A UK visa application can be a thrilling yet scary moment. The visa process is very important for anyone desiring to visit the United Kingdom because it helps in actualizing a dream of traveling, either for leisure, study, work, or reuniting with loved ones.
I know how much it costs even more than the visa application fee as I have gone through this process before.
In this blog post, I will share my personal experience applying for a UK visa from Nigeria; breaking down the costs involved, what to expect, and how to prepare financially.
Additionally, I will provide answers to some frequently asked questions that will help you navigate through this often-complicated maze with confidence.
Click here to learn the cost of Canada visa in Nigeria.
Let’s dive into it!
Why the UK?
The UK has always been among Nigeria’s favorite destinations. From attracts thousands of Nigerians each year, mainly because of its rich history such as the Tower of London which draws people towards these landmarks every day of the week.
To others it could be due to bustling city life in London or world-class educational opportunities provided at its universities while others go there with the expectation of finding good jobs hence no wonder why many Nigerians have a strong bond with Britain.
The UK was my dream home because of its rich history and culture, as well as the chance to meet my relatives who migrated there several years ago.
Nevertheless, I had to apply for a Visa before packing up my belongings and taking a flight.
The Reality of UK Visa Application Fees
One of the first things that I discovered when I embarked on this journey of visa application was that applying for a UK visa is not inexpensive.
Fees may vary depending on the category of visa being applied for and it is an absolute must to be financially prepared.
Many factors determine how much it costs to apply for a UK visa in Nigeria including; type of visa, duration of stay, and whether you want additional services such as priority processing.
Below is a sample cost breakdown for some common visa categories as at August 20124:
1. Standard Visitor Visa
For tourism, visiting family/friends, or short-term business
- 6 months: Approximately ₦50,000
- 2 years: Approximately ₦180,000
- 5 years: Approximately ₦340,000
- 10 years: Approximately ₦425,000
2. Student Visa
General Student Visa (Tier 4): Approximately ₦160,000
3. Work Visa
Tier 2 General Visa: Approximately ₦310,000
Tier 5 Temporary Worker Visa: Approximately ₦120,000
4. Settlement Visa
Spouse/Partner Visa: Approximately ₦620,000
5. Priority Service Fee
Additional Cost: Approximately ₦220,000
Figures can change due to exchange rates so one must check the current fees on the official UK government website when applying.
My Personal Experience with UK Visa Application Fees
When I began the application process, I was overwhelmed with the different categories of visas and their respective costs.
I had intended to visit my family in the United Kingdom for a short period; therefore, I went for a Standard Visitor Visa.
However, choosing between this 6-month and 2-year visa was not easy. On one hand, I wanted multiple entries over a long period while on the other hand, each type had different cost implications.
Ultimately, I decided on the six-month visa as a less risky alternative financially.
However, what caught me off guard were some unexpected expenses that came about in the course of my application.
The visa fee only marked the beginning. Other costs included service charges at the Visa Application Centre (VAC), biometric charges, medical test and getting supporting documents like bank statements.
One of the biggest eye-openers was the priority service fee.
I was a little bit worried about getting my visa decision fast so I went for priority service which promised faster processing time.
But this came with a high cost – almost as much as the visa fee itself! Though it provided me with some peace of mind, I couldn’t help but feel the pinch in my pockets.
The Hidden Costs of a UK Visa Application
In addition to the visa fee itself, there are many costs that applicants are not aware of during application. Discussed below are what should be considered in the process.
1. Biometric Appointment Fee
To apply for a UK visa you will have to go for a biometric appointment at one of their Visa Application Centres (VACs) where they will take your fingerprints and photograph.
There is usually an associated charge with this appointment, which varies from ₦10,000 to ₦20,000.
2. Service Charge at the Visa Application Centre
The VAC also levies an extra amount referred to as a service charge.
Document scanning services, courier service, or even premium lounge access, if you want a more comfortable experience, can make this cost vary depending on what services you choose.
3. Cost of Supporting Documents
There are also monetary implications in collecting documents needed for your visa application.
