UK Visa for Nigerian Citizens

Nigeria is one of the top non-Commonwealth sources of UK visas. Skilled Worker (especially Health & Care), Student, and Family routes lead the volume. Applicants need a TB test, certified English translations of any non-English documents, and biometrics at Abuja or Lagos VFS centres. Refusal rates are higher than average — strong financial evidence and clear ties to Nigeria are critical for Visitor visas.

The most-used UK visa routes by Nigerian applicants, ordered by volume.

1. 1
   Skilled Worker · from £819

   IT and engineering professionals.
2. 2
   Health & Care · from £304

   NHS nurses and care workers.
3. 3
   Student · from £558

   Postgraduate programmes especially.
4. 4
   Standard Visitor · from £135

   Family visits and business meetings.

Biometric enrolment is mandatory. Book your appointment at the closest VFS centre after submitting your online application.

• TB test required for all visas over 6 months — IOM Lagos or Abuja.
• Strong evidence of ties to Nigeria critical for Visitor visa approval (employment letter, property, family).
• Bank statements must show genuine, consistent activity — large unexplained deposits frequently refused.
• Care worker route (Health & Care) closed to new overseas applications from March 2025.