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The United Kingdom remains one of the top destinations for Nigerians seeking opportunities abroad. With historical ties, a large Nigerian diaspora, and English as the official language, the UK offers familiar ground for skilled professionals and students.

This guide covers every legitimate route from Nigeria to the UK, including the Skilled Worker Visa, Health and Care Visa, Student Visa, and pathways to settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain).

Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute immigration or legal advice. UK immigration rules change frequently. Always verify current requirements on the official UK Government website (gov.uk) and consider consulting a registered OISC advisor or solicitor for personalized advice.


Table of Contents

  1. Overview of UK Immigration Pathways
  2. Skilled Worker Visa
  3. Health and Care Worker Visa
  4. Student Visa (Tier 4)
  5. Graduate Visa
  6. Global Talent Visa
  7. Family Visas
  8. Visitor Visa
  9. Path to Settlement (ILR)
  10. Cost Breakdown
  11. Document Requirements
  12. Common Rejection Reasons
  13. Frequently Asked Questions

1. Overview of UK Immigration Pathways

The UK offers multiple visa routes depending on your qualifications, job offer, and goals.

Quick Comparison of Main Pathways

PathwayBest ForRequires Job OfferTimeline to ILR
Skilled Worker VisaProfessionals with job offersYes5 years
Health and Care VisaNHS and care workersYes5 years
Student VisaThose seeking UK educationNo (need CAS)Study + Graduate + Work
Graduate VisaUK graduatesNo2-3 years (then switch)
Global TalentExceptional talentNo3-5 years
Family VisaSpouse/partner of UK residentNo5 years

UK Immigration Points System

Since Brexit, the UK uses a points-based immigration system for work visas.

Skilled Worker Visa Points:

RequirementPointsMandatory?
Job offer from licensed sponsor20Yes
Job at appropriate skill level (RQF 3+)20Yes
English language requirement10Yes
Salary meets threshold20Yes
Total Required70

Additional “Tradeable” Points:

CriteriaPoints
PhD relevant to job10-20
Job in shortage occupation20
Salary above threshold0-20

2. Skilled Worker Visa

The most common route for Nigerian professionals to work in the UK.

Basic Requirements

RequirementDetails
Job offerFrom UK employer with sponsor licence
Skill levelRQF Level 3 or above (A-Level equivalent)
English languageCEFR B1 (IELTS 4.0+ in each component)
SalaryMeets minimum threshold for occupation
Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)Issued by employer
Maintenance funds£1,270 in bank for 28 days (unless employer certifies)

Salary Requirements (2025)

CategoryMinimum Salary
General threshold£38,700 per year
Going rate for occupationVaries by SOC code
New entrant (under 26, new to profession)£30,960 per year
Shortage occupationLower threshold applies
Health and CareSeparate rules

You must meet BOTH the general threshold AND the going rate for your specific occupation (whichever is higher).

New Entrant Salary Discount

You qualify as a “new entrant” if:

CriteriaDetails
AgeUnder 26 at application
Student switchingSwitching from Student/Graduate visa
UK postdocPostdoctoral position
Professional qualificationWorking towards UK qualification

New entrants pay £30,960 minimum (or 70% of going rate).

Shortage Occupation List

Jobs on the Shortage Occupation List have benefits:

BenefitDetails
Lower salary threshold80% of going rate
Lower visa feesReduced application fee
Easier sponsorshipEmployers have easier process

Nigerian-Relevant Shortage Occupations (Check Current List):

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SectorExample Occupations
HealthcareNurses, doctors, radiographers, pharmacists
EngineeringCivil engineers, mechanical engineers
ITSome programming roles
ScienceBiological scientists, biochemists
ConstructionQuantity surveyors
Social CareCare workers, senior care workers

The shortage list changes periodically. Always check gov.uk for current list.

How to Find a Sponsor

Only employers with a sponsor licence can hire Skilled Workers.

Find Licensed Sponsors:

MethodDetails
Official registerSearch “Register of licensed sponsors” on gov.uk
Job boardsFilter for visa sponsorship
NHS jobsMost NHS trusts are sponsors
Recruitment agenciesSome specialize in international hiring

Job Boards for Sponsored Jobs:

PlatformNotes
NHS JobsHealthcare roles (jobs.nhs.uk)
LinkedInFilter for “visa sponsorship”
Indeed UKFilter for sponsorship
Glassdoor UKCompany reviews + jobs
GOV.UK Find a JobGovernment job board
TotaljobsUK-focused board

Application Process

StepTimeline
1. Receive job offer from licensed sponsorVaries
2. Employer assigns Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)1-2 weeks
3. Submit visa application online1 day
4. Pay fees (visa + healthcare surcharge)Same day
5. Attend biometrics appointment (TLS Lagos/Abuja)1-2 weeks wait
6. Submit documentsSame day as biometrics
7. Wait for decision3-8 weeks
8. Receive visa (vignette in passport)1-2 weeks after decision

Processing Times

ServiceTimelineAdditional Cost
Standard3-8 weeksIncluded
Priority5 working days£500
Super PriorityNext working day£1,000

Priority services subject to availability in Nigeria.

