For thousands of young Nigerians, applying to join the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) is more than just filling out forms online. It is the first step toward securing a career in one of the nation’s most respected paramilitary agencies. Now that the 2025/2026 recruitment application has closed, the burning question on everyone’s mind is simple: “Has the shortlist been released?”
The Nigeria Immigration Service shortlisted candidates 2025/2026 PDF is the official document that carries the names of applicants who have successfully scaled through the first stage of the recruitment exercise. This single file can determine whether an applicant continues in the process or must wait until another recruitment cycle.
How the Shortlist Works
The shortlist is not just a random list of names. It is the product of careful screening of the applications submitted. Officers of the Nigeria Immigration Service verify the documents, qualifications, and details provided by each candidate before compiling the list of those who meet the requirements.
The PDF serves as a gate pass. Without your name appearing on it, there is no entry to the physical screening or aptitude test stage. It is therefore the most awaited document in the recruitment process.
The Journey from Application to Shortlisting
To appreciate the importance of this stage, it helps to recall the journey so far. When the NIS recruitment portal opened, applicants were asked to fill in personal details, upload their educational qualifications, and select the category they were applying for. These could be:
- Superintendent cadre – for university degree holders
- Inspectorate cadre – for NCE, ND, and equivalent
- Assistant cadre – for SSCE holders
Once submitted, the applications underwent checks. Did the candidate provide genuine documents? Was the age within the approved range? Was the qualification suitable for the position applied for? Only those who ticked all these boxes made it into the shortlisted candidates PDF.
What You Will Find in the NIS Shortlist
The Nigeria Immigration Service arranges its shortlist in a simple and user-friendly way. Inside the document, candidates can expect to see:
- Full names of successful applicants
- Application number or ID
- State of origin (grouping applicants by state)
- Assigned screening venue
- Screening date
Because it is organized by states, it is easy for candidates to jump straight to their section instead of scrolling endlessly.
How to Access the 2025/2026 NIS Shortlist
When the Service releases the shortlist, candidates should follow these general steps:
- Visit the official NIS recruitment portal niscareers.com.ng.
- Look for the announcement section marked “Shortlisted Candidates 2025/2026.”
- Download the PDF file provided.
- Open the document, navigate to your state, and carefully search for your name.
- Save the file and, if possible, print a copy for your records.
This is a crucial step because mistakes such as skipping over your name or not checking early could cause unnecessary panic.
The Screening Stage
Finding your name on the list is a moment of joy, but it is also the beginning of a new challenge. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to the screening exercise, which often comes in stages:
- Physical fitness assessment – Candidates are checked for height, chest measurement (for males), and general fitness.
- Document verification – Officials will request to see your original and photocopied documents.
- Medical test – To confirm you are medically fit for duty.
- Aptitude test – Written exams may be conducted to test reasoning ability and general knowledge.
Failure to attend the screening or to pass these checks automatically disqualifies a candidate.
Documents You Must Present
At the venue, the following items are usually mandatory:
- Original and photocopies of academic certificates (O’Level, ND, NCE, HND, B.Sc., depending on the cadre)
- Birth certificate or age declaration
- Certificate of origin from local government or state authority
- National Identity Number (NIN) slip or any valid ID card
- Four recent passport photographs
- Application acknowledgment slip from the recruitment portal
Dress code is another key instruction. NIS typically expects all candidates to appear in plain white T-shirts, white shorts, white socks, and white canvas shoes.
Screening Locations Across Nigeria
Instead of converging in Abuja, candidates are usually asked to report at NIS State Command Headquarters within their respective states. This makes the process easier and ensures better organization.
Here is a breakdown of possible venues across the country:
State | Likely NIS Screening Venue |
---|---|
Abia | NIS Command, Umuahia |
Adamawa | NIS Command, Yola |
Akwa Ibom | NIS Command, Uyo |
Anambra | NIS Command, Awka |
Bauchi | NIS Command, Bauchi |
Bayelsa | NIS Command, Yenagoa |
Benue | NIS Command, Makurdi |
Borno | NIS Command, Maiduguri |
Cross River | NIS Command, Calabar |
Delta | NIS Command, Asaba |
Ebonyi | NIS Command, Abakaliki |
Edo | NIS Command, Benin City |
Ekiti | NIS Command, Ado-Ekiti |
Enugu | NIS Command, Enugu |
FCT (Abuja) | NIS National Headquarters, Abuja |
Gombe | NIS Command, Gombe |
Imo | NIS Command, Owerri |
Jigawa | NIS Command, Dutse |
Kaduna | NIS Command, Kaduna |
Kano | NIS Command, Kano |
Katsina | NIS Command, Katsina |
Kebbi | NIS Command, Birnin Kebbi |
Kogi | NIS Command, Lokoja |
Kwara | NIS Command, Ilorin |
Lagos | NIS Command, Lagos |
Nasarawa | NIS Command, Lafia |
Niger | NIS Command, Minna |
Ogun | NIS Command, Abeokuta |
Ondo | NIS Command, Akure |
Osun | NIS Command, Osogbo |
Oyo | NIS Command, Ibadan |
Plateau | NIS Command, Jos |
Rivers | NIS Command, Port Harcourt |
Sokoto | NIS Command, Sokoto |
Taraba | NIS Command, Jalingo |
Yobe | NIS Command, Damaturu |
Zamfara | NIS Command, Gusau |
Words of Advice for Shortlisted Candidates
- Arrive early at the venue to avoid missing out.
- Keep your documents safe and organized—missing even one vital certificate could cause disqualification.
- Follow the dress code; it is part of discipline.
- Prepare physically; a little exercise before the date can help you perform better.
- Stay calm and confident; officers respect candidates who show discipline under pressure.
Closing Thoughts
The release of the Nigeria Immigration Service shortlisted candidates 2025/2026 PDF download is not just another step—it is the bridge between your application and the real test of suitability. If your name appears, celebrate, but don’t lose focus. The screening and training ahead will demand energy, discipline, and commitment.
For those who may not find their names this time, remember that recruitment into federal agencies is always competitive. Another opportunity will come, and preparation now could make all the difference later.