As a general rule, you have to be with a visa to move to the UK from Nigeria. That follows the submission of a UK visa application prior to flying, and you should at least have an acceptance confirmation written before getting to the UK. There are different tiers for UK visas, each with its requirements. But, to get a work visa in the UK, you have to apply for a Tier 2 Visa.
Since you are pursuing an employment-based route, you must have a job offer before travelling from Nigeria to the UK, you must be actively employed. The organisation you are working under must have a valid license or sponsorship. Again, your employers will be responsible for issuing the certificate of sponsorship. After securing a job with a UK employer and obtaining your certificate of sponsorship, you can apply for a UK visa from Nigeria.
Types of skilled worker visas in the UK
Skilled worker visas are split into 4 categories they include,
- The general worker Visa is for qualified Nigerian employees who fulfill strict eligibility standards.
- The tier 2 ICT- it’s only accessible to existing Nigerian workers in the UK who want to be moved to their corporation’s UK office.
- Sportsperson Visa- is purported for world-renowned athletes and competent coaches.
- Minister of Religion- intended for foreign religious professionals.
Prospective applicants can contact IAS if you wish to assess their alternatives for entering the UK from Nigeria for employment purposes.
UK visa requirements for Nigerians
- Be employed by a UK business or any other organization with a valid sponsorship license.
- Be it that you are yet to apply for a job, you should have savings of at least £1,270 for your upkeep.
- You must be able to communicate and write in English.
Normally you have supposed to receive a confirmation on your application before travelling to the UK. However, you may use a vignette in your passport to allow you passage. Once you are here, you have to collect the Biometric residence permit within your first week. The home office shall issue you directions on where to pick up the Biometric residence permit.
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If it’s not obtainable within the particular set date, you have to communicate to the home office and appraise your employing organization. Ensure the BRP has no errors, particularly of dates.
To complete the right-to-work checks, Nigerians will have to show a vignette and the BRP. In case of a delay, they may start to work after the vignette is checked. Still, they have to present the Biometric resident permit before the vignette expiration date. The vignette will be stamped once you arrive in England.
Immigration lawyers in England may assist you, and your company obtains sponsor licenses and a skilled worker visa. Immigration Lawyers will evaluate your employers and your information before determining your suitability. Your documents shall be sent to the Home office for processing if you are eligible.
How can Nigerians apply for a skilled worker visa?
All the requirements above have to be met by all Nigerian applicants and accompanied by a sponsorship Visa from one’s employers. UK skilled worker visa applications can be submitted through the internet. It may be done even when one is within the UK or in Nigeria. When done online, the applicant will be given a confirmation either on rejection or acceptance. While it’s being processed, applicants should have a vignette on their passports.
Renewal will be permitted when Visas expire. Similarly, should you find a new job, you can apply for another Visa.
When will the skilled worker visa expire?
It’s up to your employer to decide how long you will work with them. Occasionally the skilled worker visa will last for 5 years. Upon expiration, you may apply for permanent residency. Your employer may also request your immigration lawyer to process a valid visa for 2 or 3 years.
Is it possible to acquire a job in the UK if you have a criminal record?
Prospective applicants are usually denied if they are recent convicts for crimes exceeding a year of jail time. However, criminal backgrounds do not bar you from finding employment once you are in the U.K. Certain organizations do not follow the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act of 1974. Should that be the scenario, you must reveal all your convictions, even when charged.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when you are moving to the UK from Nigeria, ensure you have the certificate of sponsorship. That means you will be employed once you are in the state. Then should you be delayed, you can use the vignette to get to the UK.
