UK Work Permit Visa Requirements: A Nigerian’s Complete Guide

When it comes to the work permit visa UK requirements, it all boils down to a few key things: landing a job with a licensed UK employer, hitting a specific salary level, and showing you've got a good grasp of the English language. That job offer is the golden ticket; it’s what gets you the all-important Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) that your entire application hinges on.

Your Journey to Working in the UK Starts Here

For many ambitious Nigerians, building a professional career in the UK is a major goal. Whether you're drawn to the buzzing tech scene in Manchester or the financial powerhouse of London, the opportunities are undeniable. But let's be honest, figuring out the visa process can feel as confusing as navigating Lagos traffic during peak hours.

This guide is here to be your roadmap. We'll cut through the noise and break down everything you need to know into simple, clear steps. The journey might feel a bit daunting, but with the right information and a solid plan, it's completely achievable. Your ambition deserves a clear path forward, and that’s exactly what we’re going to build together.

The Three Core Pillars of Your Application

To get your application approved, you need to nail three non-negotiable elements. Get these right from the very beginning, and the rest of the process will feel much smoother.

• A Confirmed Job Offer: This is your starting block. You absolutely must have a job offer from a UK company that is licensed by the Home Office to sponsor overseas workers. Without it, you can't even begin the application.

• Meeting the Salary Requirement: The salary for your new role has to meet a minimum threshold set by the UK government. This amount varies depending on the specific job, and it’s crucial to check the most up-to-date figures as they change.

• Proving English Language Ability: You’ll need to prove you can understand, speak, and write English to a certain standard. This is usually done by passing a secure English language test from an approved provider.

Think of these three pillars like the foundation of a house. If one is shaky, the whole thing could come tumbling down. Your job offer is the plot of land, the salary is the solid concrete base, and your English proficiency is the structural frame. You need all three in place before you can even think about putting the roof on.

To give you a clearer picture, let's summarise these essentials.

UK Work Permit Essentials at a Glance

This table breaks down the core pillars for a successful UK work visa application, specifically from a Nigerian perspective.

Requirement Category	What You Need to Secure	Example for a Nigerian Applicant
Licensed Employer	A confirmed job offer from a UK company with a Home Office sponsor licence.	Securing a software developer role with a tech firm in London that is listed on the official Register of Sponsors.
Salary Threshold	An annual salary that meets or exceeds the minimum for your specific job code (SOC code).	Your job offer is for £39,000 per year, which is above the required minimum for a skilled developer role.
English Proficiency	A passing score on an approved Secure English Language Test (SELT).	Achieving a B1 level or higher in all four components (reading, writing, speaking, listening) of an IELTS for UKVI test.

Getting these three elements lined up is your primary mission. Once they are sorted, you're well on your way.

Once you’ve successfully got your visa and settled into your new life, you might start thinking about different ways of working. While many people stick to traditional employment, others explore more flexible options. If that sounds like you, you can learn how to become a contractor in the UK with this helpful guide.

Ultimately, our goal here is to turn your dream into a concrete plan. With a bit of focus and careful preparation, your goal of working in the United Kingdom is closer than you think. Let’s get started.

Mastering the Skilled Worker Visa Points System

The main path for Nigerian professionals aiming for a career in the UK is the Skilled Worker visa, which runs on a points-based system. Now, when you hear "points-based," it might sound like a complex exam, but it’s actually more like a straightforward checklist. The goal is simple: you need to score 70 points to qualify.

Think of it like applying for a club membership that requires 70 points to get in. The club gives you a massive head start—50 points—just for having the essential qualifications. It's the same with the UK visa system. You'll secure the bulk of your points from the non-negotiable requirements you've already worked for.

This system is designed to be predictable. If you tick the boxes, you get the points. It’s not about luck; it’s all about preparation.

Securing Your 50 Mandatory Points

The foundation of your application is a solid block of 50 mandatory points. You absolutely must have these to even be considered. The good news? They are directly tied to the job offer you've landed.

These 50 points come from three core achievements:

1. Job Offer & Sponsorship (20 points): First things first, you need a job offer from a UK employer who holds a Home Office sponsor licence. Once they offer you the job, they'll assign you a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). This isn't a physical paper, but a unique reference number that acts as your golden ticket, proving you have a genuine job waiting for you.

2. Job at an Appropriate Skill Level (20 points): The role you've been offered must meet a minimum skill level, as defined by the UK's immigration rules. Roles like an IT Project Manager in Lagos or a Pharmacist in Abuja easily meet this requirement because they are considered skilled professions.