For instance, you may require bank statements or even pay for travel insurance or obtain certain documents that should be notarized. These costs can quickly add up, so one has to include them in the budget plan.
4. Currency Conversion Fees
Because UK Visa fees are typically denominated in pounds sterling (GBP), they must be converted into naira (NGN) when paid.
The conversion rates fluctuate and this could see your bank charging a conversion fee thereby increasing the overall cost.
5. Transportation and Logistics
Do not forget the transport costs incurred while traveling back and forth to the VAC center for your biometric appointment as well as subsequent visits if necessary.
Depending on where you live, this may entail considerable expenditure on traveling. And please note that exchange rates can impact the final cost significantly.
UK Tourist Visa vs. UK Work Visa
standard visitor visa or uk tourist visa is a permit given to people who want to go for a holiday or visit friends and family in the united kingdom. It does not allow work and long-term stays, unlike.
The tier 2 (general) visa otherwise known as the UK work visa is meant for those who wish to work in the UK. A job offer from a UK employer is required and it allows for longer stays depending on the employment contract.
In summary, what differentiates them is the purpose which could be tourism or employment as well as duration of stay and entitlements.
UK Student Visa Fee in Nigeria
Nigerian students looking forward to studying in the UK must have the UK student visa also called Tier 4 (General) student visa. The charge payable differs based on duration and type of course being attended.
At present, approximately ₦200,000 is paid as standard fee for a UK student visa from Nigeria. This permits them to stay in United Kingdom throughout their studies with some provisions of part-time jobs.
Prospective students need to factor this cost with fees and accommodation costs when planning for further studies abroad.
UK Tier 2 Visa Fees
The Skilled Worker Visa has replaced the UK Tier 2 Visa, which is meant for skilled workers with a job offer in the UK. The application charges depend on the duration of the job and whether or not it is on the Shortage Occupation List.
These fees range from ₦300,000 to ₦1,000,000 subject to specifics about the visa.
Additionally, applicants must also pay Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) which covers access to United Kingdom’s National Health Services.
If one intends to stay in UK long term and have their families join them, then this is a must-have visa.
Cost of UK Work Visa Application Fee
UK Work Visa application fees have been determined by type of work visa, location of an applicant and duration of employment. For example, Skilled Worker Visa (formerly Tier 2) costs between ₦300,000 and ₦1,000,000 normally.
This fee includes application processing while others such as Immigration health surcharge are paid separately.
There may be a charge imposed on employers too called sponsorship fee although this vary depending on specific circumstances. Such costs play a huge role when it comes to planning for immigration as they form part of the budget.
Here are some resources for further information:
- UK Government – Skilled Worker visa:Â https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa
- Immigration Lawyers – Tier 2 vs Skilled Worker visa:Â https://ukimmigrationsolicitors.co.uk/skilled-worker-visa/Â
Tier 2 (General) Visa
Skilled Worker Visa (formerly known as Tier 2 (General) visa)
In case you are a non-European Union resident and you have been offered a skilled job in the UK, then Tier 2 (General) Visa, now Skilled Worker Visa, was designed for you.
All applicants were required to possess a valid Certificate of Sponsorship from a British employer and meet specific criteria on remuneration and skills levels. On this visa one could work for five years with an opportunity to extend it further.
This allowed permanent residence seekers another chance.
The significance of this visa cannot be underestimated; the healthcare sector, engineering and other industries that had shortages and had borrowed talents from abroad are examples of fields where many labour intensive jobs went to tier 2 workers.
Tier 2 (Intra-Company Transfer) Visa
This type of visa is applicable to multinational companies’ staff members being transferred to their organizations’ branches in the United Kingdom.
Depending on the nature of workload, this class of visa allows for both short-term and long-term transfers.
A Certificate of Sponsorship was needed by all applicants from their respective employers on top of meeting certain salary requirements.
There were many cases where businesses had to send key personnel overseas; hence they relied on visas allowing them up to five years there just like Tier 2 (Intra-Company Transfer) Visa served these purposes.
