Getting a visa to the UK as a Nigerian is very possible regardless of unsuccessful ‘japa’ stories and the rate of approvals or denials. So, if you’ve ever searched “how to get a UK visa from Nigeria” “How to get a United Kingdom work visa” or wondered “how long does it take to get a UK visa?” or other related queries on Google, then welcome to our one and only ‘My Japa’ world.
First of all, we all know that the UK remains one of the top destinations for Nigerians seeking tourism, studies, work, or even permanent relocation on a budget. Like we always say to our prospects and clients, the visa process can become ‘wahala promax’ if you do not seek proper guidance from My Japa, your number one travel agency in Nigeria, with the surest and cheapest ways to travel to any country of choice.
ALSO READ: Cheapest Ways to Japa From Nigeria Legally With My Japa Ltd | Best Travel Agency in Nigeria
If you have read this far, congratulations, because this step-by-step guide is about to break down everything you should know about applying for a UK visa from Nigeria. This includes the types, fees, processing time, requirements, and how My Japa can help you obtain it successfully without stress.
Why Do Nigerians Need a UK Visa?
Unlike some countries whose citizens can enter the country visa-free, Nigerians must apply in advance before traveling. This applies whether you’re going for a holiday, attending a wedding, studying, or starting a new job.
It permits you to enter and stay in the United Kingdom for a specific reason and period. You submit an application for a visa type depending on why you wish to travel.
Types of UK Visas for Nigerians
- UK Visit Visa (Tourist/Standard Visitor Visa)
The most common visa for Nigerians traveling for leisure, tourism, medical treatment, or visiting family and friends.
Duration: Up to 6 months (short-term).
Cost: From approximately £110-£127 (about ₦219,200 – ₦253,077, depending on exchange rates). Visa fees could change based on price policy adjustments.
Documents required:
Valid Nigerian passport
Evidence of funds (bank statements, employment letter)
Invitation letter (if visiting friends/family)
Travel itinerary
FAQ:
Can I get a UK visa to attend a wedding or show? Yes. A UK visitor visa is for that.
- UK Work Visa (Skilled Worker Visa – formerly Tier 2)
If you’re relocating for work, you’ll need a work visa.
Popular categories:
Skilled Worker Visa (to work on the UK shortage occupation list)
Health and Care Worker Visa
Temporary Worker Visa
Main requirements:
Job offer from a UK licensed sponsor
Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
Proof of English proficiency
Bank balance of at least £1,270 (₦2.1m approx.), unless your employer’s Certificate of Sponsorship (CAS) states they will support you financially. The money must have been in your bank account for at least 28 consecutive days before your application date.
Frequently asked questions regarding UK Work Visas:
- How do you get a work visa in the UK? You get it by securing a job with a sponsoring employer.
- How to get a UK work visa without sponsorship? Currently, all work visas require sponsorship except the Global Talent Visa.
- How much does a UK work visa cost? The standard application fee ranges from £769 to £1,751, plus £1,035 yearly healthcare surcharge, and at least £1,270 to support yourself depending on duration and category.
My Japa Advantage: When you get an offer from a UK employer, we can help you handle the application from beginning to end, reducing rejection risk.
- Student Visa (Study Visa)
For Nigerians who wish to study in the UK, this is one of the most popular paths.
Requirements:
Offer letter from a UK university
Proof of payment of fees
Bank statement with at least £1,483/month living costs for courses inside London and £1,136/month for courses outside London.
Proof of English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL, though exempted by some schools).
Partnership highlight:
My Japa is partnered with Ileiwe, Nigeria’s leading study abroad agency, to make your UK study experience hitch-free by handling admissions, processing, and pre-departure support.
- Family/Spouse Visa
If you are the spouse of, or dependent on, a resident or citizen, you can apply for a spouse or family visa.
Validity: 2.5 years (renewable, which can result in settlement). Specifically, 33 months (2 years, 9 months) if applying from overseas and 30 months (2 years, 6 months) if applying from within the UK.
