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An Immigration Request is a formal application to enter, stay, or work in Nigeria through the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS). It covers various permits like business visas, temporary work permits, and permanent residence authorizations that foreigners need to legally live or conduct business in the country.

The NIS processes these requests based on Nigeria's Immigration Act and handles different categories including ECOWAS residence cards, Subject to Regularization (STR) visas, and Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card (CERPAC). Each type has specific requirements, processing times, and validity periods depending on the purpose of stay and applicant's nationality.

Submit an Immigration Request when planning to enter Nigeria for work, business, or long-term residence. Foreign professionals need this before starting employment with Nigerian companies, while international investors require it to establish local business operations. Timing is crucial - apply at least 2-3 months before your intended travel or work start date.

The request becomes necessary for situations like accepting a job offer, opening a Nigerian branch office, joining family members long-term, or converting a temporary visa to permanent residence. Companies sponsoring foreign workers must initiate the process through the Nigeria Immigration Service portal as soon as employment terms are finalized.

• Short Stay/Business Visa Request: For temporary business visits, conferences, or meetings lasting up to 90 days
• Temporary Work Permit (TWP) Request: For specialized foreign workers on specific projects lasting 3-6 months
• Subject to Regularization (STR) Request: For converting visitor status to long-term work authorization
• CERPAC Immigration Request: For expatriate workers requiring combined residence and alien registration
• Permanent Residence Request: For long-term settlers who have lived in Nigeria continuously for 20+ years

• Foreign Professionals: Submit Immigration Requests when seeking work authorization or residence permits in Nigeria
• Nigerian Employers: Sponsor and initiate requests for foreign workers, providing necessary documentation and employment details
• Immigration Lawyers: Guide applicants through the process, ensure compliance, and handle complex cases
• Nigeria Immigration Service: Reviews and processes requests, conducts background checks, and issues final approvals
• Corporate HR Departments: Manage immigration documentation for international staff and ensure ongoing compliance

• Personal Documents: Gather valid passport, professional qualifications, birth certificate, and police clearance from home country
• Employment Details: Compile offer letter, job description, company registration documents, and tax clearance certificate
• Financial Proof: Prepare bank statements, salary details, and evidence of accommodation arrangements
• Application Forms: Complete relevant NIS forms based on visa type, ensuring all fields are accurately filled
• Supporting Letters: Obtain invitation letters from Nigerian employer or business partners, plus necessary corporate documents

• Personal Information: Full legal name, nationality, date of birth, passport details, and contact information
• Purpose Declaration: Clear statement of intended activities in Nigeria and duration of stay
• Sponsor Details: Nigerian employer or host company information, including registration number and address
• Financial Declarations: Proof of funds, employment terms, or business arrangements supporting the stay
• Legal Compliance: Declarations regarding criminal history, previous visa violations, and acceptance of Nigerian immigration laws
• Authentication: Applicant signature, date, and supporting document references

An Immigration Request differs significantly from an Immigration Form in several key aspects, though they're often confused. While both relate to immigration processes, their purposes and applications are distinct.

• Purpose and Scope: Immigration Requests initiate specific immigration actions like work permits or residence status changes, while Immigration Forms are standardized documents used to collect basic biographical and travel information
• Processing Level: Requests require higher-level review and approval from immigration authorities, while Forms serve as preliminary documentation steps
• Documentation Requirements: Requests need extensive supporting documents and sponsor letters, whereas Forms typically require only basic personal information and travel details
• Timeline Impact: Requests involve longer processing times and more complex procedures, while Forms are usually processed more quickly as part of routine immigration procedures