Skilled Worker Visa Duration

SituationVisa Length
Job contract less than 5 yearsContract length + 1 month
Job contract 5+ years or permanent5 years
Maximum single grant5 years

You can extend indefinitely as long as you still qualify.


3. Health and Care Worker Visa

A faster, cheaper route for healthcare professionals.

Who Qualifies

RequirementDetails
Job offerFrom NHS, NHS supplier, or adult social care
OccupationOn eligible health/care occupation list
SalaryMeets threshold for occupation
EnglishB1 level
CoSFrom licensed sponsor

Eligible Occupations

CategoryExamples
DoctorsAll specialties
NursesRegistered nurses, midwives
Allied HealthPhysiotherapists, radiographers, pharmacists
Social CareCare workers, senior care workers
Medical SupportParamedics, medical laboratory technicians

Benefits vs Standard Skilled Worker

BenefitHealth and CareStandard Skilled
Visa feeReducedStandard
Immigration Health SurchargeExempt£1,035/year
ProcessingOften fasterStandard
Dependants IHSExempt£1,035/year

Salary Requirements (Health and Care)

Role TypeMinimum Salary
Most health roles£29,000 per year
Care workers£23,200 per year (some roles)
National pay scalesMust meet NHS/care pay bands

NMC Registration (Nurses)

Nigerian nurses must register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC):

StepDetails
1. NMC online applicationCreate account, pay fee
2. English language testIELTS Academic or OET
3. Computer-Based Test (CBT)Test nursing knowledge
4. OSCEPractical assessment (in UK)
5. NMC registrationAfter passing all stages

English Requirements for NMC:

TestRequired Score
IELTS Academic7.0 overall, minimum 6.5 in each
OETB in each component

GMC Registration (Doctors)

Nigerian doctors must register with the General Medical Council (GMC):

StepDetails
1. Primary Medical Qualification verifiedECFMG/EPIC verification
2. English languageIELTS Academic 7.5 (7.0 each) or OET B+
3. PLAB testsPLAB 1 (MCQ) + PLAB 2 (practical)
4. GMC registrationAfter passing all
5. Apply for jobsNHS trusts

4. Student Visa

Studying in the UK provides a pathway to work and settlement.

Requirements

RequirementDetails
Confirmation of Acceptance (CAS)From licensed student sponsor
English languageB2 for degree level (IELTS 5.5-6.5 typically)
Financial requirementTuition + £1,334/month (London) or £1,023/month (outside London)
Tuberculosis testRequired for Nigerians
ATAS certificateFor some sensitive subjects

Financial Requirements

LocationMonthly Living CostsMaximum Months to Show
London£1,3349 months
Outside London£1,0239 months

Example Calculation (1 year outside London):

CostAmount
Tuition (example)£20,000
Living costs (9 × £1,023)£9,207
Total to show£29,207

English Language Requirements

LevelCourse TypeIELTS Equivalent
B1Foundation4.0-4.5
B2Undergraduate/Postgraduate5.5-6.5
C1Some postgraduate7.0+

Requirements vary by university and course.

Work Rights on Student Visa

Course TypeWork Allowed (Term Time)Work Allowed (Holiday)
Degree level20 hours/weekFull time
Below degree10 hours/weekFull time

Tuition Fees (International Students)

LevelAnnual Fees (Approximate)
Foundation£10,000-£18,000
Undergraduate£15,000-£35,000
Postgraduate taught£15,000-£40,000
MBA£20,000-£60,000+
PhD£15,000-£25,000

5. Graduate Visa

For international students who completed a UK degree.

Requirements

RequirementDetails
Completed UK degreeBachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD
Valid Student visaAt time of application
In the UKMust apply from within UK
No sponsorship neededUnsponsored route

Duration

QualificationGraduate Visa Length
Bachelor’s degree2 years
Master’s degree2 years
PhD3 years

Benefits

BenefitDetails
No sponsor requiredWork for any employer
Any jobNo skill or salary restrictions
Full-time workUnlimited hours
Path to Skilled WorkerCan switch if sponsored

Graduate Visa → Settlement Path

StepTimeline
1. Complete UK degree1-4 years
2. Graduate Visa2-3 years
3. Switch to Skilled WorkerBefore Graduate expires
4. Skilled Worker → ILR5 years
Total to settlement8-12 years

6. Global Talent Visa

For exceptionally talented individuals in specific fields.