3. English Language Requirement (10 points): You have to prove you can speak, read, write, and understand English to a certain standard (specifically, level B1 on the CEFR scale). For most Nigerians, this means taking an approved Secure English Language Test (SELT), such as the IELTS for UKVI.

Getting these 50 points is the absolute foundation. It's like gathering the main ingredients for jollof rice—the rice, tomatoes, and key spices. Without them, you just can't make the dish. The final 20 points are the extras that perfect the recipe.

Finding the Final 20 Tradeable Points

With 50 points in the bag, you're almost there. You just need 20 more to hit that magic number of 70. These are called tradeable points because you can earn them in a few different ways, usually depending on your salary, your qualifications, or the type of job you have.

This is where the system offers some welcome flexibility. For example, if your salary isn't quite at the standard threshold, you might be able to make up the points somewhere else.

Here’s how you can lock in those final 20 points:

• Meeting the General Salary Threshold: The most common route. If your salary is at least £38,700 a year (or the specific 'going rate' for your occupation, whichever is higher), you automatically get your 20 points.
• Job on the Immigration Salary List: If your profession is on the official shortage list (now called the Immigration Salary List), the salary you need to earn is lower. This is a huge advantage for people in high-demand fields like certain types of engineering or healthcare.
• Relevant PhD Qualification: Got a PhD in a subject that's directly relevant to your job? You can claim points even with a lower salary. A PhD in a STEM subject gives you even more wiggle room.
• New Entrant to the Labour Market: If you're under 26, a recent graduate, or doing postdoctoral training, you might qualify as a 'new entrant'. This special category allows you to meet the visa requirements with a much lower salary.

Understanding these options is key. The UK's immigration rules are constantly being updated, so staying informed about changes, like those in the new UK immigration white paper and how it affects workers, can give you a real advantage. By carefully looking at your salary, qualifications, and job offer, you can build a clear strategy to get those final 20 points and secure your UK work permit.

Your Nigerian Document Checklist for Success

Think of your visa application as building a case. Every single document is a piece of evidence, and even one missing item or small mistake can cause major delays or, worse, an outright refusal. Nobody wants that headache.

This checklist is designed specifically for Nigerian applicants. I'm not just going to list what you need; I’ll give you practical, on-the-ground advice for navigating the process here in Nigeria. Let's get your paperwork organised and build a rock-solid application together.

Essential Personal and Professional Documents

First things first, let's nail down the basics. These are the non-negotiable documents that prove who you are and why you're applying. Make sure they're all current and valid.

• Your International Passport: This might seem obvious, but it's crucial. Your passport needs at least one completely blank page for the visa stamp and must be valid for your entire intended stay in the UK.
• Your Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) Reference Number: This isn't a physical piece of paper. It's the unique number your UK employer gives you after they've offered you the job. It's the digital key that unlocks your whole application.
• Proof of English Language Proficiency: You'll need the certificate from an approved test centre, like an IELTS for UKVI test, to show you meet the required B1 level of English.

Verifying Your Nigerian Qualifications

For many skilled roles, you have to prove that your degree from a Nigerian university is on par with a UK bachelor's, master's, or PhD. It sounds more complicated than it actually is.

The official body you'll deal with is ECCTIS (which has taken over from the old UK NARIC). You'll send them your degree certificate and academic transcripts for an evaluation. This process simply confirms that the degree you worked so hard for at, say, the University of Lagos or Ahmadu Bello University, meets the UK’s academic standards.

My advice? Start this early. It can take a few weeks to get the verification back, and you don’t want it holding up your application. A positive ECCTIS report is a powerful piece of evidence for the Home Office.

A successful application is built on verifiable proof. The Home Office doesn't just take your word for it; they need to see official confirmation for everything, from your qualifications to your health status. Each verified document adds another strong brick to the foundation of your case.

Proving Your Financial Stability

You have to show that you can support yourself financially for your first month in the UK before you get your first paycheque. This is known as the maintenance funds requirement.

Right now, that amount is £1,270. The tricky part isn't just having the money; it's how you prove it. You need to have the full amount (or its Naira equivalent) sitting in your bank account for at least 28 consecutive days.

Crucially, that 28-day period has to end no more than 31 days before you submit your application. So, if the exchange rate is ₦1,800 to £1, you're looking at holding ₦2,286,000. That entire amount must not drop below the required level for the whole 28 days.

This is a common tripwire for applicants, so get it perfect. Your bank statement needs to clearly show your name, the bank's name, your account number, and the daily closing balance. While not always mandatory, knowing how to frame supporting documents can be helpful. You can learn more by reading our guide on preparing a letter of intent for a visa application.

Mandatory Health Screening

To meet the work visa requirements, all applicants from Nigeria must prove they are free from tuberculosis (TB). This means getting tested at a clinic specifically approved by the UK Home Office.

