United Kingdom (UK) — Visa Services

Overview
The United Kingdom remains one of the most sought-after destinations for Nigerians and Africans — for tourism, education, work, and settlement. The UK offers a world-class education system, multicultural cities, and clear immigration pathways to permanent residence and citizenship.

🛂 Tourist / Standard Visitor Visa

• Who Needs It: All Nigerian passport holders and most African nationals require a UK Standard Visitor Visa.
• Duration: Usually granted for 6 months. Multiple-entry 2, 5, or 10-year visas available for strong applicants.
• Where to Apply: Apply online at https://www.gov.uk/standard-visitor-visa, then book an appointment at VFS Global (Lagos or Abuja).
• Requirements:
  • Valid Nigerian passport (6+ months validity)
  • Completed online application (IHS surcharge NOT required for visitors)
  • Bank statement — last 3–6 months (min. NGN 1.5–3 million or GBP 1,000+ equivalent)
  • Payslips / employment letter / CAC documents for business owners
  • Invitation letter (if visiting family/friends in UK)
  • Hotel booking or host address proof
  • Return flight itinerary
  • Travel insurance (recommended)
  • 2 recent passport photographs
  • Biometrics at VFS Global centre
• Processing Time: Standard: 3 weeks. Priority: 5 business days. Super Priority: next working day (at UK VFS centres).

🎓 Student Visa (formerly Tier 4)

• Must have a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from a UK Home Office-licensed sponsor (university, college).
• IELTS Requirement: Usually 6.0–7.0 Academic (varies by institution and course).
• Financial Requirement: Must show GBP 1,334/month for 9 months (London) or GBP 1,023/month (outside London) in maintenance funds, PLUS full tuition fee.
• Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): GBP 776/year (must be paid upfront for full course duration).
• Graduate Route: After completing a UK degree, Nigerian graduates can stay 2 years (3 years for PhD) to work in any field.
• Documents: CAS letter, IELTS certificate, bank statements, passport, ATAS clearance (for some science subjects), TB test results (required for Nigerians), criminal record check, English proficiency proof.

💼 Skilled Worker Visa (formerly Tier 2)

• Requires a job offer from a UK Home Office-licensed sponsor employer.
• Salary Threshold: Minimum GBP 26,200/year (from April 2024) OR the ‘going rate’ for your occupation, whichever is higher.
• Requirements: Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from employer, valid passport, English language proof (IELTS/degree), TB test, criminal record check, IHS payment, visa fee (GBP 719–1,423+ depending on duration).
• Priority healthcare roles (NHS, social care) have lower salary thresholds and prioritized processing.
• After 5 years, apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). After 1 more year, eligible for British citizenship.

👨‍👩‍👧 Family Visa

• Spouse/partner visa: Sponsor must earn GBP 29,000+/year (threshold increased 2024–2025).
• Child visa, parent visa, adult dependent relative visa also available.
• Applications must be submitted from outside the UK for most categories.

🏠 Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) & Citizenship

• ILR (Permanent Residence equivalent): After 5 years on Skilled Worker, 5 years on Spouse Visa, or other qualifying routes.
• British Citizenship by Naturalization: 1 year after ILR (total 6+ years). Must pass Life in the UK test, demonstrate English proficiency, and have no criminal record. Dual nationality permitted — you keep your Nigerian passport.
• By Birth: Children born in the UK to at least one British citizen or settled person (ILR holder) are British citizens.
• By Descent: Children born abroad to a British parent (by birth, not descent) are British by descent.

🇳🇬 Nigeria-Specific: TB Test Required
All Nigerian applicants for UK visas longer than 6 months must take an approved TB test at an authorised clinic in Nigeria (list available on UKVI website).

💡 Why Choose Travel Expore Agency?
We are UK visa specialists for Nigerian applicants — from document checklist to application review and VFS appointment booking.