Eligible Fields

FieldEndorsing Body
Science and MedicineUK Research and Innovation (UKRI)
EngineeringRoyal Academy of Engineering
HumanitiesBritish Academy
Digital TechnologyTech Nation
Arts and CultureArts Council England

Requirements

RequirementDetails
EndorsementFrom relevant body
Exceptional talent OR promiseProven track record or potential
No job offer neededCan work freelance or employed
No salary requirementSelf-supporting

Benefits

BenefitDetails
No sponsor neededFreedom to work anywhere
Faster ILR3 years (exceptional talent)
Family can workNo restrictions
FlexibleChange employers freely

Tech Nation Endorsement (Digital Technology)

TrackRequirements
Exceptional TalentSenior leader, 5+ years experience
Exceptional PromiseEarly-stage, high potential

Evidence Required:

Evidence TypeDetails
CVDetailed career history
Personal statementWhy you qualify
Letters of recommendation3 letters from recognized experts
Evidence of workPublications, products, press coverage

7. Family Visas

For those with British citizen or settled family members.

Spouse/Partner Visa

RequirementDetails
RelationshipMarried, civil partners, or 2+ years cohabiting
SponsorBritish citizen or person with ILR
Financial requirementMinimum income threshold
English languageA1 for entry, A2 for extension, B1 for ILR
AccommodationAdequate housing

Financial Requirements (2025)

SituationMinimum Income
Sponsor income£29,000 per year (rising to £38,700 by 2025)
Cash savings alternative£88,500+
CombinationIncome + savings formula

Financial requirements have increased significantly. Check gov.uk for current thresholds.

English Language (Spouse Visa)

StageLevel Required
Initial applicationA1 (IELTS 2.0-3.0)
First extension (2.5 years)A2 (IELTS 3.0-4.0)
ILR (5 years)B1 (IELTS 4.0-5.0)

Timeline to Settlement (Spouse)

StageDuration
Initial visa2 years 9 months
Extension2 years 6 months
Total before ILR eligible5 years

Parent Visa

RequirementDetails
Child in UKBritish citizen or settled
Sole responsibilityFor child (if applying from abroad)
Access rightsOr genuine involvement in child’s life

Adult Dependent Relative

RequirementDetails
RelativeParent, grandparent, sibling, child (over 18)
Care needsRequire long-term care
No care availableIn home country
Very difficult to qualifyStrict requirements

8. Visitor Visa

For short-term visits to the UK.

Standard Visitor Visa

AspectDetails
DurationUp to 6 months
PurposeTourism, visiting family, business meetings
Work allowedNo
Study allowedUp to 30 days
Cost£115

What You Can Do

PermittedNot Permitted
TourismWork (paid or unpaid)
Visit family/friendsStudy over 30 days
Business meetingsLive in UK long-term
Attend conferencesAccess public funds
Short courses (under 30 days)Get married (need separate visa)

Requirements

RequirementDetails
Genuine visitorIntend to leave after visit
Sufficient fundsTo support yourself
AccommodationWhere you’ll stay
Return ticketOr funds to purchase
Ties to NigeriaJob, family, property

Common Rejection Reasons (Visitor Visa)

ReasonHow to Avoid
Immigration intent perceivedShow strong ties to Nigeria
Insufficient fundsShow adequate savings
No clear travel purposeDetailed itinerary
Weak ties to home countryEmployment letter, property documents
Previous visa refusalsAddress in cover letter

9. Path to Settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain)

ILR is permanent residency in the UK.

