Moving to the UK from Nigeria

There are a number of visas that can be applied for by Nigerians who wish to visit the United Kingdom. The most common type of visa is the Standard Visitor visa, which allows people to travel to the UK for tourism, business, or to visit family and friends.

Nigerians may also be able to work in the UK if they have a Skilled Worker visa or another type of work visa. Other types of UK visas for Nigerians include the student visa and partner/spouse visas. In addition to visas, there are settlement options.

If you are unsure of which type of visa you need, have any questions about the application process, or need assistance with applying, we can help. Our immigration solicitors can work with you to ensure you have the highest chance of obtaining a suitable UK visa. Call us today on +44 333 414 9244 or send us an email.

If you wish to join your partner in the UK from Nigeria, you need to apply for a Spouse Visa. To be eligible, you must meet the following requirements:

• You and your partner are aged 18 or over
• You must be married or in a civil partnership recognized in the UK
• Your partner, who is going to be your sponsor, must be a British citizen or UK settled person
• You must have met personally at least once before getting married
• You must have been living together for the past 2 years

If you and your partner are not married but you plan to do it in the UK once you arrive from Nigeria, you can apply for a Fiancé Visa.

To work in the UK, Nigerian citizens must apply for a Skilled Worker Visa To be eligible, you must have received and accepted a job offer from a UK-based employer which holds a valid Certificate of Sponsorship. This visa tier includes the following permits:

• Skilled Worker Visa, for international highly-skilled workers who meet specific eligibility requirements.
• Tier 2 (ICT), which is only available for existing employees who work abroad but need to be transferred to a UK branch of their company.
• Sportsperson Visa, for internationally established athletes and qualified coaches.
• Minister of Religion Visa, targeted at international religious workers.

If you want to evaluate your options to enter the UK from Nigeria for working rationale, you can get in touch with IAS.

“High-value migrants” and Nigerian entrepreneurs interested in travelling to the UK can apply for a Tier 1 Visa. This category includes the following permits:

• Global Talent Visa, for those who work in a specific field (such as science, medicine, or the arts) and are internationally recognised as leaders in their area of expertise
• Tier 1 (Investor). To qualify for this permit, interested Nigerian investors must have access to at least £2,000,000 which can be invested in the UK.
• Start-Up Visa,  for individuals who wish to set up their first business in the UK. There is no minimum investment required, but applicants must demonstrate their high potential.

Get in touch with IAS’ immigration lawyers to learn more about the routes available for starting your business in the UK. We are based in the UK, with offices in London, Birmingham and Manchester, but our lawyers also offer all of their services remotely so can still assist you whilst you are in Nigeria.

You can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK and obtain UK permanent residency if you meet specific requirements. If your application is successful, you will be able to live in the UK free from any immigration restrictions. However, you won’t be able to vote or hold a British passport until you apply for and obtain British citizenship.

The following are the requirements to apply for UK residency for Nigerians:

• You must have been living in the UK legally for at least 5 years
• You must have spent no more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12-month period
• You must demonstrate your English proficiency and your knowledge of British customs