In this article, we’ll walk you through the process of securing a UK visa from Nigeria in six simple steps:
- Initiation of your UK visa application
- Online application for a UK visa
- Understanding the UK visa fees
- Scheduling an appointment at a visa application centre for biometric data enrolment
- Determining UK visa processing time
- Booking your UK travel
This guide is brought to you by the CEO and Founder of “Help with my visa!”
- Initiation of your UK visa application
Before you commence your UK visa application, there are several preparatory steps. Start by identifying the purpose of your travel. Your travel intent will guide your entire visa application process. Once you know why you’re visiting the UK, decide on the best UK visa type for you. You can utilize the following resources to aid your decision:
- Our blog post titled “What UK visa do I need?” offers a comprehensive view of every UK visa type.
- The “Help with my visa! Signposting Tool” assists you in preparing your UK visa application correctly.
- Schedule a Visa Consultation with a professional immigration advisor who will clarify your queries and provide guidance on how to proceed. We even have a Nigerian expat working with one of our partnered immigration law firms.
Once you’ve determined the appropriate UK visa, prepare your supporting documents and ensure your passport is valid for travel. Check if you require a Tuberculosis (TB) test for your visa type. Once your supporting documents are ready, you can begin your online UK visa application.
- Online application for a UK visa
Almost all UK visa applications are now done online. Begin filling your online application only after gathering and adequately preparing all your supporting documents and checking your passport’s validity to avoid redoing the application. The online form comprises a series of questions that differ depending on the type of UK visa you apply for.
Ensure you are aware of your visa type before starting the application. Applying for an incorrect visa type can significantly increase your visa refusal risk. Find a quiet place with good internet connectivity to start your application. The process typically takes an hour or more, and you need to verify your account via email before you can start.
Carefully review your responses before submitting them, as any changes post-submission would require you to start a new application form entirely.
- Understanding the UK visa fees
Various fees are associated with your UK visa application, based on your choices and visa type. All fees are payable online, so ensure your bank or card issuer is set up for international and GBP payments.
UK visa fees vary depending on the type, duration, and whether you’re a lead applicant or a dependent, among other factors. The fees are frequently updated and published online by the UKVI. The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) may also be applicable if you plan to stay in the UK for more than six months.
UKVI offers Priority Visa and Super Priority Visa services for faster processing, available at additional costs. You’ll be prompted to select these during your online application process.
- Scheduling an appointment at a visa application centre
Upon submitting your online application and paying the requisite fees, schedule an appointment at one of the UK visa application centres in Nigeria for biometric data enrolment. The centres, operated by TLScontact, are located in Abuja and Lagos.
There is an additional fee for using the largest centre in Ikeja. You can book an appointment through the TLScontact website. TLScontact also offers several added value services, which can be selected during the appointment booking process.
- Determining UK visa processing time
UK visa processing times depend on several factors and serve only as guidelines. UKVI publishes its UK visa processing time service standards online. Processing times vary based on the
ype of visa applied for, the time of year, and whether you have paid for expedited service. Remember, these are only estimates, and actual processing times can vary.
For instance, Standard Visitor Visa applications made in Nigeria are processed within 15 working days for 90% of applicants and 30 working days for 98% of applicants. If you’ve paid for Priority Visa service, your application will be processed within 5 working days for 90% of applicants and within 10 working days for 98% of applicants.
- Booking your UK travel
Once you’ve received your visa, you can now book your travel to the UK. Keep in mind that your visa will likely be valid from the date of issue, not your travel date, so be aware of this when planning your trip.
Remember that you will need to present your visa to the airline when you check-in for your flight and to UK Border Force when you arrive in the UK. Carry a copy of your visa application and all supporting documents with you when you travel in case you need to refer to them.
In summary, applying for a UK visa from Nigeria involves several steps and requires careful preparation. It’s important to understand the process, prepare your supporting documents, and provide accurate and complete information on your application. It’s advisable to start the process well in advance of your planned travel date to account for any potential delays in processing your application. And if you require any assistance, “Help with my visa!” and its partner immigration law firms are always here to support you.