Abuja, Nigeria – In a significant move aimed at modernizing and streamlining its services, the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has announced the upcoming launch of a fully digital platform for the Combined Expatriate Residence Permits and Automated Card (CERPAC) application process. This reform, effective August 1st, 2025, marks a pivotal step in the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts to enhance efficiency and transparency within government agencies.
The new online portal, accessible at https://cerpac.immigration.gov.ng, will become the sole avenue for submitting CERPAC applications. This digital shift is poised to significantly improve the user experience, making the process more efficient and transparent for expatriates and the organizations sponsoring them.
According to the NIS press release, from August 1st, 2025, the use of physical application forms and manual payments for CERPAC will be completely discontinued. All future CERPAC applications and associated payments must be exclusively processed through the new online platform.
The NIS has issued a critical advisory for applicants who have already paid for but not yet submitted their physical CERPAC forms. These individuals are urged to complete and submit their applications on or before July 31st, 2025. Failure to meet this deadline will result in the voiding of their application status and the loss of associated payments.
Similarly, companies and individuals assuming immigration responsibility for expatriates are strongly advised to complete and submit all pending applications within the stipulated timeframe to avoid any inconvenience or loss of application validity. The Service emphasized that any CERPAC form not submitted by the July 31st, 2025 deadline will be rendered invalid.
For all enquiries and correspondence regarding this crucial transition, the public is directed to contact the Nigeria Immigration Service through the office of the Public Relations Officer.
This digitalization of the CERPAC process is a major stride towards a more seamless and effective immigration system in Nigeria, aligning with global best practices and the government’s broader reform agenda. Expatriates and their sponsors are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the new online portal well in advance of the August 1st deadline.
About CERPAC: The Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Automated Card (CERPAC) is a vital document issued by the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) to foreign nationals residing and working in Nigeria. It serves as both a residence permit and an identification card, granting expatriates the legal right to live, work, or conduct business in Nigeria for a specified duration, typically up to one year (renewable). CERPAC is mandatory for all non-Nigerians who intend to stay in the country beyond 56 days for employment, business, or long-term residence purposes.
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