Home › Nigeria to UK Checklist
Updated October 9, 2026
Nigeria to UK: Relocation Checklist
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.
Typical government costs (2026)
£819Skilled Worker visa, up to 3 years (outside UK)
£1,035/yrImmigration Health Surcharge (worker)
£558Student visa application
£776/yrImmigration Health Surcharge (student)
£1,270Maintenance funds to show (Skilled Worker)
~£100TB test at an approved clinic
Fees per Home Office schedule in force from 8 April 2026. The health surcharge is paid for each year of the visa. Always confirm current fees on GOV.UK before applying.
Typical timeline
Skilled Worker: job offer and CoS (2 to 6 weeks), then a visa decision in about 3 weeks from outside the UK. Student: CAS from your university, then about 3 weeks for the decision. Start 4 to 6 months before your intended travel date; students should align with CAS issuance timelines.
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.
Planning estimate only. Results use the list prices shown and may differ from your actual bill. Terms
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.