Highly Skilled Immigrant Visa (N4A)

The Highly Skilled Immigrant Visa (N4A) is a specialized category of Permanent Residence Visa (PRV) designed to attract foreign nationals with exceptional expertise, rare talents, or advanced technical knowledge. Established under the Nigeria Visa Policy (NVP) 2020, this pathway aims to bridge specific labor shortages in sectors critical to the nation’s development, such as healthcare, engineering, technology, and academia.

Unlike standard work permits that are tied to a specific employer's quota, the N4A is a prestige class of residence intended for individuals who can prove their skills are "vital" to the Nigerian economy. It is often confused with the Subject to Regularization (STR) visa; however, the N4A is a direct path to long-term residency for those who meet high-level professional thresholds.

The N4A pathway is governed by the Nigeria Visa Policy 2020, which shifted the country toward a more transparent, electronic-based immigration system.

• Mandatory Digitalization: As of August 2025, all residence permit processes have moved to the e-CERPAC system. You are now required to submit applications and biometrics through the digital portal, and your residence permit functions as a digital travel document.
• Strict ITF Enforcement: In 2025, the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) increased the scrutiny of the Skills Gap Assessment. This ensures the N4A is reserved for truly "highly skilled" individuals and is not used as a workaround for companies to avoid standard expatriate quota restrictions.

Once your status is regularized in Nigeria, you are granted significant stability and professional freedom compared to temporary work visa holders.

• Long-Term Residency: You are granted an initial five-year residence permit, which is renewable.
• Right to Work: You have the full right to live and work in Nigeria within your field of expertise.
• Multiple Entry Privileges: You may leave and re-enter Nigeria as many times as you wish during the validity of your permit without needing additional re-entry visas.
• Family Reunification: You have the right to bring your family members. They are eligible for specific dependant residence permits: N6A (Spouse), N6B (Minor children), N6C (Adult dependants), and N6D (Aged parents over 65).
• Path to Permanent Status: As a holder of a Permanent Residence class visa, you have a stable foothold in the country that can eventually lead to further long-term immigration benefits, provided you maintain your residency and professional contributions.
• Access to Services: You are eligible to apply for the Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card (CERPAC), which serves as your official identification and allows you to access various local services, including banking and housing.