Routes to ILR

Visa CategoryTime Required
Skilled Worker5 years
Health and Care Worker5 years
Global Talent (Exceptional Talent)3 years
Global Talent (Exceptional Promise)5 years
Spouse/Partner5 years
Long residence10 years (continuous)

ILR Requirements (Skilled Worker)

RequirementDetails
Time in UK5 years on qualifying visa
AbsencesNo more than 180 days in any 12 months
Continuous employmentWith licensed sponsor
SalaryStill meets current threshold
EnglishB1 (IELTS 4.0 in each skill)
Life in the UK testPass required
No criminal convictionsGood character

Life in the UK Test

AspectDetails
Questions24 multiple choice
Pass mark75% (18 correct)
Time limit45 minutes
TopicsBritish history, government, traditions, laws
Cost£50
BookingBook online at gov.uk

ILR Application Cost

ComponentCost
Application fee£2,885
Life in the UK test£50
English test (if needed)£150-£200
BiometricsIncluded
Total~£3,100

British Citizenship (After ILR)

RequirementDetails
ILR heldFor 12 months
Residence5 years in UK
AbsencesLimited absences
Good characterNo serious convictions
EnglishB1
Life in the UKAlready passed for ILR
Fee£1,580

10. Cost Breakdown

Skilled Worker Visa Costs (From Nigeria)

ItemCost
Visa application (3 years)£719
Visa application (5 years)£1,420
Immigration Health Surcharge (per year)£1,035
IHS total (5 years)£5,175
Priority processing (optional)£500
Super priority (optional)£1,000
TB test£100-£150
English test (if needed)£150-£250
Document translation£50-£200
Total (5-year visa)£7,000-£8,000

Health and Care Worker Visa Costs

ItemCost
Visa application (3 years)£284
Visa application (5 years)£551
Immigration Health SurchargeExempt
TB test£100-£150
English test (NMC/GMC)£150-£250
NMC registration (nurses)£140
GMC registration (doctors)£433
PLAB tests (doctors)£269 + £935
Total (nurses, 5-year)£1,000-£1,500
Total (doctors, 5-year)£2,500-£3,500

Student Visa Costs

ItemCost
Visa application£490
Immigration Health Surcharge (per year)£776
IHS total (3-year course)£2,328
TB test£100-£150
IELTS Academic£195-£215
First year tuition (example)£20,000
First year total£23,000-£25,000

Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)

Visa TypeAnnual Rate
Standard (work, family)£1,035
Student£776
Health and Care WorkerExempt
Youth Mobility£776
DependantsSame rate as main applicant

11. Document Requirements

Documents for Skilled Worker Visa

DocumentDetails
Valid passportAt least 1 blank page
Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)Reference number from employer
TB test certificateFrom approved clinic
Criminal record certificateIf required for job (healthcare)
English language evidenceTest results or exempt nation proof
Bank statements£1,270 for 28 days (unless employer certifies)
Previous visa refusalsDeclare all

Documents for Student Visa

DocumentDetails
Valid passportAt least 1 blank page
CAS numberFrom university
Qualification certificatesPrevious degrees, transcripts
English test resultsIELTS/TOEFL/PTE
TB test certificateRequired for Nigeria
Financial documentsBank statements showing required funds
Parent consentIf under 18
ATAS certificateIf required for course

TB Test Requirement

Nigerians must take a tuberculosis test before applying for visas over 6 months.

Approved Clinics in Nigeria:

CityClinics Available
LagosMultiple approved clinics
AbujaMultiple approved clinics
Port HarcourtLimited options

Find current list by searching “TB test Nigeria” on gov.uk

Biometrics (TLS Centres)

LocationServices
Lagos (Victoria Island)Full services
AbujaFull services

What to Bring:

ItemRequired
PassportOriginal
Appointment confirmationPrinted
Application referenceGWF number
Supporting documentsAs required

12. Common Rejection Reasons

Skilled Worker Visa Rejections

ReasonHow to Avoid
CoS errorsVerify all details match passport
Salary below thresholdConfirm salary meets requirements
Sponsor not licensedCheck register before accepting job
Skill level too lowEnsure job is RQF 3+
English not metTake approved test
Maintenance funds shortShow £1,270 for 28 consecutive days
Genuine vacancy concernsStrong job description, interview evidence

Student Visa Rejections

ReasonHow to Avoid
Insufficient fundsShow full amount for full period
Funds not held 28 daysMoney must be in account 28+ days
English below requirementMeet university’s specific requirements
Credibility concernsClear study plan, career goals
Immigration historyBe honest about previous refusals
Document fraudNever submit false documents

Tips to Avoid Rejection

TipExplanation
Apply onlineFewer errors than paper
Check documents twiceAll names match passport exactly
Translate documentsUse certified translators
Don’t hide informationDeclare previous refusals
Show genuine intentClear purpose, ties to home
Apply earlyDon’t rush last minute
Use checklistgov.uk provides document lists

13. Frequently Asked Questions

How long does UK visa processing take from Nigeria?

Standard processing is 3-8 weeks. Priority (5 working days) costs £500. Super priority (next working day) costs £1,000 but isn’t always available.

Can I work while on a Student Visa?

Yes. 20 hours per week during term, full-time during holidays for degree-level courses.

