How to Relocate to the UK from Nigeria (Full Guide)

How to Relocate to the UK from Nigeria

If you want to leave the shores of Nigeria for the United Kingdom the legal way, this post will explicitly walk you through the details on how to relocate to the UK from Nigeria successfully.

Actually, the planning and processing involved in relocating to the UK from Nigeria could be somewhat cumbersome and it can be sometimes scary especially when it’s taking a longer time than expected, but in the long run, it is well worth it.

So, you can relocate to the UK as an individual or with your family members if you are married. And in this post, we will specifically cover all you need to make your relocation effort a successful run.

5 Ways to Relocate to the UK from Nigeria

Moving to the UK from Nigeria is not limited to one way. A variety of options are available and in this section we will be taking a look at each of them.

Before we get to that, it is important you know that entering the geographical space of the UK is impossible without a Visa.

Primarily, your type of Visa determines how long you can stay in the UK and what you can do.

For example, some categories of Visa won’t allow you to work at all while some allow you to work as many hours as you want. If you are on visitation, the UK government expects you not to take up a job but solely depend on your sponsor. If they catch you working, you will face some sanctions which may include outright deportation and a ban from gaining entrance into the UK in the future.

And if you think they won’t detect such unscrupulous game, our advice is that you relax on your unfounded plan because the UK authorities have sophisticated technology that monitors the compliance of everyone in their territory.

If you want to relocate to the UK from Nigeria and make a living legitimately, these Visa types will positively support your dreams. They include:

1. UK Spouse Visa

From the title, what do you think already? Marriage, right? Yes, that’s it.

To be eligible for this type, you must be married and your spouse who will sponsor your Visa application must already be a UK based individual. It is quite straight forward if your spouse is British. That is, your spouse is already a citizen of the United Kingdom. However, if your spouse is a permanent resident or just eligible to live and work, you can also be a beneficiary of this type of visa.

In addition, your issuance of this type of Visa also takes your age into consideration. Basically, you and your spouse must be above 18 years old before you can be eligible for this Visa.

Also, the UK Spouse Visa eligibility requires that you and your spouse must have met physically at least once before entering marital agreement. Sometimes, the authorities will require that both of you have lived together for at least 2 years.

Lastly, you should be aware that this Visa type is not gender specific. That is, your spouse abroad could be a man or a woman, so you have nothing to worry about if you are a man in Nigeria and your UK based spouse is a woman. Anyone can facilitate the relocation of their spouse to the United Kingdom.

2. Fiancé Visa

This type is quite similar to the type mentioned earlier – UK Spouse Visa, but it doesn’t require you to have already been married with your spouse.

UK makes provision for individuals who are in a marriage-bound relationship with a UK based intending spouse. They believe you will definitely get married to each other when you reunite in the UK.

However, it’s not usually an all smooth ride considering this type of Visa. This is because it is one of the most popular avenues for Visa fraud. So be ready for some more intense scrutiny if you decide to apply for one.

Also, some other factors will be considered before this type of Visa is issued to you. For example, your criminal record, age, health record will be critically examined. In addition, you may be required to present yourself for an interview in order to defend the authenticity of your relationship and the likelihood of leading to marriage.

In some cases as well, they may require that you’ve stayed together in the past for two years before such a visa is issued to you.

3. Tier 1 Visas

Now it is getting more interesting because we are driving deeper into some other reputable ways you can facilitate your relocation to the UK from Nigeria.

Tier One Visas are some categories of UK Visas with a high chance of application success and the reason is simple:

The UK government believes the holders of these visas are assets to their economy. These people are coming in with so much value to boost the economy and the society.

It is one of the easiest ways that guarantee relocation, however it is for those who have proven records that they are worth having.

For Tier 1 Visa, we have:

Start-up Visa

This type of Visa is issued to those who have a convincing business plan that requires execution in the United Kingdom. Not so much investment is required because it is understood that it is a business that is expected to kick-off when you land in the UK.

However, you and your intending business will be subjected to a fairly rigorous interview session. This is expected because they don’t want anyone to pretentiously gain entry into the UK.

So, you will have to show your business prowess, why your brain-child is needed in the UK and how it will positively influence the lives of people in the UK. And just to mention, your CV will be reviewed and you want to make sure it is strong enough to convince them beyond doubts.

Investor Visa

This type of visa can be considered synonymous to the first but there is a notable difference between them. Instead of a limited financial requirement as applicable to a Start-up Visa, an Investor Visa holder is expected to have a huge financial backing.

As the name implies, an investor is coming in to establish a business that is expected to be adequately funded and eventually employ a good number of people who constitute a part of the UK working population.

