The United Kingdom is a popular destination for Nigerians looking to travel, work, or study abroad. With its world-class universities, abundant job opportunities, and rich cultural heritage, it’s no wonder so many Nigerians choose to make the UK their second home every year.
Also Read:How to Apply for the UK Government’s N10 Million Relocation Offer for Nigerian Graduates
However, before making the big move, it’s important to understand the UK visa application process, including the fees involved. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of UK visa categories, application procedures, documents required, and fees for Nigerian citizens in 2023.
Overview of UK Visa Application Process
The UK visa application process involves:
- Choosing the right visa category based on your purpose of travel
- Completing the online or paper application form
- Paying the visa application fee
- Providing supporting documents like bank statements, travel itinerary etc.
- Attending a biometrics appointment (if required)
- Waiting for a decision on your visa application
The processing time can take anywhere from 3 weeks to several months depending on the visa type. Applicants are advised to apply well in advance of their proposed travel date.
Now let’s look at the major UK visa categories and their application fees for Nigerian citizens:
UK Visit Visa Fees
The Standard Visitor Visa allows Nigerians to travel to the UK for tourism, visiting family/friends, or other short-term purposes like business trips, sports tours, etc.
Key details:
- Cost: £95 (around ₦51,000)
- Processing time: Typically within 3 weeks
- Validity: Up to 6 months stay
- Biometrics required: Yes
The supporting documents for a Standard Visitor Visa include:
- Passport
- Proof of sufficient funds to cover the trip
- Travel itinerary
- Sponsor documents (if applicable)
- Evidence of ties to Nigeria
There are also other types like the Permitted Paid Engagement Visa and Marriage/Civil Partner Visa under this category.
UK Study Visa Fees
For Nigerians looking to pursue higher education in the UK, the Student Visa is your pathway.
Key details:
- Cost: £348 (around ₦187,000)
- Processing time: Typically within 3 weeks
- Validity: Duration of study program
- Biometrics required: Yes
The key requirements for a Student Visa are:
- Unconditional offer letter from a licensed UK university
- Proof you can support yourself financially
- English language proficiency
- TB test results (in some cases)
If you’re under 18, you’ll also need consent from a parent or guardian. Short-term study visas are also available if the course duration is less than 6 months.
UK Work Visa Fees
For Nigerians seeking employment and long-term stays in the UK, the main routes are:
Tier 2 (General) Visa
Cost: £610 (around ₦328,000) Processing time: Typically within 3 weeks Validity: Up to 5 years Biometrics required: Yes
This visa requires a job offer from a licensed UK employer and an endorsement certificate. Applicants must meet skills, salary, and English language requirements.
Tier 5 (Temporary Worker) Visa
Cost: £244 (around ₦131,000) Processing time: Typically within 3 weeks Validity: Up to 2 years Biometrics required: Yes
This visa covers short-term employment, research, training programs, internships, and youth exchange schemes.
Other work routes include the Intra-Company Transfer Visa and the Innovator Visa.
UK Family Visas
Spouses, partners, and dependents of UK citizens or residents can apply under this category.
Spouse/Partner Visa
Cost: £1,523 (around ₦818,000) Processing time: Typically 12 weeks Validity: 2.5 years initially Biometrics required: Yes
Applicants must prove a genuine relationship, English proficiency, and adequate accommodation.
Dependent Child Visa
Cost: £1,523 (around ₦818,000) Processing time: Typically 12 weeks Validity: Typically linked to parent’s visa
Documents like birth certificates, consent letters, and both parents’ visas are required.
There are also visas like Fiancé(e) and Proposed Civil Partner Visas under this route.
Other UK Visa Fees
Some other common UK visa types and their fees include:
- Ancestry Visa – £516 (around ₦277,000)
- Global Talent Visa – £152 (around ₦82,000)
- Business Visa – £610 (around ₦328,000)
- Start-up/Innovator Visa – £363 (around ₦195,000)
The costs may vary slightly based on current exchange rates. Applicants should always check gov.uk for updated fees before applying.
Additional Fees
Besides the visa application fee, you also have to account for:
- NHS Healthcare Surcharge: £624 per year (around ₦335,000) to access UK health services
- Biometric enrollment fee: ₦30,000 for fingerprint scans and facial photograph capture
- Priority/super priority service: Additional £500+ for faster processing
- English language test fee: Around £150+ if required as proof of proficiency
- TB test: Around ₦20,000 if applicable
- Courier/shipping fee: If you need documents returned by mail/courier
So factor in these additional costs as you plan your UK visa application budget.
Key Tips for Visa Success
To boost your chances of UK visa approval, keep these tips in mind:
- Provide complete, accurate information on your application form. Inconsistencies lead to rejections.
- Include all required supporting documents. Missing paperwork also leads to visa denials.
- Meet the specific eligibility criteria for the visa category you’re applying under.
- Be truthful if you have any previous visa refusals. Declare it and explain the circumstances.
- Book your biometrics appointment as soon as you pay the visa fee.
- Opt for priority/super priority service if you need the visa decision faster.
- Get professional assistance from accredited immigration consultants if needed.
Following these best practices will smoothen your UK visa application experience.
Apply for Your UK Visa
Hopefully, this guide gives you a clear overview of current UK visa fees and requirements for Nigerian citizens in 2023. The costs can seem daunting, but thousands of Nigerians successfully make the transition every year.
If planned properly and you submit a strong application, you have an excellent chance of UK visa success. So take the opportunity to pursue new education, career, and lifestyle goals in the UK.
All the best!