Nigeria Immigration Warns: Submit CERPAC Forms Before Deadline or Risk Invalidation

The Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) has issued a final reminder to all foreign nationals residing and working in the country to complete and submit all pending Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card (CERPAC) forms within the stipulated timeframe.

According to a statement released by the Service, any CERPAC form not submitted before the deadline will be considered void and invalid.

“All enquiries and correspondence on this matter should be directed to the Service through the office of the Public Relations Officer,” the statement added.

What You Should Know
CERPAC is a mandatory document issued by the NIS to expatriates living in Nigeria. It functions both as a residence permit and an identification card, authorizing foreign nationals to live, work, or conduct business in Nigeria for up to one year, subject to renewal.

The directive comes amid broader immigration reforms, including the introduction of a digital e-Visa system and automated landing and exit cards, which became effective on May 1, 2025.

In line with these reforms, the NIS has implemented a stricter overstay policy: beginning September 1, 2025, foreign nationals who overstay their visa validity will be fined $15 for each extra day they remain in the country.

However, the Immigration Service has granted a three-month amnesty from May 1 to August 1, 2025. During this period, expatriates with expired visas can voluntarily return to their home countries without facing penalties.

The NIS advises all affected individuals to take advantage of the amnesty period and ensure compliance to avoid legal and administrative consequences.