Specifically, if you think this is best for you, you are expected to have at least £2,000,000 for investment efforts. And as expected, you will be mandated to show a proof of this fund before you are granted this visa.

UK Global Talent Visa

Notable under the Tier 1 Visa is the UK Global Talent Visa.

Professionals including healthcare workers: Doctors, Nurses etc.; IT Professionals: Web Developers, Software Developers, Data Analysts, Business Analytics Experts etc.; Researchers and so on now work in the UK and earn handsomely.

These professionals fall under a category the UK described as Global Talents. The UK government wants to have talents all over the world in their country to work and earn a good living. Those who are qualified for the UK Global Talent Visa are eligible to stay for 5 years. After then, they can apply to become a permanent resident in the UK.

You can read more about the UK Global Talent specifically and determine if you are eligible for the visa. Also, the information on this page will show you how to get your processing started immediately.

4. Tier 2 Visa

This has been one of the most common types of visas the UK has issued to Nigerians in recent times. Why? This visa accommodates the export of professionals and skilled workers to the UK.

Basically, this visa allows you to live and work in the UK. It also allows your immediate family members (spouse and children) to travel with you to the UK.

But not all working professionals can relocate under this category. The UK only made provision for immigrants who can fill in positions where the economy is experiencing shortages of labour. That is, not all industries in the UK need extra hands but some are currently in dire need of professionals to sustain and improve the quality of their service delivery.

In brief, the way this usually works is that a UK-based employer must issue a Certificate of Sponsorship to you but be fully aware that not all employers in the UK are eligible to sponsor your relocation to the UK.

Let’s also consider some specifics under this type of Visa:

Skilled Worker Tier 2 Visa

According to the UK government, this visa came as a replacement for the Tier 2 General work visa.

It is one of the commonest and many Nigerians have taken advantage of this class of visa to relocate to the UK.

Some professionals in Nigeria have been able to relocate to the UK from Nigeria because while in Nigeria, they worked for organizations with a legal presence in the UK and these organizations were readily available to have them work in their UK office.

So, if you currently work with such an organization, securing a transfer to the UK office may be a sure and easy way for you to relocate to the UK from Nigeria.

Tier 2: Sportsman Visa

If you actively involve yourself in a sporting activity and your abilities resonate with the standard in the United Kingdom, then this is an easy way to migrate to the UK.

Specifically, this is for athletes, coaches, footballers and other relevant sporting activities the UK authorities prioritize.

Tier 2: Minister of Religion Visa

If you are a preacher, priest or someone who works as a social worker for a religious organization, you can be eligible for this class of visa.

5. UK Students Visa

Here’s one of the swiftest means to jet out of Nigeria. In fact, many Nigerians have permanently relocated to the United Kingdom through the Student Visa. This is not to say a Student Visa guarantees your permanent relocation but when you secure an employment with a company that is eligible to sponsor you after you graduate from school, you have the opportunity to stay back and even work your way to bagging UK citizenship.

Also, the UK already made a provision for every international student to enjoy a post-study visa which lasts for a duration of 2 years after school. This period is a huge timeframe to concretize your plans to finally stay back in the UK.

Finally on this note, be aware that you are eligible for a UK Student visa if you wish to enrol as an undergraduate or postgraduate student and you can also work for a maximum duration of 20 hours per week to support your expenses.

How to Relocate to the UK from Nigeria

UK Permanent Residency

Before we wrap up on how to relocate to the UK from Nigeria, it is important you know this:

If you gain entry into the UK through the listed options, you are still far from becoming a citizen. Citizenship gives you a right to all the benefits the natives enjoy.

But you can be a step closer to securing your citizenship if you become a permanent resident in the UK.

However, permanent residency doesn’t come so easily because you must have satisfied some conditions before the UK government find you worthy of such status.

Basically, to apply and become a permanent resident in the UK, you must have lived for nothing less than 5 years.

Secondly, you must not be out of the UK for more than 180 days in a duration of 12 months.

Next, no criminal activity must be attached to your name in this period of waiting. This is because you are building your reputation and showing yourself as someone who can effectively be subjected to laid down rules.

Wrapping Up: How to Relocate to the UK from Nigeria

Different channels that can inspire your relocation to the UK from Nigeria have been discussed in this post. Not just relocation for a limited time is possible with the information here, you can utilize this to permanently migrate to the United Kingdom even with your family. All you need is to understand which one is best suited for you and start your application without delay.

If your interest is centred around enrolling for a university education in the UK and eventually staying back to work and live with your family, there’s a faster way to get it done. Simply have a quick chat with us and leverage our experience to reduce what would take you months to just a few weeks.

And if you believe you are a skilled worker, in fact that’s amazing. Our experts are ready to overwhelm you with all the assistance you need. Simply access this link to get started.

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