How to Apply for UK Visa from Nigeria

UK Visa Application Requirements, Fees, Form and Processing Time in Nigeria 2017 – 2018

How much is the current UK visa fee for 6 months? Find out everything you need to know about applying for UK work and visit Visa from Nigeria.

The UK, located on the continent, Europe, comprises England, Scotland, Wales as well as Northern Ireland. A lot of Nigerians travel to various destinations in this country for multifarious reasons: Some persons travel for work or business, while others take a trip to the UK for vacation, tourism or study. As you are well aware, the official language of the United Kingdom is British English.

Before you can be allowed to enter the country, you must have a valid UK visa along with a valid International passport. The process of applying for a UK visa can be a painless one if you are armed with the right information. This article seeks to address this need.

Types of UK Visa

In this section, we will look at 5 common types of UK visa — Tier 1 Visa; Tier 2 Visa (or Work Visa); Tier 4 Visa (or Student Visa); Tier 5 Visa; UK Visitor Visa; and UK Family Visa.

Tier 1 Visa

There are 5 categories under Tier 1 Visa:

General: Applications are no longer accepted for this.

Entrepreneur: This is issued to entrepreneurs planning to establish a business in the United Kingdom.

Investor: This visa is issued to individuals, intending to invest in the country.

Exceptional Talent: This is given to individuals with an endorsement from an academic body/institution.

Graduate Entrepreneur: This kind of visa is issued to graduates with viable business ideas.

Tier 2 Visa

It is issued to individuals that have been offered a skilled job in the United Kingdom.

Tier 4 Visa

This student visa is given to applicants that have a proof of admission to a university in the country and also have sufficient resources needed for living and studying in the UK.

Tier 5 Visa

Tier 5 visa can also function as a work visa. It is given to various persons falling under these categories:

• Exchange authorized by government
• Youth Mobility Program
• Producing sporting visas
• International agreement
• Religious workers
• Charity Workers

UK Visitor Visa

A UK Visitor Visa is normally issued to individuals in need of visas, which will allow them stay in the United Kingdom for a period less than than 6 months. It can be granted to applicants of these types:

• General visitors
• Entertainment visitors
• Academic visitors
• Special visitors (These are people travelling to the country for private medical treatment)

UK Family Visa

UK Family Visa is issued to applicants planning to visit their relations in the country for a short period. It is usually approved for duration of 3 to 6 months. Persons that need permanent residency to stay with relatives would have to complete the necessary process upon their arrival in the United Kingdom.

UK Visa Application

Visa Requirements

• A valid international passport containing  a page, blank on the 2 sides
• A completely filled visa application form(you can complete this online)
• A passport photograph with dimension 29 by 34mm and that meets the other requirements
• A proof of finances such as original statement of account, less than 3 months old
• Payment of visa fee
• A letter of invitation if you are being sponsored by a friend or family member
• Proof of confirmation of accommodation as well as flight bookings
• Utility bills, recently received
• Original marriage certificate if you and your immediately family (partner and children) are travelling together
• If the purpose of your travel is business, a letter of confirmation or invitation of training or confirmation of conference is needed, along with full details for an authorised rep from your organization as well as their contact information
• You can include other supporting documentsto facilitate your visa application

Visa Application Fees

A Standard Visitor Visa costs $138 and has a validity of up to 6 months for single or multiple entry, while a Short-Term Study Visa goes for $144 also with the same validity period. The fee of a Business Visitor Visa is $275, valid up to a year. You can get more information on visa fees on GOV.UK website.

Please note: Visa fees may vary from one country/type to the other. Also, they can be changed anytime without prior notice. Thus, you should check the site occasionally.

How to Apply

Step 1: Open an account on the GOV.UK website.

Step 2: Complete the application form, make payment for the visa fee, and schedule an appointment at a Visa Application Centre, VAC, closest to your location. You’ll receive a mail, which confirms the appointment and the necessary documents you are to present. Also, you’ll be issued a GWF number that is needed for step 3.

Step 3: Supply your personal details on the TLScontact site; you are required to take this step so you can be allowed to attend the appointment. Track your visa application on that same website upon registration.

Step 4: Attend the appointment and provide your biometrics at a UK VAC. To expedite the application process, you can come along with:

• An original passport
• Printed copies of the application form you filled online as well as confirmation of appointment
• Receipt given to you on paying the visa fees
• All relevant documents, as earlier stated
• Other supporting documents

Step 5: Be patient for your application to be processed, and you can track it on the TLScontact website.

Step 6: In this last step, you should collect your passport photograph at the VAC. You will receive a notification when your visa is ready to be collected.

VAC Addresses

Lagos

1^st Floor, Churchgate Building, Tower II, Churchgate Str., Victoria Island, Lagos

Website: TLScontact V.I., Lagos

Ground and 1^st Floors, Etiebets Place, No. 21 Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way, Ikeja, Lagos

Website: TLScontact, Lagos

British Deputy High Commission, Lagos
No. 11 Walter Carrington Crescent, V.I., Lagos

Abuja

3^rd floor, El-Yakub Building (beside Metro Plaza), Plot 1129 Zakariya Maimalari Str., Central Business District, Abuja

Website: TLScontact, Abuja

British High Commission, Abuja
Plot 1137, Diplomatic Drive, Central Business District, Abuja

Have you successfully applied for a UK Visa online? Share your experience.