How to Get a UK Visa in Nigeria

Find out how to get a Visa to UK or European Countries.

UK Visa application is easy to apply if you follow the steps provided on the UK embassy website properly. There are different types of the UK visa; immigrants who need to travel to any of the cities in the UK and stay for a given period of time should apply for the Long Term Visa. You will be expected to give your main reasons for your long term stay in the UK.

TYPES OF UK VISA

There are different types of UK Visa which include

• The most commonly recognized UK type of visa is the Visitor’s or Tourist Visa. The Visitor’s visa is issued for a short stay in the UK. The reason for this visa is to visit loved ones, friends and family, seminars or holidays, vacation, business, training, and transit visa
• Tier 1 Visa. - Tier 1 (General) - now closed to applicants outside the UK.
• Official and Diplomatic Visas: these are short-term visas that are issued to Government authorities. 
• The Student Visa: This type of Visa is issued to students who wish to study in any city in the UK for a given period of time that can last up to three years.etc
• UK Family Visas : This is issued to Married couple, Spouse, Fiancé, Dependent, Unmarried Partners, Ancestry etc who want to stay or live in UK. 

VISA DOCUMENTS FOR NIGERIAN CITIZENS 

1. A valid travel passport (ECOWAS passport)
2. Application Form – The UK visa form has to be filled online
3. One passport-sized color photo on white background. This must not be more than 6 months old (45mmx35mm wide)
4. Visa Fees
5. Evidence of permission to be in the UK if you are not a national of the Nigeria. Such as visa, green card, residence permit etc.
6. Photocopy of passport information page
7. Letter of Invitation
8. Financial proof, original bank statement ( at least 6 months)
9. Birth certificate for children traveling with parents.
10. Applicant traveling on an official business should attach a letter of invitation/confirmation of training/conference, with full details of the Company’s Authorized representative; physical address and phone numbers.
11. Supporting document from sponsor/friend
12. Utility bills
13. Details of hotel/flight bookings
14. Marriage certificate if applicable

PROCEDURES FOR UK VISA APPLICATION 

• Step1: You can apply for your UK visa through a company called Teleperformance– UK application center in Lagos or Abuja Nigeria. This company works in partnership with the UK Government for visas and migration in Nigeria, which makes visa application simple and quick if you have all the required documents.
• Step 2: Visit the UK Immigration and visa site to find out the type of visa you should apply for. The UK Visa fee changes; see the application fees for different categories under the type of visa you need. At the same time, for general visitor short-term visas, the visa application fee is 141 US Dollars. From the UK Visa and Immigration site, you will find some answers regarding your application fees also book your appointment with the UK Visa Application Center.

Important! You can apply for a UK visa up to 3 months prior to your date of travel to the UK. We strongly encourage you not to confirm your travel plans with travel agents until you have received your visa. To find out how long it takes generally to process your type of visa, see the Visa handling times page on the official website.

• Step 3: After you have filled the UK visa application form online, you will be given a GWF number, you should keep this number in a safe place because it will be required from you later. You will also get an email confirmation of your Visa appointment date, the address, and the required documents  you’ll take along with you.
• Step 4: You should register all your details, type of visa or interest on Teleperformance site after you have booked your visa appointment. In case you don’t register on the visa site, you won’t be permitted to go for your appointment. You can also track your application on Teleperformance site after you have registered. All UK visa applicants are required to book an appointment before a visa can be granted to them.
• Step 5: On the day of your appointment at the UK Visa Application Center, you will be required to bring along the documents listed below: However, before you leave on your appointment date, plan to be there 15 minutes ahead of schedule at the visa application center. Bring your appointment letter and application packages, your international passport, along with a valid ID or travel document with at least 1 page that is blank on both sides.  When you arrive at the visa application center, you will be given a number. Hold on to the card until the number on the card is called to make your way to the interview window.
• Step 6: Choose whether you would like to pick up your documents back in person at the visa application center or have them mailed to you by post. If you choose to collect your visa in person, the pickup time is between 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (With the exception of Public Holidays) from Monday to Friday. You are required to bring your application package again, photo ID and a photocopy of the biodata page of your international passport.

Very Important! You will be alerted through an SMS (if you sign up) when your application has been sent to the UK Embassy on the submission day and you will also be notified of the return of your international passport back to the UK Application Center. You can also track your application online on Teleperformance site.

UK VISA PROCESSING TIME

UK Visa application processing time can take at least four to six working days. On the other hand, some visa applications can take additional time, especially those that need special handling or have a history of crime.

UK VISA APPLICATION CENTER ADDRESSES:

Below you will find the UK Visa Application Center Addresses:
UK Visa Application Center Victoria Island, Lagos
1st Floor, Churchgate Tower 2
Plot PC31 Churchgate Street, Victoria Island, Lagos

UK Visa Application Center Ikeja, Lagos
TLS Contact Processing Services Ltd.
Etiebets Place, 21 Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way
Ikeja, Lagos

UK Visa Application Center, Abuja.
TLS Contact Processing Services Ltd.
3rd floor El Yakub Plaza, Plot 1129
Zakariya Maimalari street, opp war college
Central Business Area, Abuja

UK Government for Visas & Immigration British High Commission, Lagos
Dangote House, Aguyi Ironsi Street Maitama District, Abuja

UK Government for Visas & Immigration British Deputy High Commission, Abuja
11 Walter Carrington Crescent, Victoria Island, Lagos

Hay, Let’s know if you have any questions about how to apply for a UK visa in Nigeria by leaving your comment below or drop your Contact email address