Pay online https://portal.immigration.gov.ng/visa/freshVisa and print payment receipt.
NB: Successful online payment is NOT AN APPROVAL for TWP
Step 3:
Affix 2 passport sized photographs to completed Visa Form IMM22, along with the other requirements and submit through any of the following:
- Via Post to the Embassy/High Commission/Consulate of Nigeria where applicant is Resident
- In person at designated Visa Application Centre (where applicable) or,
- In person at the Embassy/High Commission/Consulate of Nigeria where applicant is Resident.
- Timeline for Controller General of Immigration’s approval
- Maximum of 48 hrs from time of receipt of application.
SUBJECT TO REGULARIZATION (STR) VISA
This category is issued to the class listed here-under:
Application Procedure / How to apply for STR
Eligibility
- Expatriate employees of Companies and their dependants
- Expatriate Technical officials of Missions
- Foreign Students
- Missionaries / Clerics and their dependants
- Research Fellows
- Expatriate Staff of Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and their dependents
- Expatriate Staff of International Non-Governmental Organisations (INGOs) and their dependents
- Government Officials (GOs) and their dependents
- Expatriates employed by companies operating in Free Zones and their dependents
Requirements
For Principal
- Formal application for STR Visa from the Employer / Institution accepting Immigration Responsibility
- Valid Passport with a minimum of 6 months validity and at least 2 blank pages for visa endorsement
- 2 passport sized photographs (35/40mm) taken within the last 6 months on white background
- Duly completed Visa Form IMM22
- Expatriate Quota Approval *
- Evidence of financial support
- Letters of Offer of Appointment and Acceptance of Offer
- Educational qualifications and Curriculum Vitae
- Extract of Board Resolution**
Note:
Persons exempted from Quota: Expatriates of companies operating in the Free Zones, Foreign Students, Expatriate Technical Officials of Missions, Expatriates of International Non-Governmental Organizations (INGO) and Government Officials
** Applicable to CEOs, MDs and GMs of Companies
Important: Application for STR Visa should be made at Country of Residence
For Dependants
- Evidence of Regularization of Principal*
- Marriage Certificate of Spouse
- Birth certificate for children confirming nexus
- Note: Applicant(s) may be invited for interview
- Validity
- 90 Days
NB: Applicant(s) can be invited for interview
How to Apply
Step 1:
Apply online and complete the online visa application form IMM22 [https://portal.immigration.gov.ng/visa/freshvisa] and print two (2) copies of the completed form.
Step 2:
Make online payment https://portal.immigration.gov.ng/visa/freshvisa and print your payment receipt.
NB: Successful online payment is NOT AN APPROVAL for STR
Step 3:
Affix 2 passport sized photographs to completed Visa Form IMM22, along with the other requirements and submit through any of the following:
- Via Post to the Embassy/High Commission/Consulate of Nigeria where applicant is Resident
- In person at designated Visa Application Centre (where applicable) or,
- In person at the Embassy/High Commission/Consulate of Nigeria where applicant is Resident.
Timeline
Maximum of seven (7) days from receipt of application
RESIDENT PERMIT
CERPAC: is acronym for combined expatriate residence permit and aliens card. This is issued is expatriates resident or working in Nigeria.
QUALIFICATION
Who qualifies?
Expatriates resident or working in Nigeria
INTRODUCTION AND REQUIREMENTS
CERPAC FORMS:
CR (Concessionary) forms are meant for Missionaries, Students, Non ECOWAS African Nationals and Cameroonians
AO forms are for other Nationals and persons with special Immigrant status.
AR forms are for Exempted Persons (Diplomats, Government officials, NGOs and Niger-wives).
AR forms are issued at the Immigration Service Headquarters and State Commands all over the Federation.
CR & AO forms are collected from Bank
CERPAC GUIDELINES
General Instructions:
The CERPAC form as endorsed is valid for three (3) months from the date of purchase.
Please endorse the two sample forms also from the point of collection of the CERPAC Booklet Guidelines.
Please read through both forms carefully before completing them.
Use a black ball point pen and complete the forms in capital letters.
Please Note the following:
The envelope containing this CERPAC Pack should be preserved. You will require this envelope at the time of submitting your forms and documents.
All fees paid to obtain forms are not refundable.
In the event of loss of form(s), replacement will be treated as a new issue and will attract the original fees.
Any erasures, cancellation, or defacement of any sort shall render the form(s) void.
Any form(s) voided as in 2.4 (above) must be returned as a complete set to the bank of purchase for replacement. Such replacement will attract a service charge and pack cost of N2, 500(Two Thousand, Five Hundred Naira) payable to the Bank.
