Best Dependent Visa Lawyers in Lafia

About Dependent Visa Law in Lafia, Nigeria

A dependent visa in Nigeria allows eligible family members of a principal migrant to enter and reside in Nigeria based on the principal person’s lawful status. The principal person is usually a foreign national who holds a valid Nigerian work authorization and residence card known as the Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card, often called CERPAC. In some situations, a foreign spouse of a Nigerian citizen may also obtain an entry visa on a spousal or family basis and then regularize residence in country.

Although immigration law is federal and applies across Nigeria, practical processing happens locally. In Lafia, Nasarawa State, the Nigeria Immigration Service operates through the State Command, which handles in country applications such as regularization, renewals, CERPAC issuance for dependants, and status changes tied to the principal person’s permit. Many applicants begin their process at a Nigerian embassy or consulate abroad, then complete residence regularization at the State Command after arrival in Nigeria.

Dependent status is typically available to a lawful spouse and to children who meet age and dependency requirements. Stepchildren and adopted children can qualify if legal guardianship or adoption is properly documented. Parents or other relatives do not usually qualify unless a specific legal basis exists. A dependent’s right to stay is tied to the principal person’s right to stay, so any change to the principal person’s employment or residence permit can affect the dependent’s status.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Many people manage straightforward applications on their own, but legal support can be important when facts are complex or when timing is tight. A lawyer can help identify the correct visa category, especially where there is a choice between a short visit, a spousal or family visa, or a dependent entry visa tied to a work permit. Choosing the wrong category can cause refusals or delays.

Evidence issues are common. Marriage certificates, birth certificates, and adoption or custody orders may need legalization or apostille and certified translations. Customary or religious marriages, polygamous marriages, and name changes require careful documentation so that the relationship is recognized for immigration purposes. A lawyer can prepare affidavits and ensure the evidence matches Nigerian immigration requirements.

Corporate immigration steps often affect dependants. If the principal person works in Nigeria, the employer may need to issue an immigration responsibility letter, prove expatriate quota availability, or confirm employment details for regularization. A lawyer can coordinate with the employer and the State Command to prevent misalignment that could jeopardize a dependent’s status.

Timing matters. Entry visas, regularization windows, CERPAC validity, and renewals all have deadlines. Overstays can lead to fines, removal, and future visa problems. A lawyer helps you track deadlines and avoid unforced errors. If a case is refused, a lawyer can prepare a targeted reapplication or seek available administrative review, and advise on the best forum for any challenge.

Local Laws Overview

Key sources include the Immigration Act 2015 and the Immigration Regulations 2017, which set the framework for entry visas, residence permits, regularization, employer obligations, and sanctions. Nigeria’s residence card for foreign nationals is the CERPAC. Dependants normally enter on a dependent or family entry visa and must regularize in country to receive a CERPAC card that is linked to the principal person’s card. Validity is commonly one year and is renewed to match the principal person’s valid stay.

Work is restricted for dependants. A dependent’s permission authorizes residence but not employment. If a dependant wishes to work, they must secure an appropriate work authorization and a change of status, usually through the subject to regularization pathway with their own CERPAC tied to the new employment. Minors may attend school while holding dependent status. Business ownership or income generating activities may require separate authorization.

Documentation must prove the relationship and identity. Nigerian authorities commonly require a valid passport, recent photographs, completed forms, evidence of the qualifying relationship, and where applicable an employer’s letter accepting immigration responsibility for dependants of expatriate staff. For minors, consent from both parents or proof of sole custody is regularly requested.

Foreign civil status documents must be accepted by Nigerian authorities. Depending on the country of origin and current practice, this means apostille or consular legalization, plus certified translations if not in English. Applicants should confirm the correct method with the Nigerian mission abroad or the State Command in Lafia before filing.

Compliance is ongoing. Address changes, loss or theft of the CERPAC, changes in marital status, or changes in the principal person’s employer should be reported and may require updated documentation. Overstays attract fines and can lead to removal or future ineligibility. Processing practices can differ slightly among State Commands, so local guidance in Lafia is useful.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who counts as a dependant for Nigerian immigration purposes

Typically a lawful spouse and biological or legally adopted minor children qualify as dependants. Stepchildren may qualify if there is proof of marriage to the child’s parent and proof of parental consent or custody where required. Adult children and parents usually do not qualify unless a specific legal basis exists. Always verify with the Nigeria Immigration Service since definitions and documentation requirements are applied strictly.

Can a dependant work in Nigeria

No. Dependent status allows residence but not employment. To work legally, the dependant must change to a work authorized status, which usually involves obtaining the correct entry visa category and a residence card tied to their own employer. Working without authorization can lead to penalties and cancellation of status.

