Federal Republic of Nigeria · work sponsored
Subject to Regularisation (STR) Employment Visa
By Sam Parks · Last reviewed:
The entry visa a foreign worker uses to come to Nigeria for employment and then regularise their stay into a CERPAC residence-and-work permit.
- Processing time
- Indicative only - confirm current timelines on the official Nigeria Immigration Service page and with the relevant Nigerian mission.
- Government fees
- Indicative only - government and mission fees apply; confirm current amounts on the official Nigeria Immigration Service page.
- Typical duration
- Single-journey entry visa used to enter and then regularise into a CERPAC; confirm validity on the official page.
- Sponsorship required
- Yes
- Leads to permanent residency
- No
Overview
The Subject to Regularisation (STR) visa, also described under the Employment Visa (R2A) category, is the entry route for a foreign national who has a job offer from a Nigerian company that holds an approved expatriate quota. It is applied for at a Nigerian embassy or high commission abroad, and on arrival the holder regularises their stay by obtaining a CERPAC. The STR visa is therefore the front door of the employment chain rather than a standalone long-term status, and it is employer-tied. It does not lead to settlement on its own.
Eligibility
Typical criteria
- ✓A confirmed offer of employment from a Nigerian-registered company.Nigeria Immigration Service ↗
- ✓The employing company holds an approved expatriate quota slot for the position.Nigeria Immigration Service ↗
- ✓Application made through a Nigerian embassy or high commission before travel.Nigeria Immigration Service ↗
- ✓Intention to regularise the stay into a CERPAC after arrival in Nigeria.Nigeria Immigration Service ↗
Common blockers
- !No expatriate quota slot held by the employer for the role.Nigeria Immigration Service ↗
- !Attempting to take up employment on a visit or business visa instead of the STR route.Nigeria Immigration Service ↗
- !Incomplete corporate documents from the sponsoring company at the application stage.Nigeria Immigration Service ↗
Typical evidence
- ·Letter of offer or employment from the Nigerian employer.Nigeria Immigration Service ↗
- ·Evidence of the company expatriate quota approval.Nigeria Immigration Service ↗
- ·Valid passport and completed visa application.Nigeria Immigration Service ↗
- ·Company incorporation and business permit documents.Nigeria Immigration Service ↗
Application pathway
Check the route fit
Confirm the employer holds an expatriate quota slot and that the STR (R2A) route is the correct entry visa for your role.
Build the evidence pack
Gather the employment offer, quota approval and company documents needed for the embassy application.
Submit through the official channel
Apply for the STR visa through the relevant Nigerian embassy or high commission before travelling.
After approval
Enter Nigeria on the STR visa and regularise your stay by applying for a CERPAC through the official channel.
Official application links
Where to actually go next
These are the official pages to use for this route. Open them before preparing documents: the forms, fees, appointment systems, and sponsor steps can change without warning.
- Official guidanceApplicant + sponsorUse official Subject to Regularisation (STR) Employment Visa route page ↗
Use this official page to confirm requirements and follow the government filing route for Subject to Regularisation (STR) Employment Visa.
Nigeria Immigration Service · verified
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Related routes
CERPAC (Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card)
The core residence-and-work permit for expatriates living in Nigeria for a year or more, issued by the Nigeria Immigration Service and renewable while the underlying employment and expatriate quota remain valid.
Expatriate Quota (company-level authorisation)
A Ministry of Interior authorisation that grants a Nigerian company a fixed number of slots to employ expatriates in named positions, underpinning each worker's STR visa and CERPAC.
Frequently asked questions
Does the STR visa let me work as soon as I arrive?+
The STR visa is the entry route, but your lawful residence and work authorisation in Nigeria are completed by regularising into a CERPAC after arrival. Confirm the exact sequence and timing on the official Nigeria Immigration Service Employment Visa (R2A) page.
Can I switch employers on an STR visa?+
The route is tied to the company that holds the expatriate quota slot you were recruited against, so changing employers generally means a new quota slot and application. Confirm the current rules on the official Nigeria Immigration Service page.
Need tailored advice?
We do not provide legal advice. For an application that depends on your exact circumstances, consult a regulator-listed immigration advisor.
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