Nigeria•Africa

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R1B — Spouse of Accredited Diplomat

Residency Pathway

At a Glance

Processing Time

1–4 weeks

Estimated Cost

Free

Stay Duration

2 years

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

No dependents

PR Pathway

None

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote not required

Overview

Spouse of R1A holder

The R1B visa is designed for the spouses of diplomats accredited to Nigeria under the R1A category. It facilitates family reunification for diplomatic personnel and is processed through official diplomatic channels rather than standard public portals. The status is strictly dependent on the principal's accreditation and does not grant independent work authorization.

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Valid Passport (min 6 months validity)

Recent passport photograph

Letter from Nigeria's Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Marriage Certificate

Copy of principal diplomat's (R1A) visa or accreditation proof

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid Passport

Passport Photographs

Note Verbale from home country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Marriage Certificate

Copy of principal's R1A visa/accreditation

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

Often fee-exempt (gratis)
Faster processing than standard visas
Allows residence for the duration of the diplomat's posting

Worth Knowing

Strictly tied to the principal's diplomatic status
No inherent right to work
Requires coordination between Ministries of Foreign Affairs
Lack of diplomatic accreditation of the principal
Incomplete Note Verbale

Application Process

Obtain Note Verbale from home country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Complete application on NIS portal

Submit application and documents to the nearest Nigerian Embassy or Consulate

Undergo processing via diplomatic channels

Application Forms

Nigeria Immigration Service Portal

Fill online

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Overview

Spouse of R1A holder

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Valid Passport (min 6 months validity)

Recent passport photograph

Letter from Nigeria's Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Marriage Certificate

Copy of principal diplomat's (R1A) visa or accreditation proof

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid Passport

Passport Photographs

Note Verbale from home country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Marriage Certificate

Copy of principal's R1A visa/accreditation

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

Often fee-exempt (gratis)
Faster processing than standard visas
Allows residence for the duration of the diplomat's posting

Worth Knowing

Strictly tied to the principal's diplomatic status
No inherent right to work
Requires coordination between Ministries of Foreign Affairs
Lack of diplomatic accreditation of the principal
Incomplete Note Verbale