What IELTS score do I need?

Skilled Worker: 4.0 in each skill (B1). Student: varies by university, typically 5.5-6.5 overall. NHS nurses: 7.0 overall with 6.5 minimum.

Do I need a job offer for UK visa?

For Skilled Worker and Health and Care visas: Yes. For Student, Graduate, or Global Talent: No.

How much bank balance do I need?

Skilled Worker: £1,270 for 28 days (or employer certifies). Student: Tuition + living costs (£1,023-£1,334/month × 9 months).

Can my family come with me?

Yes. Dependants (spouse and children under 18) can apply. They pay visa fees + IHS per person.

How long until I get permanent residency (ILR)?

5 years for most work visas. 3 years for Global Talent (Exceptional Talent track).

Is UK more expensive than Canada?

Generally yes. Higher visa fees, mandatory health surcharge (£1,035/year), and higher cost of living. But salaries are often higher too.

Can I switch from Student to Skilled Worker visa?

Yes. You can switch from within the UK if you have a job offer from a licensed sponsor.

What is the Immigration Health Surcharge?

A fee paid upfront that gives you access to NHS healthcare. Currently £1,035 per year for most visas, £776 for students. Health and Care workers are exempt.


Step-by-Step Action Plan

For Skilled Worker Visa

Week 1-4: Preparation

  • [ ] Update CV to UK format
  • [ ] Check if occupation is eligible (SOC codes on gov.uk)
  • [ ] Take IELTS General Training (if needed)
  • [ ] Search for sponsored jobs on NHS Jobs, LinkedIn, Indeed

Week 5-8: Job Search

  • [ ] Apply to jobs with licensed sponsors
  • [ ] Verify sponsor status on gov.uk register
  • [ ] Prepare for interviews
  • [ ] Negotiate salary (ensure meets threshold)

After Job Offer

  • [ ] Receive Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
  • [ ] Gather documents (passport, TB test, bank statements)
  • [ ] Complete online application
  • [ ] Pay visa fee + IHS
  • [ ] Book biometrics appointment (TLS Lagos/Abuja)
  • [ ] Attend appointment
  • [ ] Wait for decision

For Student Visa

6-12 Months Before

  • [ ] Research universities and courses
  • [ ] Take IELTS Academic
  • [ ] Apply to universities
  • [ ] Receive offer letters

3-6 Months Before

  • [ ] Accept offer and pay deposit
  • [ ] Receive CAS
  • [ ] Accumulate funds in bank account
  • [ ] Get TB test

1-2 Months Before

  • [ ] Complete online application
  • [ ] Pay visa fee + IHS
  • [ ] Book biometrics appointment
  • [ ] Submit documents
  • [ ] Wait for decision

Resources

Official UK Government

ResourceURL
UK Visas and Immigrationgov.uk/browse/visas-immigration
Skilled Worker Visagov.uk/skilled-worker-visa
Health and Care Visagov.uk/health-care-worker-visa
Student Visagov.uk/student-visa
Sponsor Registergov.uk/government/publications/register-of-licensed-sponsors-workers
Immigration Health Surchargegov.uk/healthcare-immigration-application

Professional Registration

BodyWebsite
Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC)nmc.org.uk
General Medical Council (GMC)gmc-uk.org
Health and Care Professions Councilhcpc-uk.org
General Pharmaceutical Councilpharmacyregulation.org

Visa Application Centres (Nigeria)

LocationOperator
LagosTLScontact
AbujaTLScontact

Website: uk.tlscontact.com

English Language Tests

TestWebsite
IELTSielts.org / britishcouncil.org.ng
OEToccupationalenglishtest.org
PTE Academicpearsonpte.com
Trinity SELTtrinitycollege.com

Job Search

PlatformFocus
NHS Jobsjobs.nhs.uk
LinkedInlinkedin.com
Indeed UKindeed.co.uk
Totaljobstotaljobs.com
GOV.UK Find a Jobfindajob.dwp.gov.uk

Disclaimer

This guide provides general information about UK immigration. It is not legal or immigration advice.

UK immigration rules change frequently. Always verify current requirements, fees, and processes on the official UK Government website (gov.uk).

Consider consulting a registered immigration advisor (OISC regulated) or solicitor for advice specific to your situation. Check adviser registration at gov.uk/find-an-immigration-adviser.

The author is not responsible for decisions made based on this information. Individual circumstances vary and outcomes cannot be guaranteed.


Last updated: 2025

Your pathway to the UK starts with understanding your options. Research thoroughly, prepare carefully, and apply correctly.