Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) Recruitment 2026/2027: Cadres, Eligibility and CDCFIB Portal

As of early July 2026, the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) 2026/2027 recruitment portal has not yet officially opened.

The official CDCFIB recruitment portal currently shows the 2024/2025 recruitment cycle as closed, and no new cycle has been confirmed live on the Service’s official channels.

The most recent completed NIS recruitment exercise ran online from 21st July 2025 to 30th October 2025 through the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB) portal.

Some recruitment information platforms report an anticipated opening date of Tuesday, 14th July 2026, but this has not been independently confirmed on NIS’s or CDCFIB’s official website. This guide explains how NIS recruitment works, what to prepare, and where to check for the official announcement.

About the Organization

The Nigeria Immigration Service was established in 1963, when it was carved out of the Nigeria Police Force to become an independent agency. It operates under the supervision of Nigeria’s Ministry of Interior and is responsible for border control, passport issuance, resident permits, and other immigration-related matters. The Service is currently headed by the Comptroller-General, Mrs. Kemi Nandap.

Available Positions

NIS recruitment typically runs across three broad cadres, based on educational qualification:

• Assistant Superintendent of Immigration II (ASI II): degree cadre
• Assistant Superintendent of Immigration I (ASI I): degree cadre
• Senior Inspector of Immigration (SII): ND/NCE cadre
• Assistant Inspector of Immigration (AII): ND/NCE cadre
• Immigration Assistant cadre: SSCE/O’Level cadre

Eligibility Requirements

Educational Qualifications

Cadre	Qualification
Superintendent cadre (ASI II/ASI I)	Minimum of a first degree (HND accepted for some positions) from a recognised institution
Inspectorate cadre (SII/AII)	National Diploma (ND), NCE, or equivalent
Assistant cadre	SSCE, GCE, or NECO with credit passes as specified

Age Requirements

General age requirements historically cited by NIS range between 18 and 35 years, though some sources indicate 18 to 30 years for certain cadres. Applicants should confirm the exact age bracket stated on the live application portal for the specific cycle, as this detail can vary by cadre and by year.

Other General Eligibility Criteria

• Must be a Nigerian citizen by birth or descent
• Must be medically fit, with certification from a government hospital
• Must be of good character, with no criminal convictions or affiliation with secret societies or cults
• Must not be financially embarrassed (not an undischarged bankrupt)
• Specific height and chest measurement requirements have applied in past cycles (e.g. minimum height 1.65m for males, 1.60m for females)

Required Documents

• NYSC Discharge Certificate or lawful Exemption Letter (for degree-holder cadre)
• Educational credentials matching the applied cadre
• Valid means of identification and NIN
• Completed referee and security clearance forms (required at screening stage)
• Active email address and functional phone number for portal registration

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Visit the official CDCFIB portal at recruitment.cdcfib.gov.ng, or immigration.gov.ng, once the portal is confirmed open.
2. Register and create an account with a valid email address and phone number.
3. Select “Nigeria Immigration Service” specifically, since CDCFIB also handles recruitment for the NSCDC, Nigerian Correctional Service, and Federal Fire Service.
4. Fill in personal details exactly as they appear on your NIN record.
5. Select your preferred cadre based on your qualification.
6. Upload your scanned documents in the specified format.
7. Review all entries carefully, then submit. Submitting more than one application leads to automatic disqualification.
8. Print out your referee and security clearance forms for submission at the screening stage.

Official Recruitment Portal Information

The only verified, government-linked recruitment channels for NIS are recruitment.cdcfib.gov.ng and immigration.gov.ng. Multiple third-party domains (some using names like “niscareer,” “immigrationrecruitment.org.ng,” or similar) circulate online; applicants should be cautious and always cross-check against the two official portals above before submitting personal information or payment.

Recruitment Stages

1. Portal opening and online application (open for a fixed period, historically around four weeks)
2. Document upload and submission
3. Shortlisting based on submitted credentials
4. Computer-Based Test (CBT) for shortlisted candidates, with date and venue communicated directly
5. Physical screening, including document verification, medical, and physical fitness checks
6. Final selection and enlistment

Selection Process

Selection combines documentation screening, CBT performance, and physical/medical screening. The CBT typically covers current affairs (Nigerian history, NIS-specific knowledge), general knowledge of international organisations (ECOWAS, UN, OPEC, AU), and basic information technology awareness.

Common Mistakes Applicants Make

• Submitting more than one application: this results in automatic disqualification
• Applying for a cadre that doesn’t match their qualification level
• Declaring certificates not tendered and accepted at the recruitment centre (these become invalid after the exercise)
• Using details that don’t match their NIN record
• Applying through unofficial third-party websites

Expert Tips for Success

• Prepare your NYSC certificate, credentials, and NIN details in advance so you’re ready the moment the portal opens.
• Apply only once, and only through recruitment.cdcfib.gov.ng or immigration.gov.ng.
• Select the cadre that matches your qualification precisely.
• Watch for the official four-week application window; the portal closes automatically after this period.
• Keep your referee and security clearance forms ready ahead of screening.

Recruitment Scam Warning

NIS has explicitly stated that all stages of its recruitment exercise are free of charge. No applicant should pay any individual, group, or website in connection with the NIS recruitment form. Report suspicious payment requests and verify any recruitment news against the official CDCFIB and NIS websites before acting on it.

Important Dates and Deadlines

Event	Date
Most recent completed NIS recruitment cycle	21st July 2025 – 30th October 2025
CDCFIB portal status (as of this writing)	Closed; 2026/2027 cycle not yet officially opened
Reported anticipated opening (unconfirmed)	Tuesday, 14th July 2026

Because the 2026/2027 date has not been officially confirmed by NIS or CDCFIB at the time of writing, treat any specific date from third-party sites as provisional until you see it on the official portal. Bookmark this page and check back for verified updates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the NIS 2026/2027 recruitment portal open now?

No. As of this writing, the CDCFIB portal shows the previous cycle as closed, and the 2026/2027 exercise has not been officially confirmed as open.

Where do I apply when the portal opens?

Through recruitment.cdcfib.gov.ng or immigration.gov.ng. These are the two verified official channels.

Is there a fee to apply?

No. NIS recruitment is completely free at every stage.

What cadre should I apply for?

This depends on your highest qualification: degree/HND holders apply for the Superintendent cadre, ND/NCE holders apply for the Inspectorate cadre, and SSCE/GCE/NECO holders apply for the Assistant cadre.

Can I apply for more than one cadre or submit multiple applications?

No. NIS explicitly disqualifies applicants who submit more than one application.

How will I know when the portal opens?

Monitor the official NIS website (immigration.gov.ng), the CDCFIB portal, and NIS’s verified social media channels. Bookmark this page, as it will be updated once the exercise is officially confirmed.

Conclusion

The Nigeria Immigration Service remains one of Nigeria’s most sought-after federal career paths, offering job security, structured promotion, and the chance to serve at the frontline of the country’s border management. While the 2026/2027 recruitment portal has not yet officially opened, preparing your documents and understanding the cadre structure now puts you ahead of the rush once applications begin. Bookmark this page, share it with other job seekers, and check back regularly, as this guide will be updated the moment NIS confirms its 2026/2027 recruitment dates.