Nigeria family reunion: dependant visas for residents’ families

Each temporary residence employment class has four dependant sub-classes: B for the spouse, C for minor children, D for children aged 18 and over and E for parents aged 65 and above. They exist for expatriate employees (R2), free zone employees (R3), government officials (R4), INGO staff (R5) and clerics (R6). Students and academic exchange participants can bring a spouse under R7B and R8B.

Holders of permanent residence classes, such as investors, highly skilled immigrants and retirees, bring their families under N6A for the spouse, N6B for children under 18, N6C for children 18 and over and N6D for parents aged 65 and above.

For employee dependants, NIS asks for a passport valid for at least six months with two blank pages, a photograph, a copy of the principal’s visa or permit, a letter from the principal confirming the relationship and sponsorship, and a formal application from the employer accepting immigration responsibility. The class-specific document is an attested marriage certificate for the spouse, a birth certificate or adoption decree for minors, proof of dependency such as a birth certificate, affidavit of support or adoption decree for adult children, and government-issued proof of age with attested proof of relationship for parents.

For N6 dependants of permanent residents the file includes the attested marriage certificate or other proof of relationship, a copy of the principal’s permanent residence documents, evidence of stable residence in Nigeria, a medical clearance certificate from the country of residence, a police clearance certificate and proof of sufficient funds.

Dependants apply on visa.immigration.gov.ng, upload the documents and pay, then attend an interview and biometric capture at a Nigerian embassy. NIS targets 10 days from enrolment and the visa is valid 90 days for entry. After arrival, dependants of residents are covered by the CERPAC, which NIS lists for dependants of foreigners residing in Nigeria.

Dependant permits are tied to the principal. NIS says that as long as the principal’s diplomatic or employment permit is valid and renewed, dependants’ permits can be renewed at the same time. The R2 dependant classes give two years with multiple entries and permit residence only. NIS states that N6B, N6C and N6D do not permit employment; an adult dependant who wants to work must apply for a suitable class such as the Highly Skilled Immigrant Visa or a work permit. Dependants on employment or diplomatic status may study as long as this does not breach their permit; full-time students may need a separate student visa.