The Nigeria Immigration Service has made all applications for the Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card strictly digital, officially phasing out the use of physical forms, starting August 1, 2025.

The change was announced on the Service’s official X account on July 31, 2025.

From that day, physical CERPAC forms are no longer being accepted.

Any CERPAC application forms that were incomplete or not submitted by the July 31 deadline have been automatically rendered void.

The Service stated, “Physical forms will no longer be accepted after 31st July 2025. All applications must go through cerpac.immigration.gov.ng. Any unsubmitted or incomplete forms after July 31st will become void.”

The agency clarified that applicants who paid for a CERPAC form but failed to submit it before the July 31 deadline can no longer have those forms recognized.

As of August 1, all CERPAC applications must be submitted exclusively through cerpac.immigration.gov.ng.

For in-country applications—such as renewals or applications by expatriates already in Nigeria—biometric capture must be done at the nearest Nigeria Immigration Service office.

Applicants applying from outside Nigeria must complete biometric capture at a Nigerian embassy or consulate in their country of residence. If none exists, they are to choose the nearest country with a Nigerian mission.

The Nigeria Immigration Service explained that this shift to a fully digital process aims to streamline applications and enhance service delivery.

The Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card (CERPAC) is the official document that grants foreign nationals the legal right to reside and work in Nigeria.

It also serves as a valid form of identification for expatriates living in the country.