The CERPAC (Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Alien Card) Green Card is a government-issued document that authorizes the residency and employment of foreign nationals in Nigeria. Consequently, any foreigner with CERPAC can reside in Nigeria and engage in employment or business activities for a specified period.
Typically, foreign nationals must meet specific eligibility criteria and apply to the Nigerian Immigration Service to obtain a CERPAC Green Card. Eligibility criteria include having a valid passport, a letter of offer of employment or an expatriate quota from a Nigerian employer or a letter of invitation from a Nigerian company or individual, and payment of the required fees.
Once an application is approved, the card holder will receive a CERPAC Green Card, which is valid for up to two years and renewable upon expiration. With this card, foreign nationals can legally reside and work in Nigeria, allowing them to take advantage of the many opportunities the country offers.
However, it is essential to note that the CERPAC Green Card is not a substitute for a Nigerian visa. Foreign nationals still need to obtain a visa to enter Nigeria, but the CERPAC Green Card allows them to stay and work legally in the country for a longer period.
Accordingly, this article will provide you with everything you need to know about the Nigerian CERPAC Green Card, including eligibility requirements, the application process, fees, and tips for success.
The Benefits Of Obtaining A CERPAC Green Card
Obtaining a CERPAC (Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Alien Card) Green Card in Nigeria comes with numerous benefits, including legal residency and employment in the country. Here are some of the key benefits of obtaining a CERPAC Green Card:
- Legal Residency: With a CERPAC Green Card, foreign nationals can legally reside in Nigeria for a period of up to two years, and the card can be renewed upon expiration. This means that cardholders can enjoy the benefits of living in Nigeria without worrying about the legal implications of overstaying their visa.
- Legal Employment: The CERPAC Green Card also allows foreign nationals to work legally in Nigeria for the duration of the card’s validity. This means that cardholders can take advantage of employment opportunities in Nigeria without worrying about the legal implications of working without proper documentation.
- Business Opportunities: Nigeria is a rapidly growing economy with a wealth of business opportunities, and the CERPAC Green Card allows foreign nationals to take advantage of these opportunities by setting up businesses or engaging in entrepreneurial activities.
- Access to Financial Services: Having a CERPAC Green Card also allows foreign nationals to access financial services in Nigeria, such as opening a bank account or investing in local businesses.
- Access to Social Services: With a CERPAC Green Card, foreign nationals can also access approved activities.
The Eligibility Requirements For Obtaining A CERPAC Green Card
To obtain a CERPAC (Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Alien Card) Green Card in Nigeria, foreign nationals must meet certain eligibility requirements. These requirements are put in place to ensure that only qualified individuals are granted the card. The eligibility requirements include:
- Valid Passport with STR visa: The applicant must possess a valid passport issued by their country of origin or residence. They must also have STR visa that allow them to work in Nigeria.
- Letter of Offer of Employment or Expatriate Quota: The applicant must have a letter of offer of employment from a Nigerian employer or an expatriate quota from the Nigerian Ministry of Interior if they are coming to work in Nigeria. Alternatively, if the individual is coming to Nigeria for business purposes, they must have a letter of invitation from a Nigerian company or individual.
- Correctly Completed CERPAC Form: Applicant must complete the CERPAC statutory form correctly.
- Application Letter From Employer: The letter should request regularization of stay and accept immigration responsibility for the applicant.
- Proof of Financial Capability: The applicant must provide proof that they have sufficient financial resources to support themselves and their dependents during their stay in Nigeria.
- Payment of Fees: The applicant must pay the required fees for processing the CERPAC Green Card application.
- Biometric Data: The applicant has to provide biometric data (fingerprints, photograph, and signature) as part of the application process.
It is important to note that the eligibility requirements may vary depending on the specific circumstances of the individual’s application.
The Application Process For Obtaining A CERPAC Green Card
The application process for obtaining a CERPAC (Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Alien Card) Green Card in Nigeria can be broken down into the following steps:
Step 1: Gather Required Documents
The first step is to gather all the required documents. These include a valid passport, a letter of offer of employment or an expatriate quota, a residence permit (if applicable), proof of financial capability, payment of fees, etc.
Step 2: Submit Application
Once all the required documents have been gathered, the applicant can submit their application to the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS). The application can be submitted either in person at the NIS office or an agent.
Step 3: Biometric Capture
After submitting the application, the applicant will be required to provide biometric data, including fingerprints, photograph, and signature. This is usually done at the NIS office.
Step 4: Application Processing
The application will be processed by the NIS, which may take several weeks to several months, depending on the workload of the immigration office.
