TL StaffRelocating to the UK can be an exciting prospect for Nigerians. But before making this leap, several steps need to be completed first. You will first require a visa – there are various kinds of UK visas with their own specific requirements and specifications.
Visa costs can be an impediment to relocation to the UK; however, they don’t need to be an obstacle.
Apply for a visa
Nigerians looking to move to the UK have access to numerous types of visas available to them, depending on why and what your goals are for moving there. Your chosen visa will also determine how long you are allowed to remain there, so planning ahead is vital in making an informed decision when selecting one as it could take months before it can be granted.
Once you have selected a visa type and decided which documents are needed for it, begin gathering all relevant paperwork. Proof of income and health surcharge payments must also be provided as well as at least 28 days of bank statements for yourself and any family members joining you.
If you wish to apply for a working visa in the UK, it will require that you hold an offer from a UK-based employer and show sufficient funds in your bank account to support yourself and your family. Recruitment agencies or job websites offer services for finding employment.
Another key consideration should be the cost of living in the UK. While costs in Nigeria may be more economical, UK costs may differ significantly – be sure to do your research prior to making the move! In addition to housing, transportation and food expenses there may also be taxes and healthcare costs that need to be factored into account.
Relocating to the UK can be an incredible opportunity to meet new people and experience British culture. Sports fans especially may enjoy visiting this destination to watch their teams live! London itself boasts some fantastic sights and historic buildings worth seeing; plus you may get lucky enough to catch one of your favorite teams playing at their respective stadiums! Relocating can be even more fulfilling if you love football as it will give you access to viewing your team play live at their stadiums!
Search for a job
Relocating from Nigeria to the UK is no simple task. It takes patience, planning, and plenty of preparation – here are a few tips that might make the transition smoother:
1. Networking: Make connections with both expats and locals to learn more about culture and community.
2. Language Proficiency: You should possess an effective command of English to communicate effectively if planning on working in the public sector.
3. Emotional Preparation: Relocating to a new country can be emotionally trying. To be prepared for homesickness, cultural differences, and initial adjustment period issues is vital – as is financial preparation should you face any potential financial difficulty during this transitional phase.
4. Researching: You should conduct thorough research of your chosen field to understand which jobs are available in it, either by searching online, visiting job-search portals or regularly scrolling LinkedIn. Furthermore, learn as much as you can about British culture as this will allow for easier adaptation into UK life and avoid any miscommunication between coworkers and neighbors.
5. Acquiring a Visa: Nigerians who wish to relocate to the UK have several visa options open to them, including Tier 1 Investor Visa and Start-Up Visas, both designed to attract high-value immigrants; one is specifically targeted towards individuals who possess at least £2,000,000 to invest in UK investments while one allows entrepreneurs with great promise a chance to establish themselves there.
Apply for a student visa
If you wish to relocate to the UK in pursuit of higher education, first apply for a student visa. These visas typically last one year and can only be granted if accepted into one or more universities within its borders; you also need sufficient money for tuition and living costs once there.
Also Read: UK Student Visa Processes and Requirements
The UK offers world-class education, boasting many world-renowned universities. Furthermore, its diverse culture and iconic landmarks draw in students from around the globe; therefore it should come as no surprise that so many Nigerians choose to study here. Furthermore, studying there also opens up numerous career opportunities with respect to both work and advancement opportunities.
Before applying for a student visa, make sure you have all of the required documents. The process can be lengthy and will require multiple submissions of various types. In addition, an interview and biometrics (fingerprinting or photos used as forms of identification for security purposes) will likely also be necessary.
Once you have all of the documents necessary, submit them to the UK visa office. Application processing typically takes 15 working days for standard student visa applications and five working days for private visiting student (PV) visa applications; depending on which type of visa you apply for you may need to provide additional information or attend an interview session.
Skilled workers can apply for a permanent residence visa after five years in the UK, providing them with an opportunity to start life and bring family with them in this beautiful nation. Furthermore, this visa may lead to better jobs or citizenship altogether!
Set up your services
Nigeria offers individuals and families from Nigeria an abundance of opportunities in the UK; however, making the transition can be emotionally trying and require patience. Preparation will make the experience smoother; networking with individuals who have been through what you are experiencing as well as learning the language are all helpful steps in adapting more easily to life in England. The more knowledge of UK culture and lifestyle you possess, the easier you’ll adapt to life in Britain!
Step one is to establish your services in the UK, such as opening a bank account and getting local cell phones and internet links. Step two should involve familiarizing yourself with your new surroundings by becoming acquainted with transportation systems and exploring them – this will not only make life simpler but will give insight into how the country functions as well.
Hire a relocating company to make the process simpler and arrange utilities on your behalf, such as Please Connect Me which offers help obtaining TV, broadband and telephone connections as well as finding accommodation and enrolling children in schools.
Weather in the UK may differ dramatically from Nigeria’s tropical climate. This can present challenges to people with preexisting medical conditions; therefore it is vital to thoroughly research your new area. NHS (National Health Service) healthcare can be obtained for free but waiting lists can be long. Private healthcare options may also be available but at a more expensive rate.
Consider also the cost of living in the UK, which may seem high at first. Though this might come as a shock to Nigerians, salaries typically cover higher expenses so you should still be able to live a comfortable life there. There are numerous cities throughout Britain which provide affordable public transport and cultural amenities that offer top quality living conditions for an expat community.
Determine Your Eligibility
If you are planning to relocate from Nigeria to the UK, it is crucial that you establish your eligibility. No matter whether it is as a student, worker or spouse there are steps that should be taken in order to start out your stay successfully.
As soon as you’ve determined the type of visa that’s needed for entry to the UK, identify which type it is. There are different kinds of UK visas with differing requirements; for instance if you plan to move there as a worker you’ll require a valid passport and proof of income as well as proof of English proficiency before passing an English language exam and having sufficient funds available while living there. Student visa rules have recently been relaxed so more Nigerians may move there to study and work.
Choose the Right Visa Type
Dependent upon the purpose and length of your trip, various UK visa types are available to you. Our immigration experts can assist in choosing the most suitable option while also providing accredited advice and guidance during the application process.
Student Visa requirements typically involve providing proof of an approved study offer from an institution, English language skills and financial means sufficient to cover living expenses while in the UK. Work Visa processes typically involve extensive recruitment processes that include receiving an offer of employment from a British employer and providing detailed employment history records.
No matter the visa type, all applicants should expect a rigorous application review process. This involves making sure your passport is valid, keeping all required documents organized, and providing accurate and truthful answers during an interview process.
Check and Meet Visa Requirements
If you plan to come to the UK to further your education, certain visa requirements must be fulfilled – this includes possessing excellent English skills and familiarity with British traditions.
Nigerians looking to study in the UK typically need a student visa (formerly Tier 4) before commencing. This visa type can only be issued to those accepted into full-time educational programs and who can support themselves during their stay in the country.
If you are an ambitious individual looking to move to the UK for business purposes, a Tier 1 visa might be worth applying for. This category of visa is reserved for individuals who can make significant contributions to UK economic development – typically reserved for innovative entrepreneurs with tremendous talent.
Open a Bank Account
Relocating to the UK can be both exciting and expensive; fortunately, however, there are steps you can take to help make the process less costly.
An essential step you should take before arriving in a country is opening a bank account to better manage your money and establish yourself more quickly in your new surroundings. Doing this can make life much simpler!
While opening a bank account in the UK can be challenging for non-residents, there are still options available to them. Some banks even permit you to open one online before arriving – something which can save time and hassle!
TL Staff
Evans