Other requirements:
Three (3) Nos. “2 x 2” passport photographs on white background should be submitted with the completed forms. One of the photographs should be attached to the bottom right-hand side of the CERPAC form titled “Receipt and Temporary Card”.
Append your signature beside your photograph attached on the form (as in 3.1 above)
Enclose also one (1) No. facial portrait measuring 4′ x 3′ (inch) white background
All completed forms and documents should be submitted to the Immigration State Command where your file(s) is (are) located, for Verification and Clearance.
At the time of submitting the completed forms and documents, you will be required to present your original Passport for Verification of the documents presented.
When your forms and documents are received, verified and endorsed by the relevant Immigration State Command, an Immigration/CERPAC Stamp will be applied to your Receipt/Temporary Card. Please ensure that the Receipt/Temporary Card is authenticated and returned to you. You will also be required to physically come into a CERPAC office for the capture of your Digital Personal Identification.
Special Immigrant Status
Special Immigrant Status is provided to the expatriates married to Nigerian women and requires the following documents:
- Formal letter of request from Nigerian wife accepting Immigration Responsibility
- Formal letter of request from the husband
- Photocopies of the first five (5) pages of wife’s Nigeria Standard passport
- Photocopy of marriage Certificate
- Duly completed form IMM22 in triplicate copies with three (3) recent passport photographs
- Applicant’s National Passport
CERPAC FEES:
| S/NO | CATEGORY | FORM ISSUED | CERPAC 1 YR | CERPAC 2 YR |
| 1. | MISSIONARY | CR | $200 | $400 |
| 2. | STUDENTS | CR | $200 | $400 |
| 3. | NON ECOWAS AFRICAN NATIONALS | CR | $200 | $400 |
| 4. | CAMEROONIANS | CR | $240 | $480 |
| 5. | OTHERS | AO | $350 | $700 |
Payment in Naira Equivalent.
Exempted Persons:
Exempted Persons (Diplomats, Government Officials (GO’s), Niger-wives, Non-Governmental Organization (NGO’s) are to be issued CERPAC Gratis.
CERPAC validity:
The validity of CERPAC is two (2) years.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
In addition to the above guidelines, the following are additional requirements for the issuance of CERPAC in the various categories:
REGULARISATION OF STAY
- Application letter from the employer requesting Regularization of stay and accepting Immigration Responsibility (IR) on behalf of the expatriate
- Letter of Appointment/Employment
- Acceptance of offer of Appointment/Employment
- Form IMM22 with three (3) Passport –size photograph
- Quota Approval
- Vetted Credentials
- Valid Passport with STR (Subject to Regularization) (Employment) visa and photocopies of relevant pages
REGULARIZATION OF FOREIGN STUDENTS AT OUR HIGHER INSTITUTIONS OF LEARNING
- Formal letter of application for regularization from student
- Letter of recommendation from the Institution and acceptance of Immigration responsibility
- A copy of Admission letter
- A copy of letter of acceptance
- Evidence of payment of School fees
- Photocopy of relevant pages of the applicant’s passport including the page of relevant visa
EXEMPTED PERSONS
DIPLOMATS
- Formal letter of request from Embassy
- National Passport of Diplomat with diplomatic visa endorsement and photocopies of relevant pages
- Letter of Accreditation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Duly completed form IMM22 in triplicates with three (3) recent Passport photographs
GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS
- Formal letter of request from employer accepting Immigration Responsibility (I.R.)
- Personal letter of request from applicant
- Letter of offer of employment
- Personal letter of acceptance of offer
- Duly completed form IMM22 in triplicate copies with three (3) recent Passport photograph
- National Passport of applicant with GO visa Endorsement and photocopies of relevant pages of passport
- Photocopies of vetted credentials
NIGERIA-WIVES
- Formal letter of request from Nigerian husband accepting Immigration Responsibility
- Formal letter of request from the wife
- Photocopies of the first five (5) pages of husband’s Nigeria Standard passport
- Photocopy of marriage Certificate
- Duly completed form IMM22 in triplicate copies with three (3) recent passport photographs
- Applicant’s National Passport
NON GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS
- Formal letter of request from the NGO accepting Immigration Responsibility I.R.
- Personal letter of request from applicant
- Letter of offer of employment
- Personal letter of acceptance of offer
- Duly completed form IMM22 in triplicates with three (3) recent passport photographs
- National Passport of applicant with STR visa endorsement and photocopies of relevant pages of passport
- Letter from National Planning Commission (NPC)
OTHERS: FREE ZONES
- Formal letter of request from the Free Zones accepting I.R.
