The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has officially transitioned all applications for the Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card (CERPAC) to an entirely digital platform, effective August 1, 2025. This move brings an end to the use of physical application forms, marking a significant step toward streamlining Nigeria’s immigration procedures.

The announcement came through the NIS’s verified X (formerly Twitter) account on Thursday, July 31, 2025. It warned that any incomplete or unsubmitted paper-based applications remaining after the July 31 deadline would be rendered void.

In the advisory, the agency stated:
“Physical forms will no longer be accepted after 31st July 2025. All applications must go through cerpac.immigration.gov.ng. Any unsubmitted or incomplete forms after July 31st will become void.”

Officials added that individuals who had paid for CERPAC forms but failed to submit them before the deadline would not be able to use or reclaim those forms.

New Step-by-Step Online Procedure for CERPAC Applications

As part of the fully digital transition, the NIS outlined the procedure that all applicants must now follow when applying for or renewing their CERPAC:

1. Visit cerpac.immigration.gov.ng

2. Create an account or log in to an existing one

3. Complete the online application form

4. Upload all required documents

5. Make payment securely via the online portal

6. Submit the application and schedule an appointment

For applicants residing in Nigeria, biometric data (such as fingerprint and facial scans) must be captured at the nearest designated Immigration Office.

However, foreign applicants—those applying from outside Nigeria—must schedule their biometric appointment at a Nigerian embassy or consulate in their country of residence. If there is no Nigerian mission in that country, applicants are to select the nearest nation that hosts a Nigerian diplomatic office.

Why This Change Matters: Efficiency, Security, and Compliance

According to the Nigeria Immigration Service, digitizing the CERPAC application process is aimed at improving efficiency, reducing paperwork, and enhancing service delivery across the board. By eliminating physical forms, the agency expects to speed up processing times and limit fraudulent submissions.

The shift also supports the government’s broader goal of modernizing public services through technology while improving oversight of expatriate activities and legal compliance with Nigerian immigration law.

Understanding CERPAC: The Legal Pathway for Expatriates in Nigeria

The Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card (CERPAC) is the official document that authorizes foreigners to reside and work legally in Nigeria. Beyond granting employment rights, CERPAC also serves as an official form of identification for expatriates during their stay in the country.

Its issuance is governed by the Immigration Act of 2015, particularly Sections 37 to 39, and the Immigration Regulations of 2017, Sections 11 to 14. These laws define the terms under which residence and work permits can be issued, renewed, or withdrawn.

Typically, a CERPAC is issued for an initial period of one year or longer and may be renewed depending on the expatriate’s work arrangement and legal status. Employers are also required to maintain records of expatriate workers and ensure that their permits are up to date.

What Applicants Need to Keep in Mind

• All paper applications are now invalid as of July 31, 2025.

• Online submissions are the only accepted method going forward.

• Applicants should ensure they have all necessary documentation scanned and ready for upload, including proof of employment, identification, and any previously issued CERPAC cards (in the case of renewals).

• The NIS emphasized that only those who submit completed applications via the portal will be considered for biometric appointments and permit issuance.

Conclusion: A Step Toward Smarter, Safer Immigration

With this digital overhaul of the CERPAC process, Nigeria joins a growing list of countries modernizing their immigration infrastructure to promote transparency, security, and faster service delivery. The NIS’s move is part of a larger national vision to use technology in governance, while also closing loopholes that have enabled immigration fraud in the past.

Expatriates, employers, and immigration consultants are now encouraged to familiarize themselves with the online system and begin transitioning fully to the new format to remain compliant with Nigerian immigration law.