Temporary Work Permit Visa Approvals Now Issued via E-Mail

The Nigerian Immigration Service is now issuing Temporary Work Permit (TWP) Visa approvals via e-mail within 48 hours of application receipt. 

The following steps are part of the new procedures to obtain TWP Visas:

Step 1: Obtain Pre-Approval:

• The employer in Nigeria must submit an application on behalf of the foreign national to the Comptroller General of Immigration (CGI) via e-mail including the following information:  foreign national’s name, passport number, nationality, purpose and duration of visit, Nigerian embassy or consulate abroad where the visa should be forwarded, and acceptance of immigration responsibility.
• The application must be accompanied by the following documents:  company profile, Certificate of Incorporation, Corporate Affairs Commission Forms 2 and 7, copy of passport personal data page, evidence of existing contract or purchase of machinery or equipment, and any other relevant documents.

A pre-approval (cablegram), valid for 90 days, will then be issued and sent to the Nigerian embassy or consulate abroad indicated in the application.  Processing time for this step is expected to be 48 hours from receipt of the employer’s request.

Step 2: Online Visa Fee Payment

• Foreign national must pay the visa fee online and print the payment receipt.

Step 3:  Submit Visa Form IMM22

• Foreign national must submit Visa Form IMM22 with two passport-size photographs (35 x 40 mm) on white background, taken within the last six months and affixed, to the Nigerian embassy or consulate abroad either by post or in person.

Upon receipt of the application, CGI will issue its decision on the TWP Visa via e-mail within 48 hours. 

What This Means for Employers and Foreign Nationals

The processing time for TWP Visas has been reduced considerably – from the previous 28 to 35 days to the current processing time of 48 hours. The consular application processing time has been reduced to 48 hours as well. This change will allow foreign nationals to enter and work in Nigeria on short notice for urgent assignments.

This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an e-mail to [email protected].