UK Visa from Nigeria: Skilled Worker and Student Visa Guide 2026

Quick Summary

  • Skilled Worker minimum salary: £41,700/year (baseline — occupation going rate may be higher)
  • Skilled Worker maintenance funds: £1,270 available balance (28-day hold) unless employer certifies
  • Student visa minimum age: 16 years
  • Student visa maintenance funds: £1,334/month (London) or £1,023/month (outside London) for up to 9 months
  • Official source: UK Visas and Immigration — GOV.UK

Evidence note: UKVI does not publish approval rates by nationality. This guide covers documented requirements only.

Skilled Worker Visa

The UK Skilled Worker visa is the primary route for professionals with a confirmed job offer from a UK employer.

Requirements

  • Job offer required: Yes — from a UK employer with a valid sponsor licence — source: UKVI
  • Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): The employer must issue a CoS before you apply
  • Eligible occupation: The job must be in an eligible occupation at the required skill level (RQF Level 3 or above)
  • Minimum salary: £41,700/year (baseline threshold, effective 2026-09-12) — source: UKVI salary requirements. The applicable occupation going rate may be higher. Lower salary routes and transitional rules apply in specific circumstances.
  • Maintenance funds: £1,270 available balance held for 28 days before application — unless your employer certifies they will cover your maintenance. This is an available balance, not an annual cost.
  • English language: Required — CEFR B1 level minimum

Path to settlement

  • Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after 5 years on a Skilled Worker visa
  • British citizenship eligibility 1 year after ILR

Shortage occupations

Some occupations on the Immigration Salary List qualify for a lower salary threshold. Check the current list on GOV.UK — it is updated periodically.

Student Visa

The UK Student visa is for international students aged 16 and over studying at a licensed student sponsor.

Requirements

  • Admission offer: Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from a licensed UK student sponsor — source: UKVI
  • Minimum age: 16 years
  • Maintenance funds: You must show you can cover your course fees and living costs:
    • London: £1,334/month for up to 9 months (£12,006 maximum)
    • Outside London: £1,023/month for up to 9 months (£9,207 maximum)
    • Funds must be held for 28 consecutive days before application
  • English language: CEFR B2 level minimum (IELTS Academic 5.5 in each band for most courses)

Tuition fees

UK university tuition for international students is typically £15,000–£35,000/year depending on institution and programme. This is separate from the maintenance funds requirement.

Post-study work rights

The Graduate Route allows you to work in the UK for 2 years after completing an eligible undergraduate or master's degree (3 years after a PhD). No job offer required for the Graduate Route.

Key barriers for Nigerian applicants

These are documented process barriers — not approval rate statistics:

  1. Financial proof: Maintenance funds must be in your own account or a parent/legal guardian's account. The 28-day holding period is strictly assessed.
  2. CAS validity: Your CAS has an expiry date — apply for your visa promptly after receiving it.
  3. Biometrics: Required — book at a UKVCAS service point in Lagos or Abuja.
  4. Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): Required for most visa categories — currently £1,035/year for students, £1,035/year for workers. This is a significant upfront cost paid at application.

Official sources

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