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Obtaining a UK work visa from Nigeria is a pivotal step for individuals aspiring to establish a professional career in the United Kingdom.
You will need to meet the eligibility criteria and provide the required documents. This process can be challenging; however, we have put together this guide to make it easy.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the process of applying for a UK work visa, ensuring a smooth and successful application journey.
What are the eligibility criteria for a UK work visa from Nigeria?
In general, to qualify for a work visa, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have a clean criminal record.
- Work for a Home Office-approved UK employer.
- Have a certificate of sponsorship from your company that outlines your employment obligations.
- Be sponsored for a stated qualifying occupation within the applicable category, which you may check up on using the 4-digit occupation code issued on your certificate of sponsorship.
- Have a minimum amount of savings available (typically £1270 per application).
- To apply for sponsorship, you must meet the minimum wage criteria for your occupation and apply within 3 months after earning your certificate.
What are the requirements to apply for a UK work visa from Nigeria?
If you want to apply for a UK work visa from Nigeria, you need to submit the following documents:
- A valid passport or travel document, clearly stating your identity and nationality
- Proof of English
- Certificate of sponsorship
- Employer details and job title
- The reference number and license number supplied with your certificate of sponsorship
- The annual salary you have been offered
- The job’s occupation code
- Proof you can financially support yourself in the UK with personal savings (bank statements are valid for this)
- A blank page is available in your passport to stick your work visa into.
- Proof of your relationship with your children or your partner, if applicable (this can be proven with a marriage certificate or birth certificate)
- Criminal Record Certificate
How to Apply for a UK Work Visa From Nigeria
Follow these steps to apply for a UK work visa from Nigeria.
1. Complete the Online Application: Fill out the UK work visa application form accurately and submit it online through the official UK government website.
2. Provide Proof of Identity: All foreign nationals seeking long-term residency in the UK must provide proof of identity. Depending on your passport’s status or nationality, you can do this by either providing fingerprints and a passport photo at a visa application center or by using the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check app to scan your identity document.
3. Submit Identity Information: Once you’ve provided proof of identity, submit your information through the appropriate channels. If using the app, create a UK Visas and Immigration account if necessary.
4. Pay the Visa Fee: Process the visa application fee payment through the designated online payment portal.
5. Book an appointment and submit documents: Visit the visa application center as instructed and leave your passport and required documents for processing. Avoid scheduling any travel plans during this period.
6. Wait for a Decision: After submitting your application, await a decision, which typically takes 3 weeks if applying from abroad or 8 weeks if within the UK. Additional steps like interviews or document submissions may extend the process, but expedited processing options are available for faster decisions.
What work visas are available for Nigerians in the UK?
The types of work visas you require are determined by your specific circumstances and the type of employer who sponsored you. Each visa has distinct qualifying conditions.
Most UK visa applications for Nigerian nationals require proof of sponsorship from an employer. Exceptions to this criterion include the High Potential Individual visa, for example.
If you hold dual citizenship in Nigeria and Ireland, you do not need to apply for a visa to the UK since Irish nationals are exempt from doing so.
Here is a list of the most prevalent work visas:
Long-Term Visas
- Skilled Worker visas
- Global Business Mobility visas
- Minister of Religion visa
- International Sportsperson visas
- High-potential Potential Individual visa
- Scale-Up Visa
- Innovative Founder visa
- Global Talent visa
Short-Term Visas (Temporary Workers)
- Charity Worker visa
- Creative Worker visa
- Government Authority Exchange visa
- Religious Worker visa
- Seasonal Workers
- International Agreement Visa.
Other Types of Visas
- Offshore Worker
- Sheep Shearer
- Overseas Domestic Worker in a private House
- The employee of an overseas newspaper, news agency, or broadcasting organization
- Representative of overseas business
- UK Ancestry
How much is a UK work visa?
The visa application fees in the UK vary depending on the type of visa and the duration of the stay. Generally, fees range from £93 for a short-term study visa to £1,872 for a long-term visa for a person aged 16 or over.
Additionally, fees for other types of visas, such as work visas or family visas, also differ. It’s essential to check the most up-to-date visa application fees.
Conclusion
Securing a UK work visa from Nigeria opens doors to exciting career opportunities. The process of applying for a UK work visa from Nigeria involves providing proof of identity, followed by submitting the necessary information and attending appointments as instructed.
By following the outlined steps diligently and ensuring compliance with visa requirements, applicants can set themselves on a path toward realizing their professional aspirations.