You can't just walk into any hospital for this. You have to book an appointment at one of the designated centres in Nigeria. The main ones are:

1. IOM Migration Health Assessment Centre in Lagos (Ikeja)
2. IOM Migration Health Assessment Centre in Abuja

The test is usually a chest X-ray. If you get the all-clear, you'll be issued a certificate that's valid for six months. You must include this certificate with your visa application. The cost is around ₦57,800, but always double-check the clinic's official website for the current fee. These appointments get booked up fast, so schedule yours well in advance.

The UK Visa Application: A Step-by-Step Guide

Alright, you've gathered all your documents and you're ready to go. Now for the main event: the visa application itself. It can look like a mountain of a task from the outside, but once you break it down into smaller, manageable steps, it's much less intimidating.

Let's walk through it together. This guide will take you from filling out the online form right through to your biometrics appointment in Nigeria, so you know exactly what to expect.

Stage 1: Securing Your Job and Certificate of Sponsorship

First things first, you absolutely must have a job offer from a UK employer who holds a Home Office sponsor licence. There's no way around this. A good tip is to filter your searches on job sites like LinkedIn, Reed.co.uk, or Indeed for terms like "sponsorship available" or "visa sponsorship".

Once you've accepted a role, your new employer will assign you a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). This isn't a physical piece of paper; it's a unique reference number. Your employer pays for it, and it acts as the digital handshake linking your visa application directly to their approved sponsorship.

Stage 2: The Online Application Form

This is where the process officially kicks off. The entire application is done online via the official GOV.UK website. Make sure you set aside a decent chunk of time to fill it out without rushing. You'll need all your paperwork handy, especially your passport and that all-important CoS number.

The online form is your formal introduction to the Home Office. Every single detail must be 100% accurate and perfectly match your supporting documents. A tiny slip-up, like a typo in your CoS number or getting a date wrong, can cause serious delays or even get your application refused. Check, double-check, and then check it again before you hit submit.

The number of people applying for this visa has exploded recently. Applications for the Skilled Worker route shot up by 101% between 2021 and 2024. While the system is built to handle volume, this popularity means that applications are scrutinised more closely than ever.

This image shows the core stages you'll go through, from getting your documents in order to submitting your biometrics.

As you can see, it's a logical flow. Each step builds on the last, guiding you through the process in the right order.

Stage 3: Paying the Fees

After you've filled in the form, you’ll be taken to the payment page. This is a big financial step, and you’ll need to pay two main fees online with a debit or credit card.

• The Visa Application Fee: This is the base cost for processing your application. It changes depending on how long your visa is for.
• The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): This is a mandatory charge that gives you access to the UK's National Health Service (NHS). You have to pay this for every year of your visa upfront. So, if you have a three-year visa, you'll pay for all three years in one go.

Getting your budget right for these costs is absolutely crucial. To help you plan, we've put together a table with the estimated costs.

Estimated UK Visa Costs from Nigeria

The table below gives you a clear idea of the main fees you'll need to cover. The costs are shown in both British Pounds (GBP) and Nigerian Naira (NGN) to make budgeting easier, but remember that the Naira amount is an estimate and will depend on the exchange rate when you pay.

Fee Type	Cost in GBP (£)	Estimated Cost in NGN (₦)
Visa Application Fee (up to 3 years)	£719	~₦1,366,100
Visa Application Fee (over 3 years)	£1,420	~₦2,698,000
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)	£1,035 per year	~₦1,966,500 per year
Priority Visa Service (optional)	£500	~₦950,000

These figures can feel substantial, which is why it's so important to have a full picture of the investment required. For a more detailed look, check out our complete guide on the UK work visa cost for applicants from Nigeria.

Stage 4: Booking and Attending Your Biometrics Appointment

Once your payment goes through, the system will direct you to the website for TLScontact, the Home Office's official partner in Nigeria. On their site, you'll book an appointment at one of their Visa Application Centres in Lagos (Ikeja and Victoria Island) or Abuja.

At this appointment, they will:

• Take your passport from you.
• Take a digital photograph.
• Scan your fingerprints.

This is the final hands-on step you need to take. Make sure you get there on time with your appointment confirmation letter and your passport.

Stage 5: The Final Wait

With your biometrics submitted, your part is done. Now, the waiting game begins. The standard processing time for a Skilled Worker visa application from Nigeria is usually around three weeks (15 working days).

This can feel like a long time, but it can vary. If you're in a hurry, TLScontact offers priority and super-priority services for an extra fee to get a faster decision. Otherwise, all you can do is keep an eye on your email for the notification that a decision has been made and your passport is ready to be collected.

