Best Dependent Visa Lawyers in Lafia

About Dependent Visa Law in Lafia, Nigeria

A dependent visa in Nigeria allows eligible family members to join or remain with a principal visa holder or resident in Nigeria. In practice, this commonly applies to the spouse and minor children of a foreign national who holds a valid residence permit in Nigeria, often documented through the Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card, known as CERPAC. It can also cover certain family members of Nigerian citizens or permanent residents, subject to eligibility and documentation. Because immigration is regulated at the federal level, the Nigeria Immigration Service handles applications nationwide. If you live in or near Lafia, you typically process biometric capture, renewals, and related follow ups at the Nigeria Immigration Service Nasarawa State Command in Lafia after obtaining the correct entry visa from a Nigerian embassy or consulate abroad.

The general pathway is apply for the correct entry visa abroad, enter Nigeria, then regularize status in country. Dependants of expatriates usually apply for a dependant CERPAC after the principal has obtained or renewed their own CERPAC. Dependants of Nigerian citizens can regularize residence based on marriage or parentage. Processing is document heavy and time sensitive, so careful preparation is important.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Immigration filings are technical and timelines are strict. A lawyer can help you avoid delays, refusals, or inadvertent non compliance. Common situations where legal help is useful include complex family structures such as adopted children or guardianship, proof of marriage or recognition of foreign marriage certificates, prior visa refusals or overstay issues, changing status following a new job for the principal or a change of employer, ensuring company expatriate quota and documentation support for dependants of employees, cases involving ECOWAS citizens where visa free entry interacts with residence documentation, navigating dependent work and study restrictions, correcting errors in visas or CERPAC cards, and preparing appeals or reconsideration requests after a refusal. A local lawyer in Lafia also knows the practical requirements of the Nigeria Immigration Service office in Nasarawa State, which can save time and reduce stress.

Local Laws Overview

Immigration in Nigeria is governed by federal law, primarily the Immigration Act 2015 and the Immigration Regulations 2017. The Nigeria Immigration Service is the implementing authority. Key points that affect dependent visas include who counts as a dependent, the type of entry visa to request, how to regularize residence after entry, validity periods and renewal, and whether a dependent may work or study. ECOWAS citizens enjoy visa free entry for short stays under regional protocols, but still need to obtain the appropriate residence documentation if residing in Nigeria as dependants. For expatriate families, the principal must maintain valid residence and comply with any expatriate quota approvals issued to the employer. Loss of the principal’s status can jeopardize the dependent’s status.

In Lafia and across Nasarawa State, practical processing steps happen at the Nigeria Immigration Service State Command after entry into Nigeria. Applicants should expect biometric capture, original document verification, and payment of official fees through approved channels. Dependants of Nigerian citizens may need to show a valid marriage certificate or birth certificates, while dependants of expatriates typically need a letter from the principal’s employer, evidence of the principal’s valid CERPAC, and proof of relationship. For minors, parental consent documents are important. Nigerian authorities take document authenticity seriously, so certified copies, official translations, and affidavits sworn in a High Court may be required when originals are foreign or not in English.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who qualifies as a dependent in Nigeria

Typically a legal spouse and unmarried minor children of the principal visa holder or resident qualify. In limited cases, older children in full time education or dependent parents may qualify, but this is not automatic and depends on current policy. Proof of relationship and dependency is required.

Can my partner qualify if we are not legally married

Nigeria generally requires a legally recognized marriage for a spouse dependent pathway. Unmarried or common law partners usually do not qualify. Where a customary or religious marriage exists, you may need formal documentation or registration to prove it. A lawyer can advise on evidence that Nigerian authorities will accept.

What is the usual process for dependants of expatriates working in Nigeria

The principal obtains the appropriate entry and residence permissions, often beginning with an STR entry visa and then a CERPAC. The dependant applies for the correct entry visa abroad, enters Nigeria, then applies in country for a dependant CERPAC at the Nigeria Immigration Service office, such as the State Command in Lafia for Nasarawa residents.

How long does processing take

Timelines vary based on the mission abroad, the completeness of your documents, and local workload. Entry visas can take from a few days to several weeks. In country regularization and CERPAC issuance can take a few weeks after biometrics and fee payment. Plan for contingencies and do not make immovable travel plans until you have the required approvals.

Can a dependent work or run a business in Nigeria

Not automatically. A dependant’s right to work is restricted unless the person obtains the appropriate authorization. Some dependant categories are not work authorized. If a dependant wishes to work, legal advice is recommended to determine whether a change of status or separate work authorization is needed.

Can my children attend school while on a dependent status

Yes, dependants can enroll in school. Schools will ask for immigration documentation, birth certificates, and immunization records. Keep your child’s residence documentation valid throughout their studies.

Do I need to legalize or authenticate my marriage and birth certificates

Often yes. Foreign documents typically require legalization or apostille in the country of issuance and may need translation to English. Nigerian authorities may also require confirmation from a Nigerian embassy or consulate. Bring originals and certified copies.

What happens if the principal changes employer or loses status

The dependent’s status is tied to the principal. If the principal changes employer, a fresh regularization may be needed. If the principal’s status lapses, the dependent’s status can also lapse. Seek legal help immediately to avoid overstay penalties and to plan the correct filings.

Are there special rules for ECOWAS nationals and their families

ECOWAS citizens benefit from visa free short visits. For residence as dependants, they still need to obtain appropriate residence documentation through the Nigeria Immigration Service. Always keep proof of identity and relationship handy and follow local registration requirements.

What if my application is refused

You may request reconsideration or appeal through the Nigeria Immigration Service, and in some cases seek judicial review. A lawyer can help you identify the refusal reason, gather stronger evidence, and pursue the correct remedy within deadlines.

Additional Resources

Nigeria Immigration Service, Nasarawa State Command, Lafia. Visit the State Command for in person guidance, biometrics, and application follow up.

Nigeria Immigration Service Headquarters, Abuja. Issues national policy guidance and fee schedules that apply in Lafia.

Federal Ministry of Interior. Oversees immigration policy and certain residence approvals.

Nigerian Embassies and Consulates abroad. Handle entry visa applications for dependants before travel to Nigeria.

Legal Aid Council of Nigeria, Nasarawa State Office. Can provide guidance or referrals where eligible.

Nigerian Bar Association, Nasarawa State branches. Useful for finding licensed immigration lawyers in Lafia.

International Organization for Migration, Nigeria. Provides general migrant information and support services.

Next Steps

Clarify your eligibility. Identify whether you qualify as a spouse, child, or other dependent under current Nigerian rules. If you are unsure, consult a lawyer in Lafia who focuses on immigration.

Gather core documents. Valid passports, marriage certificate, birth certificates for children, passport size photos, principal’s residence documents and employer letters for expatriate families, police or medical certificates if requested, and legalized or translated copies where needed.

Apply for the correct entry visa. If you are outside Nigeria, submit your entry visa application at a Nigerian embassy or consulate with the precise category for dependants. Keep all receipts and reference numbers.

Regularize in Lafia. After arrival, visit the Nigeria Immigration Service Nasarawa State Command for biometrics, fee payment through approved channels, and issuance or renewal of your dependant CERPAC or other residence documentation.

Respect timelines. Track visa and residence expiry dates, school term requirements for children, and any employer related filings that affect the principal.

Seek legal help early. If your case is complex, documents are not straightforward, or you face delays or refusals, engage a Lafia based lawyer experienced in immigration. Verify fees against official schedules and avoid informal intermediaries.

This guide provides general information, not legal advice. Laws and procedures change. For advice tailored to your situation in Lafia, consult a qualified Nigerian immigration lawyer.