How to Apply For UK Visa in Nigeria And Stop Wasting Your Money

If you are planning to travel to the United Kingdom for education, tourism, business or to reside and work, and you do not know how to get your visa, do not worry any longer because we are providing you detailed information that will make your visa processing very easy. We are experienced in this area and would love to share our vast knowledge with you.

There are things that are required from you before you can apply for a UK visa, the first thing that you need is a valid Nigerian Immigration passport that should be valid for at least 30 days after the intended stay in UK. You can easily apply for your immigration passport online or at the nearest Immigration office in any state in Nigeria.

There are different types of UK visa; immigrants who want to travel to any of the cities in UK and stay for an extended period should apply for the Long Term Visa. You are expected to provide a genuine reason for your long term stay in UK.

The most common UK type of visa is the Visitor’s or Tourist Visa. The Visitor’s visa is issued for a short stay in the UK. The purpose for this visa is to visit friends and loved ones, holiday or vacation, study, business, training, attend conference and transit visa – this is gotten when you are passing through the United Kingdom.
There are short term visas that are issued to Government officials called the Official and Diplomatic Visas. The Student Visa is issued to students who wish to study in any part of UK for a long period of time that can last up to three years.

Visa Requirements

• A valid travel passport( ECOWAS passport)
• Application Form – The UK visa form has to be filled online
• One passport sized colour photograph on white background. This must not be more than 6 months old (45mmx35mm wide)
• Visa Fee
• Evidence of permission to be in UK if you are not a national of the Nigeria. E.g visa, green card, residence permit etc.
• Photocopy of passport data page
• Letter of Invitation
• Financial proof, original bank statement ( at least 6 months)
• Birth certificate for children travelling with parents.
• Applicant travelling on an official business should attach a letter of invitation/confirmation of training/conference, with full details of the Company’s Authorized representative; physical address and phone numbers.
• Supporting letter from sponsor/friend
• Utility bills
• Details of hotel/flight bookings
• Marriage certificate if applicable

Visit the UK Immigration visa requirements for more information.

How to Apply for UK Visa

Step 1: You can apply for your UK visa at Teleperformance – UK Application Centers in Lagos or Abuja. This company works in partnership with the UK Government for visas and immigration in Nigeria makes visa application simple and fast if you provide all the required documents.

Step 2: Visit the UK Immigration and visa website to find out the type of visa you should apply for. The UK Visa fee varies; see the application fees for different categories under the type of visa you want. However, for general visitor short term visa, the visa application fee is 141 US Dollars. From the UK Visa and Immigration website, you will find out about your application fee and also book your appointment with UK Visa Application Centre.

Step 3: After you have filled the form online, you will be given the GWF number, you should take note of this number because you will need it later. You will also receive an email confirming the your appointment date, the location and the required documents to take along.

Step 4: You will need to register your details on Teleperformance website, after you have booked your appointment. If you don’t register, you will not be allowed to attend your appointment. You can also track your application on Teleperformance website after you have registered.

Step 5: To attend your appointment at UK Visa Application Centre, you are required to bring along the following:

• Printed copies of your online application form and appointment confirmation
• Your passport and other required documents.

There is a gradual process after payment of your visa fees; Your photo and fingerprints – biometrics will be done at the Application Centre. After this has been done, your visa fee will no longer be refundable.

Don’t be late for your appointment. Make sure you arrive at the date and time stated on your confirmation email. If you are late, your application process may be delayed as you will have to rebook your appointment.

According to Teleperformance website; “Due to global changes in the way visa application are processed, children under 5 years old are now required to attend the Visa Application Centre to complete the application process. It is now mandatory for them to have their photo taken at the VAC. These changes do not affect applications that have already been submitted.”

Visit here for detailed information on how to apply for visa with UK Visa and Immigration.

Application Submission

Applicants can submit their ECOWAS passports and application requirements on Monday to Friday between 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m except on public holidays in Lagos and Abuja UK Application Center.

Visa Processing

Visa application processing can take within four to six working days. However, some visa applications can take more time especially those that have special attention in crime or history of rejection.

Collection

Collection time is between 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (Except for Public Holidays) from Monday to Friday. You are expected to come with your application checklist, original photographic ID and a photocopy of biodata page of passport. You will be alerted through an SMS when your application has been sent to the UK Embassy on the submission day and you will be alerted for collection when your passport arrives back to the UK Application Center. You can also track your application online on Teleperformance website.

Note: Third party can not collect your documents on your behalf, except you are a government representative, a parent collect for your child or children or you are collecting on behalf of your family if you applied together.

UK Visa Application Center Addresses

UK Visa Application Centre in Victoria Island, Lagos
1st Floor, Churchgate Tower 2
Plot PC31 Churchgate Street, Victoria Island, Lagos

UK Visa Application Centre in Ikeja, Lagos
TLS Contact Processing Services Ltd.
Etiebets Place, 21 Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way
Ikeja, Lagos

UK Visa Application Centre, Abuja.
TLS Contact Processing Services Ltd.
3rd floor El Yakub Plaza, Plot 1129
Zakariya Maimalari street, opp war college
Central Business Area, Abuja

UK Government for Visas & Immigration British High Commission, Lagos
Dangote House, Aguyi Ironsi Street Maitama District, Abuja

UK Government for Visas & Immigration British Deputy High Commission, Abuja
11 Walter Carrington Crescent, Victoria Island, Lagos

If you have any questions about how to apply for UK Visa, please let us know in the comment box below.