Nigeria Study Visa Rules: What are the visa rules for studying in Nigeria? Complete process of admission, STR visa and CERPAC for Indian students

Nigeria, the African continent’s largest economy and one of the fastest growing educational hubs, has seen an increase in the flow of foreign students in fields such as medicine, engineering, business management and agricultural research. However, Nigeria’s immigration and visa regulations operate on a quite different framework compared to Western countries (such as the US, UK or Canada). Under the rules of the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), students from India or any other non-ECOWAS country cannot study there only on a normal tourist or e-visa. For this, it is mandatory to follow a prescribed step-by-step legal process, ignoring which can lead to deportation or heavy fine.

Foreign students seeking admission to long-term academic courses (undergraduate, post-graduate or research) in Nigeria STR (Subject to Regularization) Visa Admission is given under category.

• Initial Entry Permit: This visa is issued by the Nigerian High Commission in India (New Delhi).

• Validity and Purpose: This is basically a single-entry visa, which gives the student legal permission to formally enter Nigeria and once there, convert (regularize) their student status to a ‘residence permit’.

Many Indian students assume that once the passport is visa stamped, their formalities are complete, whereas the actual process begins after landing in Nigeria:

• What is CERPAC: The student must within 90 days of arrival in Nigeria CERPAC (Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card) Have to apply for.

• Green Card Equivalent: This card is a student’s official legal identity card and residence permit in Nigeria, which is usually valid for 1 to 2 years and is renewed every year according to the duration of the course.

• Biometrics and Registration: The student has to go to the local immigration office and register his biometric information. Without this, the student’s stay there is considered illegal.

Students are required to have the following original documents ready for Nigerian Student Visa application:

1. Offer letter from recognized institute: Official admission/acceptance letter issued from a university or college recognized by the Nigerian Universities Commission (NUC).

2. Letter of Undertaking of the University: Written guarantee by the Registrar of the institution that they take responsibility for the student’s immigration compliance and duration of the course.

3. Valid Indian Passport: Passport with minimum 6 months validity from date of travel and minimum two blank pages.

4. Educational Certificate: Original 10th, 12th or Graduation marksheet and degree certificate (attested by MEA/MEA).

5. Proof of Funds: Bank statement of the student’s or his/her guardian’s bank account for the last 6 months, proving that they are able to afford the tuition fees and living expenses.

6. Police Clearance Certificate (PCC): No Criminal Record Certificate issued by the Regional Passport Office (RPO).

7. Yellow Fever and Medical Fitness Card: Yellow Fever vaccination certificate and medical fitness certificate from a registered medical practitioner are mandatory for international travel.

• Step 1: Online Application: First of all, go to the official portal of Nigeria Immigration Service, fill the Student Visa Form (NIS Form) and pay the prescribed visa fee online.

• Step 2: Document Submission: Prepare printouts of the filled form, fee receipt and all attached documents in original and photocopied sets.

• Step 3: Embassy Appointment and Interview: Attend the interview by making an appointment at the Nigerian High Commission in New Delhi. Here the officials take information about the purpose of study, financial sources and syllabus.

• Step 4: Visa Obtaining and Travel: Once the visa is approved, collect the passport and board a flight to Nigeria within the stipulated time frame.

• Step 5: Institution and Immigration Reporting: Upon arrival on campus, report to the University’s International Students Cell and get the CERPAC process completed immediately.

• Restrictions on part-time work: Unlike most countries, foreign students coming to Nigeria on student visas are not allowed to openly pursue off-campus professional jobs. If a student is found engaged in business activity without a work permit, his/her visa may be cancelled. Only select campus-related academic or research assistantships are permitted.

• Safety and Health Advice: Make sure you have valid health insurance before traveling to Nigeria. Also, choose hostels or accommodation only on campuses in safe cities (such as Lagos or Abuja) recognized by the Nigerian government.

Indian students seeking higher education in Nigeria are always advised to only contact the university directly and complete the visa process as per the official guidelines of the Nigerian Ministry of Home Affairs rather than falling prey to any unauthorized agent.