The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has officially phased out physical applications for the Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card (CERPAC), transitioning entirely to an online platform starting August 1, 2025.
The announcement, made via the NIS official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Thursday, July 31, stated that paper-based forms would no longer be accepted from August 1. Any unsubmitted or incomplete physical forms were automatically rendered void by the deadline.
According to Bsgistnews, applicants who had paid for the physical forms but failed to complete the process before July 31, 2025, have lost eligibility and must now restart the process digitally.
How to Apply Online:
From now on, all CERPAC applications must go through the official portal at cerpac.immigration.gov.ng. The steps include:
- Creating an account or logging in.
- Filling out the digital application form.
- Uploading all necessary documents.
- Making secure online payment.
- Booking a biometric capture appointment.
Applicants residing in Nigeria will complete their biometric capture at the nearest Immigration Office. Foreign applicants must visit a Nigerian embassy or consulate in their country of residence. If unavailable, the nearest Nigerian mission in another country should be selected.
The NIS emphasized that this digital transformation aims to streamline processing, enhance security, and improve service delivery for expatriates in Nigeria.
What is CERPAC?
The Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card (CERPAC) grants legal residence and work status to foreigners in Nigeria. It also serves as a valid ID for expatriates and is governed by:
- Immigration Act 2015 (Sections 37–39)
- Immigration Regulations 2017 (Sections 11–14)
CERPAC is usually valid for one year and renewable upon expiration.
By digitizing the process, the Nigerian government hopes to eliminate inefficiencies, reduce paperwork, and improve transparency in immigration services.