- Personal letter of request from applicant
- Letter of offer of employment
- Personal letter of acceptance of offer
- Duly completed form IMM22 in triplicate with three (3) passport photographs
- National Passport of applicant with STR visa endorsement and photocopies of relevant pages of passport
- Photocopy of Certificate of Grant of Status
RENEWAL/REPLACEMENT OF CERPAC
Application letter from the Employer requesting for renewal/replacement of Residence Card and accepting I.R.
Quota approval
The Expiring Resident Card (Original)
Valid Passport and photocopies of relevant pages
CHANGE OF EMPLOYMENT
- Application from the new Employer requesting change of employment and accepting Immigration Responsibility I.R.
- Letter of Appointment/Employment
- Acceptance of offer of Appointment/Employment
- Letter of no objection from the previous Employer
- Quota Approval
- Valid Passport
RE-DESIGNATION
Application letter from Employer requesting Re-designation and accepting Immigration Responsibility I.R.
Quota Approval
Current Residence Immigration Responsibility (Original)
Valid Passport and photocopies of relevant pages
DEPENDENTS
Application from the Employer of the Principal Immigrant requesting Regularization or Renewal
Valid Passport (with STR visa) and photocopies or relevant pages in case of Regularization
Valid Passport of the Principal Immigrant
Current CERPAC of the Principal Immigrant
Photocopy of Marriage Certificate case of the wife of the Principal Immigrant)
Form IMM22 with three (3) Passport photographs (in the case of Regularization)
ALIENS REGISTRATION
- Application from the Employer indicating acceptance of Immigration Responsibility I.R.
- Valid Passport and photocopies of relevant pages
- Letter of Appointment
- Quota Approval of the Company
- Photocopy of the Applicant’s credentials
- Duly completed Forms IMMA.21 and E.20
- Four (4) Passport-size photographs
- Current CERPAC (where applicable)
- Physical Presence of the applicant
WHAT IS CERPAC GREEN CARD?
The CERPAC GREEN CARD is a bona-fide document that allows a non-Nigerian to reside in Nigeria and carry out an approved activity as specified in the permit, or to accompany a resident or citizen of Nigeria as a dependant. Possession of a valid CERPAC GREEN CARD does not exempt the holder from having a valid entry or re-entry permit/visa. Holders of resident status in Nigeria who are proceeding on leave or temporary duty outside Nigeria should apply for re-entry permit/visa prior to their departure from Nigeria.
The validity is Two (2) years.
WHAT IS CERPAC BROWN CARD?
Every Alien resident in Nigeria or visiting with the intention to remain in Nigeria in excess of 56 days and crew members leaving their ship and staying ashore in excess of 28 days are required by law to register. Unlike the CERPAC GREEN CARD, the BROWN CARD is, essentially, a movement chart.
Under the new CERPAC Scheme, registration is valid for two years, after which application for revalidation must be made.
ECOWAS TRAVEL CERTIFICATE:
This is a recognized travel document issued to citizens of ECOWAS countries for use for travelling within the ECOWAS sub region. The certificate serves several functions: it is a replacement for passport for citizens of ECOWAS countries for travelling within ECOWAS countries. It also serves to identify the holder as a citizen of ECOWAS.
The ECOWAS travel certificate is issued by the immigration service and can be obtained in any of their offices in all the local government in Nigeria, the state immigration offices and at the national headquarters of the immigration service in Abuja.
Requirements for the issue of ECOWAS travel certificate are as follows:
Visit the Home page of Nigeria Immigration Portal
Locate & click on the appropriate application form to start the process:
Apply for ECOWAS Travel Certificate or
Apply for Renewal of ECOWAS Travel Certificate or
Apply for Re-issue of ECOWAS Travel Certificate
Fill the Application form, check the ‘ I HEREBY DECLARE THAT THE INFORMATION GIVEN IN THIS APPLICATION FORM IS CORRECT TO THE BEST OF MY KNOWLEDGE.’ check box then click the ‘Submit Application’ Button
Click on “Print Acknowledgment Slip” button to print ‘Application Acknowledgment Page’
Click on “Proceed to Online Payment”
If you selected option to pay in Naira, you will be prompted to select Pay Type (payment method): “Bank” , “eWallet” or “Credit/Debit card”,
If you intend to pay at a bank, selected “Bank” and click continue,
View the list of participating banks and then click on ‘Continue’.
The “Print Acknowledgment” button will help you print “Payment Acknowledgment Slip” with Transaction ID, Application ID & Reference Number.
With the copy of your Payment acknowledgement slip, proceed to a participating bank for payment.
