Running on African Time? Here are the highlights:
- The UK implemented new immigration rules on July 1st, 2025, affecting Nigerians significantly.
- The Carer visa route (including care assistants and support workers) is now CLOSED to new overseas applicants.
- Only those already in the UK on this visa can renew until July 22, 2028, if they meet certain conditions.
- Skilled Worker visa eligibility is now restricted to roles requiring a bachelor’s degree or higher and jobs with higher salary thresholds starting from £41,700 per year.
- Family dependents (spouses and children) are no longer allowed for many lower-skilled or temporary job routes.
- English language proficiency requirement has been raised from B1 to B2, including for adult dependents.
- Indefinite Leave to Remain has been extended from 5 years to 10 years of legal residence.
- Now is the time to target high-skilled jobs, prepare for English tests and plan early.
- Book a session with MyJapa to help you navigate these changes and give you a fail proof strategy on your relocation.
If you’ve been planning to japa to the UK through the care worker route or a skilled job, there’s been a major plot twist. On July 1st, 2025, the UK officially made it harder for many Nigerians to move, live, or settle there. These aren’t small updates, they’re the kind of changes that demand a full strategy rework.
What Happened?
First up, the care worker visa is gone for new applicants outside the UK. Roles like care assistants and support workers no longer qualify. If you’re already in the UK under this visa, you can still extend but only until July 2028, and only if you’ve worked with a licensed sponsor for at least three months.
Then comes the Skilled Worker route. The UK now only accepts jobs requiring a bachelor’s degree or higher (RQF Level 6), and most of them must pay £41,700 or more per year. Lower-paid or mid-level jobs? Out.
Bringing family along on your japa journey has also gotten tougher. Many roles, especially on the shortage list no longer allow you to bring your spouse or kids. Plus, the English language level has been raised from B1 to B2, making the visa process harder for both workers and their adult dependents.
And if you’re hoping for permanent residency, you’ll now need to wait 10 years, not 5 anymore.
Who it Affects
These changes hit Nigerians hard, especially those who were banking on care jobs, low-to-mid-skilled roles, or moving as a family. If you’re a fresh graduate, a care worker, or someone hoping to switch visas post-study, this update affects your timeline, your route, and your entire plan.
Even current visa holders in the UK need to be proactive. The window for renewals and transitions is open but not for long.
What’s the Way Forward?
Don’t panic, pivot instead. If you’re already in the UK on a care visa, start planning your next move. Get a sponsor, extend before 2028, and look into upgrading your skills.
For those outside the UK, target graduate-level jobs with strong salaries in fields like tech, healthcare, and engineering. Strengthen your English proficiency and consider roles that still allow dependents.
The UK hasn’t closed the door, it’s just raised the bar. If you’re serious, strategic, and prepared, it’s still possible to make the move.
Need Help Figuring It All Out?
Get expert, personalized advice before making your next move. Book a consultation with us and let’s help you chart the right path forward. Click here to book your session.
Your japa dream isn’t over it just needs a new strategy.
