Eligibility Quiz
Are you legally married to a Nigerian citizen?
Application Process
The Spouse of Nigerian Citizen Visa (N1A) is a two-stage process. You first apply for an entry visa at a Nigerian consulate abroad and then "regularize" your stay by obtaining a residence card once you arrive in Nigeria. This visa is available to both men and women married to Nigerian citizens.
Stage 1: Obtaining the Entry Visa (Outside Nigeria)
- Complete the Online Application: Visit the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) portal to fill out the visa application form. Select the N1A - Spouse of Nigerian Citizen category.
- Pay the Visa Fee: Pay the required fee online through the portal using a credit or debit card. Print your Payment Receipt and Acknowledgment Slip, as you will need these for your appointment.
- Prepare Your Document Bundle: You must prepare three identical sets of the following documents:
- Formal Application Letter: A letter written by your Nigerian spouse addressed to the Comptroller General of Immigration, stating they accept "Immigration Responsibility" for your stay.
- Evidence of Marriage: Your original Marriage Certificate. If you were married outside of Nigeria, the document may need to be apostilled (authenticated for international use) or legalized by the Nigerian embassy in that country.
- Proof of Spouse’s Citizenship: A copy of the data page of your spouse’s Nigerian passport.
- Police Clearance Certificate: A background check from your current country of residence, issued within the last 6 months.
- Valid Passport: Your passport must have at least 6 months of validity remaining and at least 2 blank pages.
- Passport Photographs: Provide recent color photographs (the number required varies by consulate, typically between 2 and 8).
- Submit Your Application: Book an appointment at the nearest Nigerian Embassy, High Commission, or designated VFS Global center. You must submit your physical documents and may be required to provide biometric data (fingerprints).
- Receive Your Visa: Once approved, you will receive a 90-day entry visa in your passport. You must travel to Nigeria within this window.
Stage 2: Regularization in Nigeria (CERPAC)
- Apply for CERPAC: Within your first 90 days in Nigeria, you must apply for the Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card (CERPAC). This is your official residence identity card.
- Visit the NIS Office: You (and usually your spouse) must visit the Nigeria Immigration Service headquarters or a state command. You can also use the new online CERPAC platform to start the process.
- Request "Gratis" Status: As the spouse of a citizen, your permit is issued Gratis (free of the standard $2,000 fee). Ensure you specifically apply under the spouse category to avoid being overcharged.
- Biometrics and Issuance: You will have your photo and fingerprints taken. Once processed, you will be issued a card that is typically valid for 4 years and is renewable.
Important Note on Work: The N1A visa is strictly for residency. Official regulations state "Employment/Work prohibited." If you intend to work in Nigeria, you may need to apply for a different visa class or seek specific work authorization from the Ministry of Interior.
Fees
Fees for the N1A visa are based on reciprocity, meaning the cost depends on your specific nationality.
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa Fee (e.g., US Citizen) | ~$160 |
| Visa Fee (Other Nationalities) | $50 – $200 |
| Online Processing/Transaction Fee | $20 – $30 |
| CERPAC Card (Spouse Category) | Gratis (Free) |
| CERPAC Administrative/Forms Fee | Varies (Small local fee) |
Total Estimated Cost: Approximately $70 – $230 USD, depending on your nationality.
This total does not include: Document legalization/apostille fees, courier fees for passport return, or travel costs to the consulate/immigration office.
Processing Time
The timeline for the N1A pathway is generally efficient, provided all marriage documentation is in order.
- Consular Visa Issuance: 5 to 15 business days. Some locations offer expedited processing (2–3 days) for an additional fee.
- CERPAC Card Production: 2 to 6 weeks after submitting your biometrics in Nigeria.
- Total Process Duration: Expect the entire journey—from your initial application abroad to holding your 4-year residence card—to take 2 to 3 months.
Document Validity: Your Police Clearance Certificate must be less than 6 months old at the time of your initial visa application. Your entry visa is valid for 90 days; you must enter Nigeria and begin your CERPAC regularization before this expires.