On making payment at the bank, you MUST be issued with an ‘approved payment platform provider’ receipt that contains a “Validation Number”. You will need the “Validation Number” for confirmation of payment on the portal. (For use of your Validation Number, see the section on Validation Number below)
If you have a funded ‘NetFunds Accounts’ and intend to pay through this account, select “NetFunds Account” and click continue,
You will be required to fill in your NetFunds Account log-in credentials. If you are not registered as a user, go to “Register for NetFunds Account”.
After filling in, click “Login” button and you will be sent to the payment portal
For proceeding with the payment click the “PAY” button. The payment will be successful only if your account balance is at least as big as the total payable amount.
After payment, the “Validation Number” is generated. Store it and use it to confirm the payment.
You can also print a receipt by clicking the “Print the Receipt” button.
If you intend to pay through Credit/Debit card, select “Credit/Debit card” and click continue,
You will be required to fill in your eWallet log-in credentials. If you are not registered as a user, go to “Register for eWallet”.
After filling in, click “Login” button and you will be sent to the payment portal
For proceeding with the payment click the “PAY” button.
Payment portal display application details, click on “Continue” button.
You will be prompted to “Value Card” payment page, provide information of your card & Click on “OK” button
After payment, the “Validation Number” is generated. Store it and use it to confirm the payment.
You can also print a receipt by clicking the “Print the Receipt” button.
After payment, having obtained the “Validation Number”, proceed to the NIS portal for confirmation of payment.
To confirm your payment using your Validation Number, go to the “Check ECOWAS Travel Certificate Status” and enter your Application ID and Reference No.
Click the “View your application payment status” button to go to the “Online Query Status” page.
If a “Validation Number” field appears, please enter the number from your ‘approved payment platform provider’ receipt. Remember: Validation Number has been generated after payment through Bank also.
Selecting “Pay4Me”, a field will appear to be filled with the “Validation Number” from your e-receipt. Remember: Validation Number has been generated after payment through Bank also.
Click the “Search Record” button and you will be sent to the “Applicant’s Details” page where a date for your interview has been generated.
You can now print a Receipt or an Acknowledgement Slip by using the buttons on this page. (You will need them for your interview).
You will be presented with your NIS e-receipt or Acknowledgement Slip in a new window. Click on ‘Print” button to send a copy to the printer.
Proceed for Interview with relevant documents.
Required Document for Fresh ECOWAS Travel Certificate
Important Notice:
ECOWAS Travel Certificate is valid within ECOWAS sub-region and member countries.
Applicant must provide the following in support of the application:
- 2 copies of applicant’s recent passport photograph
- Local Government Area Letter of Identification from Local Government Area or State Liaison Office
- Birth certificate/ Age declaration
- Guarantor’s form sworn to before a commissioner of Oaths / Magistrate / High Court judge. Note: A guarantor must attach the following documents; photocopy of data page of international passport or Driving License or National Identity Card
- Father’s letter of consent for minors under 16 years (In case of single parent, mother’s letter of consent is acceptable)
- Marriage certificate where applicable
- Evidence of e-Payment i.e. printed Payment Confirmation Page
- Duly completed and signed Application Form
Important Notice:
ECOWAS Travel Certificate is valid within ECOWAS sub-region and member countries.
Applicant must provide the following in support of the application:
2 copies of applicant’s recent passport photograph
Local Government Area Letter of Identification from Local Government Area or State Liaison Office
Birth certificate/ Age declaration
Guarantor’s form sworn to before a commissioner of Oaths / Magistrate / High Court judge. Note: A guarantor must attach the following documents; photocopy of data page of international passport or Driving License or National Identity Card
Father’s letter of consent for minors under 16 years (In case of single parent, mother’s letter of consent is acceptable)
Marriage certificate where applicable
Evidence of e-Payment i.e. printed Payment Confirmation Page
Duly completed and signed Application Form
Applicable fee is 2,600 Naira.
Validity period is 2 years.
Required Documents for Renewal of ECOWAS Travel Certificate
Important Notice:
Applicant must present original copy of the old ECOWAS Travel Certificate for renewal, in addition to:
Evidence of e-Payment i.e. Printed Payment Confirmation Page
Duly completed and signed Application Form.
Applicable fee is 1,300 Naira.
Validity period is 2 years.
Required Documents for Re-Issue of ECOWAS Travel Certificate
Important Notice:
Applicant must provide the following:
Photocopy of data page of previous ECOWAS Travel Certificate
2 copies of applicant’s recent passport photograph
Police report and sworn affidavit (in case of lost ECOWAS Travel Certificate)
Evidence of e-Payment i.e. printed payment confirmation Page.
Duly completed and signed application form.
Applicable fee is 2,600 Naira.
Validity period is 2 years.