Are you looking for the best way to migrate to the UK from Nigeria?
The United Kingdom is currently the most popular immigration destination among Nigerians to live and work in a unique country. The UK is a unique country, filled with many families with roots worldwide. This leaves the UK with a unique mix of different cultures, food, and interests.
By migrating to this country, you will learn not just about British culture but also from people from other countries and cultures. Immigration to the UK from Nigeria is a spectacular journey that Nigerians like the most when immigrating. In this article, you will be guided through the best way to migrate to the UK from Nigeria.
Ways of migrating to the UK by visa
Applying for a visa is the best legal process when preparing to migrate to any country. The United Kingdom is a major country with an immigration program strictly by their law. As a Nigerian, you can apply for any visa (including an Employment/ Business Visa) to go to the UK. The best way to migrate to the UK must be done by applying for a visa that suits your goal of travelling, which brings us to the 4 types of visas:
- The UK Family and Partner Visa
- The UK Entrepreneur Visa
- The UK Work Visa
- The UK Student Visa
1. The UK Family and Partner Visa
This is known as a spouse visa, which allows married partners of UK citizens to immigrate to the UK because they are married to someone who is ‘settled in the UK’ – i.e., a person who is ordinarily resident in the UK and has no immigration restrictions on how long they can stay in the UK. You are eligible to work or study in the UK once the visa has been granted.
You can apply for a spouse visa from Nigeria or from within the UK.
If you are already in the UK on a fiance visa, work visa, or student visa valid for more than six months, you may be able to switch to a spouse visa. The average processing time for a spouse visa application is 2 – 12 weeks from the date we apply to the UK. Processing times vary depending on the country where you are applying.
A spouse visa is initially usually for 33 months if you apply overseas. If you are applying from within the UK, a spouse visa is issued for 30 months.
You can apply for an extension for an additional 30 months. This can take your total time in the UK on this visa up to five years. At this point, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). This applies as long as you are still married, living in the UK with your spouse, and meet the maintenance requirements. After you get ILR, you may be eligible to apply for naturalisation as a British citizen.
If you seek to enter the UK on your relationship basis with a UK national, you must apply for entry clearance before coming. If you are applying from inside the UK, you must have ILR in the UK on a visa valid for six months at the time you apply. You cannot switch to a spouse visa if you are already in the UK and your admission is less than six months.
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2.The UK Entrepreneur Visa
The UK government provides numerous lucrative resident visas to foreign nationals who invest in UK-based firms. Business visas allow you and your dependent family to live and work in the UK and gives you a path to permanent residency.
Residency rights on a business visa give you and your family access to the same numerous benefits as British citizens. These range from the financial stability and opportunity provided by the contemporary economy of the United Kingdom to world-class education and healthcare. Many of our clients appreciate the security and laid-back atmosphere in the United Kingdom.
3.The UK Work Visa
This Visa has replaced the Tier 4 (general) work visa. If you have the skills, you would have the chance to apply for a UK work visa where you can come to or stay in the UK to do an eligible job with a legit employer. Your visa can last for up to 5 years before you need to extend it. You’ll need to apply to extend or update your visa when it expires or if you change jobs or employers.
You can apply to extend your visa as often as possible if you still meet the eligibility requirements. After 5 years, you may be able to apply to settle permanently in the UK (also known as ‘indefinite leave to remain’). This gives you the right to live, work and study in the UK for as long as possible and apply for benefits if you’re eligible.
4.The Student Visa
You can also apply for this visa once you’re over 16. The Student Visa represents the Tier 4 of visas. Application for this Visa depends on whether you’re applying from inside or outside the UK.
While outside the UK, the earliest you can apply for the visa is 6 months before your course begins. You’ll usually get a decision on your visa within 3 weeks. While applying in the UK, the application is 3 months before your course starts. You must apply before your current visa expires. Your new course must begin within 28 days of your current visa expiring. You’ll usually get a decision within 8 weeks.
The time you can stay in the UK depends on the length of your course completed in the UK. If you’re 18 or over and your course is at degree level, you can stay in the UK for 5 years. If it’s below degree level, you can usually stay in the UK for up to 2 years.
Conclusion
You can migrate to the UK from Nigeria by applying for a Visa. This will give you a lot of chances and benefits of living in the United Kingdom to go for tours, work, and even start your own business.
