How to Relocate to the UK from Nigeria

Last updated on September 30th, 2023

Are you planning to relocate to the UK from Nigeria? The biggest risk when migrating to the UK as Nigerians is not having a carefully laid out plan or understanding the processes of obtaining a permanent stay in the country. This poor planning can frustrate you along the way and ultimately lead to your return to Nigeria or deportation.

Generally, you can relocate to the UK if you receive a valid job offer from a UK-based company or employer and apply for a Skilled Worker visa (formally Tier 2 visa) to work there.

If your application is successful, the UK visa office will send you an email or passport detailing your immigration status, visa validity, and so on.

After five years of living in the UK on a work visa (skilled Worker visa), you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (Permanent Residence). Your ILR allows you to remain in the UK without restrictions, and if you meet the requirements, you can apply for citizenship.

Aside from the skilled worker visa, you can also migrate to the UK through other types of visas, such as student, family, and partner/spouse visas.

To know more about UK immigration, the options available, and the cost to relocate to the UK from Nigeria, continue reading.

What UK Visa types are available to Nigerians to relocate to the UK?

Before moving to the UK from Nigeria, you must obtain a visa. Depending on why you want to migrate to the UK, you can apply for one of several visa categories.

Each tier has different eligibility requirements, and you must present sufficient evidence and documents to show that you are eligible for your desired visa. The list of UK visas allowing Nigerians to relocate to the UK is provided below.

• Skilled Worker Visa for Nigerians
• Student Visa for Nigerians
• UK Spouse Visa for Nigerians
• UK Family Visa for Nigerians

What are the requirements to relocate to the UK from Nigeria?

The visa requirements for moving to the UK from Nigeria vary depending on the UK visa types stated above.

To relocate, however, you must have a valid passport or travel document, proof of funds to support yourself in certain conditions, and not have any criminal background.

How can I migrate to the UK from Nigeria as a skilled worker?

One way to relocate to the UK is through the skilled worker visa route. This visa essentially permits you to relocate to work in a skilled job position for an approved employer or sponsor who is a UK-based company or business in the UK that holds a UKVI sponsorship license.

If you are a Nigerian, you may be eligible to migrate to the UK if you meet the following requirements:

• You must have accepted a valid job offer from a UK Government-approved business and have a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).
• This employment must be listed as an approved occupation and pay the minimum wage for the type of labor.
• You must submit a test result from a Secure English Language Test Provider (SELT) to demonstrate your English language proficiency.
• You must establish your identification by scheduling and attending a Visa Application Centre (VAC), where your biometric information and passport will be received and processed.
• You must also demonstrate sufficient personal funds and pay both the application cost and the health surcharge for yourself and anyone else moving to the UK with you.

If you meet the above requirements, you are good to go; follow the steps below to submit a UK Visa application.

How can I migrate to the UK from Nigeria as a Student?

Another way to move to the UK from Nigeria is via a student visa (formerly Tier 4 visa). It is a common visa route for Nigerians who want to study a higher education course at a UK university and stay permanently after completing their studies.

Nigerians who are aged 18 and above can apply for a UK student visa provided they meet the requirements. Below are all you need to know about the student visa for Nigerians, including requirements;

• You must have been admitted to a full-time academic program in the United Kingdom.
• You must study B2 level English from the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages unless you’re a government-sponsored student.
• You must be financially capable of supporting yourself in terms of tuition and living expenses in the UK.
• You must establish that you will not be financially dependent on the government.
• You must intend to return to Nigeria after completing the course.
• Finally, you must be proficient in English.

For more information on UK student visa requirements for Nigerian students, visit this reference page.

How can I relocate from Nigeria through a UK Spouse visa?

The UK spouse visa allows you to join your spouse or partner in the UK. However, if you are yet to be married, but you plan to do it in the UK once you arrive, you can apply for a Fiancé Visa.

To be eligible, you must meet the following requirements:

• You and your partner must be over the age of 18 years.
• You must be legally married or in a recognized civil partnership in the UK.
• Your sponsor should be either a British citizen or a permanent resident of the UK.
• Before getting married, you must have met in person at least once.
• You must have been living together for the past two years.

If you meet these requirements as a spouse, follow the steps below to apply for a UK visa from Nigeria.

How Can I Apply for a UK Visa From Nigeria?

If you meet the requirements listed above for a skilled worker, spouse, or student visa, you can apply for a UK visa by following the steps below:

• Choose the visa type for which you are eligible and the required documents.
• Prepare your application and gather all the required documents.
• Book and attend an appointment at a Visa Application Centre (VAC), where you will submit your biometric information and passport to prove your identification to the UK Government.
• You must also submit copies of your evidence (or papers) online before the appointment date or at the venue, depending on your booking option. An example of a Visa Application Centre in Nigeria is TLSContact, which has offices in Lagos and Abuja.
• If your application is successful, the UK visa office will send you an email or passport detailing your immigration status, visa validity, and so on.

How much does it cost a Nigerian to relocate to the UK?

Generally, the cost of relocating to the UK from Nigeria may vary depending on the UK visa type you intend to use;

• for the purpose of studying in the UK, it will cost ₦2,102,271 or more.
• to join your spouse in the UK, it will cost ₦2,000,000 or more
• to relocate to work in the UK, it will cost ₦1,100,000 or more.

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