It operated as a facilitator for global business through smooth employee movements globally.
Tier 5 (Temporary Worker) Visa
The Tier 5 (Temporary Worker) Visa is for individuals coming to the UK for short-term work or experience, often in specific fields like charity work, creative industries or religious roles.
Depending on the subcategory, this visa allows for stay periods of up to 12 or 24 months. A licensed UK sponsor should provide a valid Certificate of Sponsorship for all applicants.
Thus, those who are looking to obtain some experience through exchange programs or temporary job assignments in the UK can apply for this visa since it provides invaluable opportunities relating cultural and professional aspects.
Cost of UK Priority Visa Application
UK Priority Visa service is a service that allows applicants to fast track their visa processing time which usually take five working days or less. The cost of this service is over and above what one paid as normal visa application charges.
It normally varies between ₦100000 and ₦200000 depending on type of visa and processing location.
This becomes more beneficial when people need to travel urgently as well as require faster decision-making process on their visas.
However, by using the Priority service it is not a guarantee that an applicant will get positive feedback but only speeds up the processing time.
Exchange rates can impact the final cost significantly.
UK Visa Application Form
When one applies for a UK visa, they must fill in the UK Visa Application Form which is a critical requirement that must be met. Personal information, travel history and purpose of visit to the UK are some of the details on this form. It is usually filled online and needs to be submitted with certain documents such as passport, bank records, and invitation documents. Filling in this document correctly is very important because mistakes or omissions could cause delays or denial of visa application. The submission of this form marks the beginning of visa application procedure officially.
How to Budget for Your UK Visa Application
This brings us to one of many reasons why people need to consider budgeting carefully because of these different types of costs involved throughout the process of obtaining a visa.
Here are some financial management tips that worked out for me during the process of application;
1. Start Early
It is wise if saving towards your visa application commences early enough so that there will be no last-minute financial crunches due to unavailability of funds at that time
2. Research Thoroughly
Before you apply, research the right visa category and learn all costs linked to it.
This involves not only the visa fee but also other costs like biometric fees, service charges, and supporting documents.
3. Consider the Exchange Rate
Keep an eye on the exchange rate between GBP and NGN.
A good exchange rate can help you save money so consider making your payment at a time when the rate is favorable to you.
4. Prepare for Unexpected Costs
Allocate some extra funds for unforeseen expenses that may be incurred during the application process.
These may include additional document requirements or having to re-apply.
Can I get a refund if my visa application is denied?
Even though your UK visa application does not go through, there is no refund of fees paid before this stage by this country’s embassy system to which it adheres strictly without wavering due to non-refundability.
Consequently, ensure that your application is complete before submission for it to meet all requirements set out under immigration legislation otherwise no refund will be given back if ever something goes wrong with an initial application form itself.
Conclusion
Certainly, applying for a UK visa from Nigeria is a major financial commitment. However, with good planning and budgeting, these costs may be easier to navigate.
From my own experience, I have learned that it is very important to be well-prepared and fully understand all possible expenditures.
As much as they might seem painful, the charges are unavoidable if one wants to achieve their travel objectives.
This investment is worthwhile because it opens the way to numerous opportunities including visiting friends and relatives in another country, educational pursuits, or exploration of the United Kingdom’s diverse culture.
Remember that success in your application largely depends on how well-prepared you are.
As a result of having knowledge about expenditure earlier on in time and planning for it accordingly will enable you to approach confidently such kind of a process as well as look forward to this adventurous trip ahead of you.
Have a safe journey as u make your application for a UK visa successful!
FAQs
Why are UK visa fees so high?
The UK government decides how much each type of visa should cost to cover administrative expenses such as processing applications, conducting background checks, and maintaining visa services.
Additionally, these figures differ depending on what kind of visa has been requested and which services are preferred including priority processing.
Are there any ways to reduce the cost of a UK visa application?
Don’t lower the visa fee itself, but remember that you can save money if you stop using extra services like priority processing or premium lounge access at the VAC.
Moreover, avoiding mistakes in document submission will save you from costly re-application.