How to Track UK visa Application in Nigeria

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How to Check the Status of Your UK visa Application

Waiting for a decision after applying for a UK visa may be frustrating, especially if you have a deadline for a trip, school to attend, medical treatment to take, or visiting family and friends. 

Fortunately, tracking your application for a UK visa in Nigeria is a simple procedure that gives you peace of mind during what may otherwise be an anxious time. 

This article is a comprehensive reference covering all the information you require to monitor the status of your UK visa application.

Requirements Needed to Check UK visa Status

To follow up with UK visa and Immigration and check your status, you will need to supply the following details:

Steps to Follow to Check Your UK visa Application in Nigeria

Applications usually begin on the GOV.UK site and are completed in visa application centres in Nigeria.

If you stay in Nigeria, you may have already completed your application via TLScontact. TLScontact is a visa application centre that partners with the United Kingdom and has centres in Abuja, Lagos, Port Harcourt and Enugu.

To check, ensure that you have the necessary documents and biometric details. Thereafter, follow these steps outlined:

1. Access your GOV.UK email confirmation.
2. Enter your password and select ‘Sign in to your application’.
3. Click ‘Provide documents and Biometric’.
4. Then click on ‘Continue’.
5. Finally, click ‘track’ and be directed to your TLScontact portal, where you will see the progress of your application.

TLScontact Nigeria forbids applicants from asking if their passport is ready. UKVI usually sends applicants an email when the visa is ready. If you are still having trouble tracking your UK visa application, our lawyers at Immigration Advice Service can help you. 

Typical Causes of UK visa Application Delays

The processing of your visa application could take longer. A UK visa denial might occur for a variety of reasons. The following are some of the most prevalent reasons: 

• False or Inconsistent Information
  One of the most common reasons for UK visa denials is application falsity or inconsistent facts. Inconsistency in your personal information, accompanying documents, or trip schedule may result in visa refusal. Please ensure all the data provided are accurate and current. To avoid application delays, IAS lawyers can guide you with your visa application and tracking.
• Insufficient funds
  Another frequent explanation for why UK visa applications can result in denial is the lack of funding. You need enough money to cover your expenses in the UK to have a visa approval. 
  
  Your funds will cover the cost of travel, housing, food, and additional expenses. Provide complete and unambiguous proof of your financial situation, such as bank statements and evidence of income, to prevent any issues.
• Lack of Ties to Your Home Country
  The UK immigration authorities will also consider your relationships to your country of origin when evaluating your application. They will ensure you have a solid reason for returning to your home country following your trip to the UK. 
  
  Examples of this include your work, your family, your property, and your other obligations. Endeavour to provide documentation of your ties to your place of origin, such as work contracts, property records, or family letters. 
• Criminal Past or Worries about Security
  A criminal record is a reason for the denial of a UK visa. If you have a criminal record or have participated in any actions that can pose a security risk, there can be a decline in your UK visa application. 
  
  Tell the truth about your criminal history and provide any supporting documentation that may be needed, such as court documents or police reports. 
• Health Concern
  Medical issues may also result in the denial of a UK visa. Applicants should not pose a risk to the health or safety of others. Also, you must not have any medical issues requiring costly or ongoing treatment while in the UK to be eligible for a visa. 
  
  Ensure you provide complete medical records, treatment plans, and comprehensive proof of your illness.
• Past Refusals of Visas or Overstays
  Past visa refusals or overstays may also lead to a UK visa decline. If you have overstayed a prior visa or had a UK visa declined in the past, it can affect your current application. Provide a strong justification of past visa refusals or overstays with proof that you have acted to lessen should be included. 
• Increased Demand at UKVI for Visas
  The current status of your application may be affected by the strong demand for UKVI. There is no denying there is a daily increase in demand for UKVI. An increase in demand for a UK visa may also play a role in a visa application decline.

UK visa Processing Time for Nigerian Applicants.

Your UK visa processing time begins when you show up for your appointment at the visa application centre (VAC) to submit your biometric information comprising your fingerprints and photo. 

 The processing time depends on the type of visa you applied for. UKVI’s ideal processing time for UK visa applications in Nigeria can be accessed by visiting the UKVI website.

How to Speed up Your UK visa Application

If you wish to make a decision faster, the best option is to choose a ‘priority service’ or ‘super priority service’. 

When you use the ‘priority service’, you can often expect a decision in 5 working days or less. If you choose the ‘super priority service’, you should receive a decision by the end of the next working day or shortly after. 

Only a few visas allow you to pay for a quicker decision. This service is available to you if you’re applying for a: 

1. Visit visa (all sorts of short-term visas, including business and tourist)
2. Tier 4 visa under the Points Based System (applicants must be based in Nigeria legally)

If you meet the eligibility requirements, you can apply in person at the Visa Application Centres on Victoria Island in Lagos or Abuja. Presently, the Visa Application Centre in Ikeja does not provide super-priority service (SPV).

The cost of super priority service is £750 (GBP) in addition to the usual visa charge. SPV appointments should be scheduled in advance; they are available Monday through Thursday from 08.30 am to 10.00 pm and on Fridays from 08.30 am to 09.00 pm. 

What to Do When Your visa is Denied or Delayed

 If your visa application is denied or delayed, you can:

1. Determine the cause of the rejection or delay: Understanding the cause of the rejection or delay is the first step. For further information, contact the embassy or consulate where you submitted your visa application. 
2. Provide more details: You can bolster your application with further papers or information if your visa application was denied or delayed because of inadequate details. Make sure you adhere to the guidelines that the consulate or embassy has supplied. 
3. Reapply for the visa: Reapplying for a visa is possible if your visa is denied. Before you reapply, address any flaws that caused the visa rejection. Give further information if need be.
4. Explore other visa options:  There are several visa options you can consider apart from the one you applied for if you cannot reapply. You may also be eligible for a visa in another country. 
5. Be patient: It is advisable to be patient and persistent because the visa processing time could be lengthy. Instead of being frustrated, contact the UK embassy and follow their instructions. 
6. Seek legal counsel: Seek legal advice if you believe your visa was wrongly denied. An immigration lawyer at IAS can help you address any flaws that were identified in the refusal notice.

Can IAS Help Me Track My UK visa Application?

IAS is a company of professional immigration lawyers that have helped customers with their visa applications for many years. Every immigration case is unique, and we know how important it is to have a favourable decision on your application.

 We can assist you through every stage. From determining your eligibility to completing your application, contacting UKVI on your behalf, and tracking your UK visa.

 For professional assistance and expert counsel, you can reach out to our immigration lawyers at +44 (0) 3316300929 and +2342013306361