Nigeria Dependent Visa - Definitive Guide

It is a kind of permit that is issued to the immediate family members of the temporary permit holder staying in Nigeria. The holder of a dependent visa for Nigeria is sponsored by this temporary resident living and earning in Nigeria. The holder of this visa is allowed to stay in the country and is allowed various kinds of leisure activities and tourism. The holder may be allowed to work if it is specified so in the visa policies. The validity of this permit will depend on the stay duration requested by the applicant and the validity of the resident permit holder in Nigeria.

Before proceeding with the application process, it is essential that you make sure you are an eligible candidate for the same. This can be done by going through the eligibility criteria as specified by the Nigerian High Commission. The process of application is mainly offline and it is to be made to the Nigerian High Commission or Consulate. The detailed procedure for the same is given as follows:

1. Start by filling out the Nigeria dependent visa application form.
2. Collect all the required documents for the visa.
3. Attach recent photographs to the application form as well.
4. Submit all the documents along with the application form to the respective mission.
5. Pay the required fees for the dependent visa.

When the application form is being filled out, there are a few things that must be remembered by the applicant. The information in the application should be correct and verifiable and it must match the details in the passport and other documents that are provided. In case there is any information that is false or incorrect, there are chances that the visa application may get rejected. It must be noted that visa rejection can affect future applications and jeopardize their acceptance as well.

As specified previously, there are certain criteria that are to be met by the applicant at the time of obtaining a dependent visa for Nigeria. Only upon meeting these criteria will you be allowed to apply for the permit. These parameters are listed as follows:

• You must have a resident sponsor in Nigeria
1. The applicant must be directly related to the work visa holder in Nigeria.
2. The applicants must be sponsored by the work visa holder in Nigeria.

• You must meet the health requirements
1. You must be healthy enough to travel to Nigeria.
2. You must perform a medical test before travelling to the country and provide relevant documentary proof.
3. You must be within the age limit to be able to apply for a work permit.

• You must meet the character requirements
1. You must be of good character and have genuine intentions behind working in Nigeria.
2. You need to provide relevant documentary proof for the same as well in the form of a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC).

• You must have sufficient funds
1. There must be sufficient funds to support your stay in the country.
2. The travel insurance must be issued from a certified company only.
3. Bank statement or any equivalent document is to be submitted as well as proof of the same.

There are various Nigeria dependent visa documents that are requested by the visa processing authority. The documents can vary depending on the case as well. The common ones are listed as follows:

• Documents required from the Applicant
1. Completely filled out and signed visa application form.
2. Recent photographs as per the photo specifications.
3. Passport issued within the last 10 years with a validity less than 10 years and at least 3 months ahead of the duration of the stay.
4. Visa requisition letter addressed to the Nigerian High Commission.
5. Proof of relationship - original marriage certificate and/or birth certificate.
• Documents required from the Sponsor in Nigeria
1. Copy of passport showing the visa stamp.
2. Invitation letter to the applicant
3. Current CERPAC of the Principal Immigrant
4. Proof of accommodation - rental agreement, etc.
5. Proof of sufficient funds - bank statement for the last three months, 3 months pay slip.

The Nigeria dependent visa photo specification are as follows:

• Four copies must be provided
• Photo size: 35 mm x 45 mm.
• Coloured copy must be provided
• The head must cover 80% of the photo frame. 
• Head should be well-centred.
• The picture must not be older than 6 months.
• The background must be white
• Neutral expressions
• Glasses are not permitted.
• Headgear is not allowed except for religious reasons.
• Clothing shouldn’t match the background.

The validity of the dependent visa in Nigeria will depend on several factors that include requirements of the applicant and the validity of the host who is going to cover the expenses of the dependents. The permit will mostly be valid for more than a year and multiple entries will be allowed to the holder. Also, note that having a valid visa does not guarantee you an entry into the country. If the border control finds an issue with your visa or yourself, there are chances that you will be asked to leave the country or will be deported.

The time required for the processing of the Nigeria dependent visa is about a couple of weeks. The time will still vary depending on certain factors like the workload at the consular office, the staff availability, whether the documents are complete or the rest of the documents are yet to be submitted and others. The time increases and decreases affected by these parameters. An additional factor that might affect if there is a requirement document attestation for commercial documents. 

There are various aspects on which the Nigeria dependent visa fee is dependent upon. These include the type of visa, the validity of the visa required, the urgency of the visa issuance, etc. The fee includes the charges paid to the Nigerian Consulate and the visa services that you avail. The fees can be paid offline as per the instructions.

When the documents have been submitted, there are several things that come along. Some of the pointers are as follows:

• If there are any other requirements to be fulfilled or if there are any mistakes in the application, the High Commission or the agency must be informed.
• If there are any changes related to the application, for instance, change in marital status or birth of a child, you must inform the High Commission/agency.
• You can even check the status of the application and the processing in the meantime. 
• If there is a change of plans, you can withdraw the application.
• When the form is submitted along with the fees, the visa will be mailed to you on your registered address or can be collected by yourself from the High Commission or the respective Consular section.

To check the status of your dependent visa for Nigeria, you can check the website of the agency through which you have applied or contact them through other means. Else, you can contact the High Commission for tracking your application.

When the processing is done and you have your visa, there are certain things that must be kept in mind. There are guidelines to be followed that are provided along with the visa. Some of the important ones are listed as follows:

• Before you travel
1. Make a note of the visa expiry date, as well as the number of entries permitted. You must not stay in the country beyond this period.
2. You should travel to Nigeria within the validity of your visa.
3. Make sure to carry a copy of your passport and other travel documents while you are in the country.
4. Issue health insurance and travel Insurance from a certified company.

• At the Border
1. Get your documents checked and your passport verified.
2. Obtain the entry stamp on your passport.
3. Consult the airport authorities for any kind of assistance required.
4. Check your visa copy for other guidelines and rules to be followed.

• When you enter Nigeria
1. You may be allowed to get involved in some kind of employment but it must first be checked out with the authorities.
2. The rules and restrictions of the country must be taken seriously and followed at any cost.
3. The tourist prohibited areas must be stayed out of.
4. Make sure you don’t overstay and apply for a visa extension in time.