How Much Is Priority UK Visa in Nigeria?

Want to Move to the UK?

IAS has helped many Nigerians with their UK visa. If you are looking for guidance on your different visa options for staying in the UK depending on your circumstances and eligibility, contact IAS and allow us to manage your visa and ensure your application is submitted correctly.

Nigerian Emigration

For Nigerian emigration matters, please call +44 (0) 3316300929 or +2342013438882

Other Immigration and Emigration Matters

For immigration/emigration to/from other countries, please call:

US –  +1 844 290 6312

Ireland –  (+353) 061 518 025

UK –  (+44) 333 4149244

What Are UK Priority and Super Priority Visas?

The UK government works with a private company (TLS Contact) that provides visa services on their behalf to travellers and citizens. TLS Contact operates in different countries around the world, including Nigeria, and offers both a priority and super priority visa service for Nigerians.

These priority services give people who need to travel urgently the option to receive a faster decision on their UK visa, moving their application ahead of the queue.

You can pay for a UK priority visa from Nigeria when applying for a non-settlement visa (for example, a UK Student visa or UK Work visa) or settlement visa and it is a cost in addition to your visa fee.

Priority Visa Process Overview

If you want to use one of the priority services in Nigeria to travel to and stay in the UK, you will have to book an appointment online at a Visa Application Centre.

In Nigeria, there are Visa Application Centres in Abuja, Enugu, Ikeja, Port Harcourt and Victoria Island, which all offer priority visa services; however, only Abuja, Ikeja and Victoria Island offer the super priority visa service.

As of October 2023, you will be able to pay for your priority or super priority visa both online and at the Visa Application Centre. Here, you will apply for your UK visa and they will take your passport and details.

Your passport will be available to collect on the next working day.

UK Priority Visa Fees

On top of your usual visa application fee, the cost of the UK visa fees in Nigeria are as follows:

• Priority Visa Service (Non-settlement): £500
• Priority Visa Service (Settlement): £500
• Super Priority Service: £1,000

These UK visa fees are non-refundable if your visa application is rejected or if, because your application is particularly complex, the process takes longer.

If you choose the priority service and decide you would like the super priority service, you cannot change from priority to super priority after you have begun the process.

Accepted Currencies and Exchange Rate

Any UK visa application submitted to the UK is paid in US dollars consistent with what is common worldwide. Bank regulations in Nigeria do not allow currency conversion from naira cards to foreign currency; this means you will need to have a dollar bank account, credit or debit card that allows conversion from naira to dollars, or a PAGA wallet.

Exchange rates are unstable and change often, so when you either convert your currency to your dollar bank account or pay for your visa fees, it is best to check the US dollar to naira exchange rate from a reliable source to make sure you pay the correct amount.

Alternatively, you could source your US dollars in the Investors & Exporters Window or other sources in order to pay, but it is important to note that you cannot pay cash for your UK visa fees or priority visa.

Eligibility Criteria for a UK Priority Visa in Nigeria

When using a priority service you must still meet all the requirements for the UK visa you are applying for, and it will not guarantee a positive decision.

All Nigerians who are applying for non-settlement and settlement visas in the UK are eligible to pay for the priority visa services.

The super priority service is only available to Nigerian citizens in Nigeria and can be used with a Standard Visitor visa, Short-Stay visa, Skilled Worker visa, UK Student visa and Temporary Work visa.

Both the priority and super priority service can only be used for UK visas used to stay in the UK, and not if you are visiting a Commonwealth country, a British Overseas Territory, or a Crown Dependency.

Priority Visa Processing Times

If you are a creative worker, a seasonal worker or a religious worker then you may apply for a Temporary Worker Visa. To be eligible you must have a number of points which are earned according to the criteria for each type of visa.

When you pay for a priority service, the processing time on your visa is fast-tracked and processed faster than the standard visa service (15 working days). It is possible that in exceptional circumstances, your visa will not meet the target application time; for example, if you have been refused or have overstayed a visa in the UK before.

The target processing times are calculated from the day of your appointment at the Visa Application Centre:

• Priority Visa Service (Non-settlement): Receive a decision within 5 working days
• Priority Visa Service (Settlement): Receive a decision within 30 working days
• Super Priority Service: Receive a decision by the end of the next working day

How Can IAS Help?

IAS are full-service immigration lawyers who can support you at any stage of your visa process. We are able to provide advice on specific concerns, handle your entire visa application on your behalf, fast-track your application, or support you with any appeals.

To speak to an immigration advisor today, call us on +2342013438882 or +44 (0) 3316300929 or you can contact us online.

Our team of experienced lawyers are able to provide a whole host of support to ensure your application is successful. Reach out to IAS on +44 (0) 3316300929 or +2342013438882 and we can help you with any questions or concerns. If you prefer you can contact us via our online form.