Step 5: Collection of CERPAC Green Card
Once the application has been processed and approved, the NIS will notify the applicant to come and collect their CERPAC Green Card. The card is usually valid for up to two years and can be renewed upon expiration.
It is recommended that applicants seek the assistance of a reputable immigration lawyer or consultant to ensure that all the necessary steps are completed accurately and in a timely manner.
The Fees Associated With Obtaining A CERPAC Green Card
Obtaining a CERPAC (Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Alien Card) Green Card in Nigeria requires payment of fees. The fees associated with obtaining a CERPAC Green Card are as follows:
- Processing Fees: The processing fees for a CERPAC Green Card application are typically around $1,000 to $2,000 USD. However, this amount may vary depending on the applicant’s country of origin.
- Other Fees: In addition to the processing fees, there are also administrative fees that must be paid. These include fees for biometric capture, card production, and other administrative expenses. These fees can range from $50 to $200 USD.
It is important to note that the fees associated with obtaining a CERPAC Green Card may change over time, and applicants should check with the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) for the most up-to-date information.
Additionally, it is recommended that applicants budget for additional expenses such as legal fees, transportation costs, and accommodation expenses, as the application process for a CERPAC Green Card can be lengthy and may require multiple trips to the immigration office.
How To Check CERPAC Application Status
To check the status of your CERPAC Green Card application in Nigeria, you can follow these steps:
- Visit the official website of the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS).
- Login
- Check your application status.
Alternatively, you can contact the NIS directly via email at nis.servicom@nigeriaimmigration.gov.ng or phone at +234-912-1477-092 to inquire about the status of your CERPAC Green Card application. It is important to have your application reference number and passport number in hand when contacting the NIS.
How To Renew CERPAC Green Card
To renew your CERPAC Green Card in Nigeria, you will need to follow these steps:
- Submit a Renewal Application: To begin the renewal process, you will need to submit a renewal application to the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) at least 30 days before your current CERPAC Green Card expires.
- Provide Supporting Documents: Along with your renewal application, you will need to provide supporting documents such as your current CERPAC Green Card, valid passport, application letter from employer requesting for CERPAC renewal and any other required documentation.
- Pay the Required Fees: You will also need to pay the renewal fees associated with your CERPAC Green Card renewal.
- Collect Your Renewed CERPAC Green Card: Once your renewal application has been processed, you can collect it from the NIS office.
The Laws Surrounding CERPAC Green Card
The laws surrounding the CERPAC (Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Alien Card) Green Card in Nigeria are outlined in the Nigerian Immigration Act of 2015 and the Nigerian Immigration Regulations of 2017. Here are some of the key guiding principles for obtaining the CERPAC Green Card:
1. Eligibility: To be eligible for a CERPAC Green Card, an individual must be an expatriate working for a company in Nigeria or a foreign national married to a Nigerian citizen.
2. Compliance: CERPAC Green Card holders must comply with all Nigerian immigration laws and regulations, including maintaining a valid visa, following local laws, and registering with the relevant authorities when necessary.
3. Reporting: CERPAC Green Card holders are required to report changes in their personal information, employment status, or place of residence to the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS.
4. Renewal: CERPAC Green Cards must be renewed on expiration, and renewal applications must be submitted as quick as possible.
5. Revocation: The NIS has the authority to revoke a CERPAC Green Card if the holder violates Nigerian immigration laws or regulations.
6. Penalties: Violations of CERPAC Green Card laws and regulations can result in fines, deportation, or other legal consequences.
7. Fees: Fees are required for the issuance and renewal of CERPAC Green Cards.
Tips For Successfully Obtaining A CERPAC Green Card
Obtaining a CERPAC (Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Alien Card) Green Card in Nigeria can be a complex and challenging process. Here are some tips to help ensure a successful outcome:
- Work with a Reputable Immigration Lawyer or Consultant if possible.
- Begin the Application Process Early.
- Double-Check all Documents.
- Maintain Contact with the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) throughout the application process to stay informed of any updates or changes.
- Be Prepared to Pay all Required Fees.
- Follow all Immigration Laws and Regulations.
Conclusion
Obtaining a CERPAC Green Card in Nigeria can be a complex and time-consuming process. However, by working with a reputable immigration lawyer or consultant, beginning the application process early, double-checking all documents, maintaining contact with the NIS, being prepared to pay all required fees, and following all immigration laws and regulations, applicants can increase their chances of a successful outcome.
With a CERPAC Green Card, individuals can enjoy legal residency and employment opportunities in Nigeria.