The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has announced a complete transition to a digital application system for expatriate residence permits, marking a significant step in the country’s ongoing efforts to modernise public service delivery.
Beginning August 1, 2025, all applications for the Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card (CERPAC) must be submitted online through the newly launched portal: [https://cerpac.immigration.gov.ng]
According to a statement signed on Wednesday by the NIS Spokesperson, the use of paper-based CERPAC forms will be officially discontinued at the end of July. Any physical application not submitted by July 31 will automatically become void.
The new digital platform is part of broader federal government reforms aimed at streamlining immigration processes, reducing physical contact, and cutting down processing delays. It is also expected to bring more transparency to the issuance of residence permits , an area that has often faced complaints about inefficiency and bottlenecks.
“This is a strategic shift to improve the user experience, eliminate the risks and delays that come with manual submissions, and make it easier for expatriates and their employers to manage documentation,” said the statement from the Service.
This move carries direct implications for companies, startups, and SMEs that employ foreign staff. Employers who assume Immigration Responsibility (IR) for expatriates are being urged to finalise all pending CERPAC submissions before the deadline to avoid penalties or business disruption.
The NIS has advised that any CERPAC form paid for but not submitted by July 31 will become invalid, and such applicants will have to begin the process afresh under the new system. This warning also applies to individuals applying independently for residence permits.
For businesses operating across sectors such as construction, oil and gas, ICT, education, and hospitality—where foreign professionals are frequently engaged,this transition will require an immediate shift in compliance practices. Human resource teams and immigration consultants are expected to reorient their operations around the digital platform.
The launch of the new CERPAC portal is part of a wider national push to align immigration services with global standards. In recent years, several African nations have taken similar steps—automating visa applications, digitizing border procedures, and reducing reliance on paperwork.
By digitizing the application process, Nigeria aims to position itself as a more attractive destination for foreign talent and investment, while also tightening oversight and reducing the risk of fraud.
The Immigration Service is urging all applicants and corporate bodies with ongoing or incomplete submissions using physical forms to act quickly. “Ensure that all documents are submitted before the July 31 cut-off to avoid losing application status and forfeiting any associated payments,” the statement warned.
Organisations that rely on foreign experts are encouraged to begin the transition now, reviewing ongoing applications, identifying unsubmitted files, and preparing to fully adopt the new platform come August.
For clarification or support, the NIS has directed all enquiries to its Public Relations Office. The agency is also expected to provide further guidance and possibly hold stakeholder engagement sessions in the coming weeks to ensure a smooth transition.
If successfully implemented, this shift could serve as a model for other Nigerian government agencies still relying on outdated manual processes. It also signals a growing trend across West Africa, where governments are increasingly turning to digital tools to ease access to services and rebuild trust with the public.