Special consideration: Married single mothers trying to get a spouse visa, It is possible if you meet sponsorship and financial requirements.
- UK Settlement/Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)
For Nigerians planning long-term relocation. After 5 years on certain visas (work, spouse, etc.), you can apply for settlement.
- Transit Visa
For Nigerians passing through the UK to another destination.
- How to obtain a UK transit visa from Nigeria? Apply online and show proof of onward travel.
- How Long Does It Take to Get a UK Visa?
Standard visitor visa: 3–6 weeks
Work visa: 3–8 weeks
Student visa: 3–6 weeks
Priority service: 5 working days (extra fee)
- How long to get a UK visiting visa from Nigeria? On average, 15–20 working days.
- How Much Does It Cost to Get a UK Visa?
Visitor Visa: £110-£127 (₦219,200 – ₦253,077 approx.)
Student Visa: £524 (₦780,000 approx.)
Work Visa: £625–£1,423 (₦1m – ₦2.2m approx.) For Skilled Worker Visa, £769 to £1,751, plus £1,035 yearly healthcare surcharge with at least £1,270 to support yourself during duration.
Spouse Visa: £1,846 (₦2.9m approx.)
Priority Visa: Extra £500 (₦800,000 approx.). A faster Super Priority Visa Service is also available for £1,000
Note: Exchange rates determine final naira costs.
Requirements for Getting a UK Visa in Nigeria
Whether applying for a tourist, study, or work visa, you’ll generally need:
- International passport (valid for 6+ months)
- Visa application form (online)
- Proof of funds
- Travel itinerary
- Supporting documents (e.g., admission letter, job offer, marriage certificate)
Documents to get a UK visa are crucial as wrong or incomplete papers are the number 1 reason for visa refusals.
FAQs About UK Visas for Nigerians
Can a pregnant woman apply for UK visa? Yes, but you must demonstrate that you’re going for genuine reasons and can pay for medical costs.
Do I need TOEFL to get a visa to UK? Only if your school requires proof of English. Some waive it for Nigerians.
Can I get married on a study visa in the UK? Yes, but it doesn’t automatically switch your visa category, you’ll have to apply separately for a spouse visa.
Can I get a UK visa to attend a wedding/show? Yes, under the visitor visa category.
How My Japa Makes UK Visa Processing Easy
Applying alone can be daunting, most Nigerians receive rejections due to incomplete documents or the wrong visa categories.
At My Japa, we:
Assist you in choosing the right visa (tourist, study, work, settlement).
Assist with document preparation.
Connect you with credible UK employers (for work visas).
Partner with Ileiwe for stress-free study abroad processing.
Provide pre-departure orientation so that you’re prepared.
ALSO READ: WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO JAPA?
My Japa Reviews
At My Japa, we help Nigerians get UK visas. Our service has real success stories to back it up. We have helped many Nigerians with the visa process since we started. This includes student visas, work visas, spouse visas, and visitor visas for any country.
Some of our clients once faced many rejections and felt stuck. Now, they share how My Japa’s expert advice, document review, and personal guidance helped them. It could be a graduate with a UK Skilled Worker Visa.
It might be a family that moved easily with a Settlement Visa. It could be students who got into top universities in the UK. They achieved this through our partnership with Ileiwe. Ileiwe is Nigeria’s best study abroad agency.
Your Journey Starts With My Japa
These success stories demonstrate why people consider us one of the best visa processing companies in Nigeria. Every successful visa approval shows our commitment to clear processes, helpful advice, and easy results. Your United Kingdom visa application with My Japa is not a random application with us. We see it as the beginning of your success story.
Applying from Nigeria must not be complicated. With the right advice, the right documentation, and professional processing, you have a much greater chance of success.
If you are wondering how to get a Tier 2 UK visa, you are not alone. Many people also ask about the requirements for a UK tourist visa in Nigeria.
Others want to know how long it takes to process a UK visa. Don’t worry; help is available. My Japa has you covered.
Contact My Japa today or fill out the form below. Start your application with confidence.
Fill the form: https://myjapa.ng/contact/
