How to Apply for a UK Visa from Nigeria (2026): Visitor, Student and Work Visas

The UK is still the most popular destination for Nigerians. You apply online, pay the fee and the health surcharge if needed, then give your fingerprints and photo at a visa centre in Lagos or Abuja. Here are the costs, documents and steps for the main visas.

💷 UK visa fees (from 8 April 2026)

Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): £1,035 a year for workers, £776 a year for students and dependants — paid upfront for the whole visa. Visits of 6 months or less don’t pay it. Priority (about £500) and super priority (about £1,000) are optional.

🧭 Step by step

1. Pick the right visaVisiting family, tourism or business meetings = Standard Visitor. University = Student (needs a CAS from the university). Job = Skilled Worker (needs a Certificate of Sponsorship from a licensed employer).
2. Apply online on GOV.UKFill the form at gov.uk/apply-to-come-to-the-uk. Answer honestly — false answers can get you banned for 10 years.
3. Pay the fee and IHSPay by card online. Keep the receipts.
4. Book a biometrics appointmentAt the visa centre (VFS Global) in Lagos or Abuja. Extra services there are paid in naira.
5. Upload or bring your documentsScan clearly. Documents not in English need certified translations.
6. TB test (stays over 6 months)Nigerians staying more than 6 months need a tuberculosis test from an approved clinic.
7. Wait for the decisionVisitor visas usually take about 3 weeks; you can track your application online.

📁 Documents for a visitor visa

• International passport (and old passports showing travel history).
• 6 months of bank statements with salary or business income — no sudden large deposits.
• Employment letter with approved leave, or CAC documents if self-employed.
• Invitation letter and the host’s ID/visa status if visiting family.
• Your plan: where you will stay, for how long, and why you will come back (job, family, property, studies).

🎓 Student visa extras

• CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) from a licensed university.
• Proof you have the tuition plus UK living costs (about £1,483 a month in London and £1,136 elsewhere, for up to 9 months), held for 28 days.
• English test if required (often IELTS for UKVI) and your WAEC/degree certificates.
• Since 2024 most postgraduate taught students cannot bring dependants.

💼 Work visa reality check

Since 22 July 2025, new care-worker visas from overseas are closed, most Skilled Worker jobs need a degree-level role, and the general minimum salary is £41,700 (lower for some health, education and shortage jobs). Nobody can “sell” you a genuine Certificate of Sponsorship.

Frequently asked questions

How much is a UK visitor visa from Nigeria?

£135 for a standard visitor visa of up to 6 months (from April 2026), plus optional priority fees and visa-centre service charges paid in naira.

How long does a UK visa take in Nigeria?

Most visitor visas are decided in about 3 weeks after biometrics. Students and workers are often faster. Priority services can speed it up.

How much bank balance do I need for a UK visit visa?

There is no fixed amount. You must show you can pay for your trip without help and that your income is regular — a stable history matters more than one big balance.

Can I still get a UK care worker visa from Nigeria?

No. New overseas applications for care workers closed on 22 July 2025. Only people already in the UK in that role can switch under transition rules.

Written by the askJBoss team from public information and our own research; last updated November 2026. Prices, dates and rules change — always confirm with the official source. Spotted something that has changed? Tell us in the comments.