07/12/2022
How to Apply for UK Student Visa? Step By Step Process for Nigerian students
Although applying for a UK student visa takes time, you can get your visa application approved ahead of schedule with proper time management and planning.
Are you a Nigerian student who is planning on studying in the UK?
Here's what you'll need to take note of throughout your application process:
Nigerian students:
Securing admissions, a student visa Secure admission to your desired university. Got your eyes set on a programme at your dream university? Could you ensure you meet the programme's qualifications before applying? Once you have obtained a conditional offer, here are the supporting documents you'll need:
A transcript of your academic qualifications
A CV or resume (postgraduate study)
A copy of your passport
A reference/recommendation letter
A personal statement
An English language qualification such as IELTS, SSEC or WAEC C6 or above or TOEFL
When you apply to a UK institution and get accepted, they send you a reference number known as the Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies (CAS). This is an essential document for your visa application.
To get the CAS, you may need to pass a credibility interview:
Credibility Interview for UK visa
Credibility Interviews are required by UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) to ensure that only 'genuine students' are given a Student route visa to study in the UK. You may be asked to attend a credibility interview for your visa application. In this case, it would be helpful to know that the UKVI will generally consider the following points:
Your reasons for coming to the UK
Your education history, plans for study and after study
Your immigration history in the UK and other countries
Your personal and financial circumstances.
If you have dependents who intend to join you in the UK, their circumstances will also be given consideration.
Your IDP counsellor can help you determine what to expect and how to prepare for your Credibility Interview.
Once you get the CAS, you will have to follow these three steps to apply for your UK Visa:
Step 1: Completing the online application form and pay the fee
Step 2: Going to a UK visa application centre and have your photograph and fingerprints taken
Step 3: Gather supporting evidence and print the application.
Complete a Tuberculosis (TB) test
Every student going to the UK for more than six months will need to take a TB test and submit the results to UKVI during the visa application.
You'll have to visit the Migration Health Assessment Centre at the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) to do your TB screening, as it's the only centre recognized by UKVI. It costs about 57,800 nairas, and you'll get your test results on the same day.
There are currently two centres in Nigeria: one in Abuja and another in Lagos. Click here for details.
Begin your UK student visa application
Here's everything you'll need for your student visa application:
A bank statement
Proof of funds (to show that you're financially capable of paying your tuition fees and living expenses)
Sponsorship letter (written by your parent or guardian who is sponsoring you)
Birth certificate or equivalent (to prove your relationship with your sponsor)
CAS letter from your university
TB test results
Offer letter from your university
All your previous documents used for your university admission, including a copy of your passport, transcripts, etc.
Once you have all the necessary documents, it's time to proceed with your student visa application, which you'll have to apply for online.
After submitting the necessary documents, you'll be brought to a TLS webpage to make two payments: a health surcharge (approximately US$900) and a visa application fee (about US$478).
Once you've made your payments, you'll have to schedule an appointment on the same website to visit a UK Visa Application Centre to provide your biometric information (fingerprint and photograph).
There are three UK Visa Application Centres in Nigeria: Abuja, Lagos Ikeja and Lagos Victoria Island (an additional fee applies at this location).
Once you submit your biometric information, it will take about 15 working days or shorter, depending on the service you pay for on the TLS site.
It also pays to check relevant government websites for the latest travel details.
Need help with an immigration matter?
Please speak to Crystal Solicitors' immigration adviser to get legal advice & assistance.
Crystal Solicitors is a UK-based law firm based in Milton Keynes. We specialize in family, housing, immigration, debt collection, employment and criminal law. We are client-care-focused and continuously strive for excellence in our work. Client trust is fundamental to the services we provide. Our firm works to ensure the client gets the best case care possible.
Address: 423 Midsummer Blvd, Milton Keynes MK9 3BN
Phone: 01908 012090
