UK Visa for Nigerians | UK Visa Requirements and How to Apply

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Many Nigerian citizens will love to travel to the UK for various reasons. Apart from the process of getting the UK visa on the same day, they apply for it, travelling to the United Kingdom has become a lot easier for Nigerian citizens since the announcement by the current British High Commissioner.

If you planning to take a trip to the UK for your break, for tourism, for education or for work, and you do not have reliable information on getting a UK visa, here is an update on Uk Visa for Nigerians requirements and how to apply.

Types of UK Visa and Differences

A UK visa is an official document that is needed by an intending traveller to the UK. Your travelling reasons may be for business, tourism, education or for permanent residency.

To understand the different types of UK visa that are available in Nigeria, we will look at the short-stay visa as well as long-stay visa.

For a short visit, what is required is a visitor’s or tourist’s visa. This form of visas include the following:

  • Short-term study visa
  • Marriage visitor visa
  • Standard visitor visa (needed for a tourist)
  • Permitted paid engagement visa
  • Parent of a Tier-4 child visa.

However, for long visits, you will need the following types of visas:

  • Diplomatic visas for government officials on formal assignments.
  • Student visas (lasts for a period up to 3 years) for individuals that intend to study in the UK.

Student visas are of 3 types:

  1. Students that intend studying for less than 6 months in the UK get a short-term study visa.
  2. Those aged more than sixteen years that intend studying in the United Kingdom get a tier 4 (General) student visa.
  3. Students aged between four & seventeen years that intend studying in independent schools in the UK get a tier 4 student visa.

Uk Visa for Nigerians Application Requirements

  • A valid international passport with a page that is blank on both sides
  • Completed visa application form (this is filled online)
  • One passport photograph that meets the requirements
  • Visa fee
  • Proof of finances (e.g. original bank statement that is not older than 3 months)
  • Confirmation of accommodation and flight bookings
  • A letter of invitation if you are being sponsored by a friend or family member
  • Original marriage certificate if you are travelling with your spouse
  • Birth certificates for your children if you are travelling together
  • Recent utility bills
  • If you are travelling for business you will need to include: a letter of invitation/confirmation of training/confirmation of conference; and full details for an authorized representative from your company and their contact details.

To apply for a UK visa for Nigerians you need to:

  • pay your fee
  • book your appointment
  • go to your appointment

1. Pay your fee

Follow the instructions when you apply online to pay your visa fee.

2. Book your appointment

You can book an appointment at the visa application centre in:

  • Abuja
  • Ikeja, Lagos
  • Victoria Island, Lagos

3. Changes to our visa application centres in Nigeria

If you book an appointment at Victoria Island or Abuja you must register with Teleperformance when you have completed your online application.

If you do not register, this will cause delays to your appointment at the visa application center.

4. Go to your appointment

At your appointment you will:

  • submit your application form and supporting documents
  • have your photo and fingerprints (known as “biometric information”) taken.

 

Why Your UK VISA Application Can Be Rejected

The most common reasons for UK visas being rejected are:

  • Submitting false documents.
  • The applicant has received a deportation order
  • The applicant was found guilty of a crime that warrants four years or more of jail time
  • Withholding documentation of a criminal background
  • Insufficient funds.
  • Overstaying a previous visit to the United Kingdom
  • Submitting fraudulent documents on a previous trip to the United Kingdom
  • Not complying with all the application requirements
  • Lack of a valid passport or travel documents
  • Invalid reason for wanting to visit the United Kingdom

Finally, using a visa service is recommended if you are unsure about the process and requirements. It will cost extra but will give you peace of mind that everything is in order.

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