Nigeria Immigration Ends Paper-Based CERPAC Applications, Goes Fully Digital from August 1

Starting from August 1, 2025, the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has officially moved all applications for the Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card (CERPAC) to an entirely online platform. This change marks the end of the long-standing practice of using physical forms for this essential permit.

The agency made this announcement through its official X (formerly Twitter) account on July 31, confirming that manual submissions would no longer be accepted. By the following day, any CERPAC applications that had not been fully submitted were rendered invalid. This digital shift is a major move in Nigeria’s efforts to streamline immigration processes and improve service efficiency.

CERPAC is a critical document that allows foreign nationals to legally live and work in Nigeria. It’s not just a work authorization—it also functions as an official ID for expatriates residing in the country. Previously, applicants would have to fill out forms by hand, queue at government offices, and deal with the hassle of document submission in person. That’s all changing now.

According to the immigration service, moving to an online-only system is meant to reduce paperwork, eliminate unnecessary delays, and offer a more user-friendly experience to both local and foreign applicants. All applications must now be submitted through the official portal: cerpac.immigration.gov.ng.

Any form that was partially filled, unpaid for, or left incomplete by the July 31 cutoff is now invalid and will not be processed.

How the New System Works

Foreign nationals applying for a residence permit in Nigeria must now follow a new, fully digitized procedure. Here’s a quick breakdown of what that looks like:

1. Visit the official CERPAC portal.

2. Create an account or log in using valid personal or corporate information.

3. Fill out the required digital form, providing all necessary details.

4. Upload scanned copies of supporting documents such as international passports, employment letters, or company details.

5. Make payments online through the secure payment gateway provided on the site.

6. Submit the application and schedule an appointment for biometric data capture.

For expatriates already living in Nigeria, biometric capture must be completed at the closest immigration office. Those applying from abroad are required to visit a Nigerian embassy or consulate in their country. In cases where no Nigerian diplomatic office exists in the applicant’s country, the applicant must travel to the nearest country that hosts a Nigerian mission.

This shift to online CERPAC applications is more than just a change in format. It’s a deliberate step by the NIS to improve transparency, reduce fraud, and make the entire process more accessible for foreign nationals and employers. By digitizing the process, the government aims to cut down on delays caused by paperwork backlogs and avoidable errors in manual submissions.

With this transition, applicants can now track their submissions in real time, make corrections more easily, and receive timely updates about their application status.

CERPAC is not a new concept in Nigerian immigration law. Its framework is established in the Immigration Act of 2015 and detailed further in the Immigration Regulations of 2017. These laws grant the NIS the authority to issue, deny, or revoke permits, and to outline how and when foreigners can stay and work in the country legally.

Typically, CERPAC permits are issued for periods longer than one year and are renewable. They serve a dual function—granting both legal residence and employment status—and are essential for foreign professionals, investors, and expatriates working in various sectors across Nigeria.

Key Things to Remember

• No more physical forms: The immigration office will no longer accept printed or handwritten application forms.

• August 1 is the official start date: All applicants must now use the online platform from this date onward.

• Unsubmitted forms are void: Any form that wasn’t fully submitted by July 31 has been invalidated.

• Biometrics are still required: While applications are now digital, physical presence is still required for biometric capture either at local immigration offices or Nigerian diplomatic missions abroad.

While the NIS says this move is aimed at improving service, some applicants and business leaders have expressed concerns over potential teething issues with the portal, especially in regions with limited internet access or unreliable power supply. Others, however, have welcomed the change as long overdue.

Immigration consultants say it could make Nigeria more appealing to foreign investors and workers, as it brings immigration standards in line with global best practices. By removing the bottlenecks of manual processes, Nigeria may see quicker turnaround times for processing and reduced corruption in the system.

As Nigeria continues to modernize its immigration services, the success of the CERPAC digital transition could pave the way for other permits and visa processes to follow suit. The ultimate goal, according to insiders at the NIS, is to create a fully integrated digital system where all foreign nationals can apply, renew, and manage their status with ease.

So far, the agency has indicated that further updates to the system, including automated reminders for renewals and real-time processing updates, are already in the works.

For now, the key message is clear: if you’re a foreigner planning to live or work in Nigeria, the future of your immigration application lies online.