Where do I apply if I live in Lafia

If you are outside Nigeria, you usually apply for the appropriate entry visa at a Nigerian embassy or consulate or through the official online application system, then travel to Nigeria to complete regularization. If you are in Lafia and eligible to regularize or renew, you will work with the Nigeria Immigration Service Nasarawa State Command, which handles biometrics, document checks, CERPAC issuance, and renewals.

What documents will I need

Expect to provide a valid passport, completed application forms, recent passport photos, evidence of the qualifying relationship such as a marriage certificate or birth certificate, certified translations where needed, and proof of legalization or apostille if the document was issued abroad. If the principal person works in Nigeria, provide their passport biodata page, valid CERPAC, and an employer letter accepting immigration responsibility. For minors, provide parental consent or custody orders.

How long does the process take

Timelines vary by embassy, workload, and the completeness of your file. Entry visa decisions from outside Nigeria can take from several days to several weeks. In country regularization and CERPAC issuance also vary by State Command. Plan for sufficient lead time and avoid booking nonrefundable travel before receiving a decision.

Do I need to legalize or apostille my marriage and birth documents

Yes, in most cases. Nigerian authorities require foreign public documents to be authenticated. Depending on the issuing country and current practice, this may be by apostille or by consular legalization. Documents not in English must have certified translations. Check the specific requirement before filing to avoid refusals. For customary or religious marriages, additional affidavits or registrations may be required.

Can I switch from a visitor visa to a dependent visa after I arrive

It depends on your circumstances and current policy. In many cases, you must enter on the correct entry visa category that matches your intended status. Some in country regularizations are allowed within a defined window. Speak with a lawyer or the State Command in Lafia to confirm whether a switch is possible in your case before your visitor status expires.

What happens if the principal person changes employer or loses their permit

A dependant’s status is tied to the principal person. If the principal person changes employer or their permit is cancelled, the dependant’s status may be affected and can be cancelled or require re regularization. Coordinate any employer change with immigration authorities and seek legal advice in advance so the dependant is not left without status.

Can polygamous marriages or unregistered customary marriages qualify

Nigerian immigration authorities assess the validity of the marriage based on Nigerian law and proof of the relationship. Some marriages require civil registration or additional evidence to be recognized. Polygamous marriages add complexity and may not be accepted for all immigration benefits. A lawyer can help you document the relationship or advise on alternative pathways.

What are the penalties for overstaying

Overstays can lead to daily fines, removal, and difficulties obtaining future visas or permits. The Nigeria Immigration Service determines fines and remedies case by case. If you think you may overstay, seek legal help immediately to explore available options such as timely extensions, renewals, or departure planning.

Additional Resources

Nigeria Immigration Service Nasarawa State Command in Lafia for in country applications, CERPAC issuance, renewals, and status changes.

Ministry of Interior for policies on expatriate quota, employer obligations, and residence related matters that may affect dependants.

Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs for guidance on apostille or consular legalization of foreign civil status documents.

Legal Aid Council of Nigeria, Nasarawa office, for low cost legal information and referrals where eligible.

Nigerian Bar Association, Lafia Branch, for referrals to licensed immigration and family law practitioners.

The applicant’s home country embassy or consulate in Nigeria for passport services, notarizations, and parental consent documentation.

International Organization for Migration, Nigeria offices, for general migrant information and referrals.

Next Steps

Confirm eligibility. Identify who is the principal person and list the dependants who qualify. Verify that the principal person’s status in Nigeria is valid and can support dependants.

Gather documents. Collect passports, marriage and birth certificates, adoption or custody orders, employer letters, CERPAC details, and photographs. Arrange certified translations where needed. Complete legalization or apostille on foreign documents before filing.

Plan the filing route. If outside Nigeria, prepare the entry visa application through the appropriate Nigerian mission or online system. If already in Lafia and eligible to regularize or renew, prepare an in country submission to the Nigeria Immigration Service Nasarawa State Command.

Mind your timelines. Track visa validity, the regularization window, and CERPAC expiry. Do not overstay. Book appointments early and keep copies of all receipts and submissions.

Consult a qualified lawyer. A local practitioner in Lafia can pre screen your documents, liaise with the State Command, and address special issues such as stepchildren, name variations, or prior refusals. Legal support reduces the risk of delays and refusals.

Stay compliant after approval. Keep your CERPAC and passport valid, report changes in address or marital status, and renew on time. If a dependant wants to work, seek advice on changing to a work authorized status before starting any job.

This guide provides general information only. Immigration rules and practices can change, and local procedures in Lafia may differ. For case specific advice, speak with a qualified lawyer or contact the Nigeria Immigration Service Nasarawa State Command.