# Nigeria to UK: Relocation Checklist

> Moving from Nigeria to the UK? Interactive relocation checklist covering Skilled Worker and Student visa costs (2026 fees), documents, and your first 30 days.

Moving from Nigeria to the United Kingdom takes planning across visas, money, documents and arrival logistics. Work through this interactive checklist, see the real 2026 visa costs, and know what to do in your first 30 days.

*Interactive tool: enter your values at https://toollantern.win/nigeria-to-uk-relocation-checklist/ and results update instantly in your browser.*

## Visa routes from Nigeria to the UK

The two main routes are the **Skilled Worker visa** (job offer from a licensed sponsor, salary at or above the route threshold or the occupation going rate) and the **Student visa** (CAS from a licensed university, plus maintenance funds: £1,529/month in London or £1,171/month outside London, for up to 9 months). Nigeria is a **TB-testing country**, so a certificate from a UKVI-approved clinic is mandatory. The Graduate visa lets Student visa holders stay 2 years after a degree (18 months from January 2027).

## Money: the real budget

Beyond the visa fee, the Immigration Health Surcharge is the big cost: £1,035 per year for workers. A 3-year Skilled Worker visa means £819 + £3,105 IHS = £3,924 before flights and setup. Students pay £558 + £776 per year of the visa. You must also *show* maintenance funds without spending them. Many applicants underestimate the IHS; budget it first.

## Documents that cause delays

TB certificates expire after 6 months, so time the test close to application. Bank statements must show the required balance every day for 28 consecutive days, with day 28 within 31 days of applying. Names must match across passport, certificates and bank statements exactly; affidavit corrections take weeks in Nigeria, so check early.

## Arrival essentials

Your visa vignette gives 90 days to enter and collect your immigration status (now digital via eVisa). Open a bank account early: digital banks accept newcomers with a passport and UK address, while high-street banks may want more proof. Register with a GP immediately; NHS access comes via the health surcharge you already paid.

## Frequently asked questions
### Do Nigerians need a TB test for a UK visa?

Yes. Nigeria is on the UK's listed countries, so residents applying for visas longer than 6 months need a TB certificate from a UKVI-approved clinic, valid for 6 months.

### How much does a UK Skilled Worker visa cost in 2026?

£819 for up to 3 years or £1,618 for more than 3 years when applying from outside the UK, plus £1,035 per year of Immigration Health Surcharge. Figures are per the Home Office fee schedule from 8 April 2026.

### Can I bring my family?

Yes, as dependants on both Skilled Worker and Student (postgraduate research) routes. Each dependant pays the same visa fee and health surcharge, and you must show additional maintenance funds per dependant.

### How long does the visa take?

About 3 weeks for a decision from outside the UK on standard service. Priority (£500) and super priority (£1,000) services can shorten this where available.

### Can I work while on a Student visa?

Yes, usually 20 hours a week during term time (full time in vacations) for degree-level students. Check the conditions printed on your eVisa.

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Interactive version: https://toollantern.win/nigeria-to-uk-relocation-checklist/