Exploring Other UK Work Visa Options

While the Skilled Worker visa is the main road for many, it's certainly not the only route into the UK. Think of it like the M1 motorway – it's popular and gets a lot of traffic, but sometimes a smaller, more direct A-road is a much better fit for your specific destination. The UK immigration system has several other pathways, and understanding them is the key to finding the perfect one for your professional profile.

For many Nigerians, especially those in high-demand sectors, looking into these alternatives can uncover some real advantages. These specialised visas often come with different requirements and benefits, like lower fees or quicker processing times. Knowing all your options ensures you choose the most efficient and cost-effective path for your career journey to the UK.

The Health and Care Worker Visa

This visa is a true game-changer for Nigerian doctors, nurses, paramedics, and professionals in the adult social care sector. If you've landed a job offer from the NHS, an NHS supplier, or in adult social care, this is almost certainly the route for you. It's technically a sub-category of the Skilled Worker visa, but it comes with some massive perks.

The advantages are specifically designed to attract much-needed medical talent. Here's what makes it so appealing:

• Lower Visa Application Fees: The cost to apply is significantly less than the standard Skilled Worker visa, saving you and your family a considerable amount of money right from the start.
• Exemption from the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): This is the single biggest financial benefit. You and your dependants are completely exempt from paying the annual IHS, which can save a family thousands of pounds over the visa's duration.
• Faster Processing Times: The Home Office often prioritises these applications, which means you could get a decision much faster.

It's important to note, however, that recent rule changes have had a big impact. In the year ending June 2025, the number of Health and Care Worker visas granted to care workers and nursing professionals dropped sharply by 88% and 80% respectively. This is a direct result of tighter regulations, particularly the new rule preventing care workers from bringing their dependants. To get a better handle on these shifts, you can explore the official summary of the latest immigration statistics from the UK government.

The Global Talent Visa

Do you see yourself as a leader or a potential leader in your field? If you're a highly skilled Nigerian professional in academia, research, arts and culture, or digital technology, the Global Talent visa could be your golden ticket. This route is unique because it doesn't require a job offer, giving you incredible flexibility to work for an employer or be self-employed.

To qualify, you first need to be endorsed by an approved UK body that's relevant to your expertise. For instance, a leading software architect from Yaba would seek an endorsement from Tech Nation, while an accomplished artist from Abeokuta would apply through Arts Council England.

"The Global Talent visa is for the exceptional. It's the UK's way of rolling out the red carpet for individuals who are recognised as the best in their field. It's less about a specific job and more about your personal contribution and potential."

This visa offers an incredible amount of freedom. Once you have it, you're not tied to a single employer. This allows you to move between projects, start your own business, or take on freelance work without ever needing to update your visa status.

Temporary Worker Visas

But what if your goal isn't a permanent move, but rather a short-term professional opportunity? The Temporary Worker routes are designed for exactly this purpose, covering a whole range of specific, short-term roles.

These visas are a perfect fit for situations like:

• Charity Worker Visa: For taking on unpaid voluntary work with a registered UK charity.
• Creative Worker Visa: For actors, musicians, or artists with a short-term gig or engagement in the UK.
• Seasonal Worker Visa: For people coming to the UK to do farm work for up to six months.

While the Skilled Worker visa is what most people look for when researching the work permit visa UK requirement, it's vital to assess if one of these other pathways is a better match for your skills and career goals. Taking the time to explore all your options could save you a great deal of time, money, and lead to a much smoother journey.

Got Questions? You're Not Alone.

It’s completely normal to have a ton of questions when you’re figuring out the UK work visa process from Nigeria. Let's tackle some of the most common ones we hear from applicants just like you. My goal here is to clear up the confusion so you can move forward with confidence.

How Much is This All Going to Cost in Naira?

This is usually the first question on everyone's lips, and for good reason! The final cost isn't a single number; it depends on your specific visa and how long you plan to stay. The two main expenses you need to brace for are the visa application fee itself and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).

Let’s break it down with a real-world example. Say you're applying for a three-year Skilled Worker visa. The application fee is currently £719. On top of that, the IHS is £1,035 per year, so you'll need to pay a hefty £3,105 upfront to cover the full three years.

Now, the tricky part is the exchange rate. The amount you'll actually pay in Naira changes daily, so you have to check the live rate on the day you make your payment. Don't get caught out!

And that’s not all. Remember to budget for these other essential costs:

• The mandatory Tuberculosis (TB) test, which is about ₦57,800.
• Fees for any English language tests you might need to take.
• The cost of having your Nigerian degree evaluated by ECCTIS, if your role requires it.

Can I Bring My Family with Me?

For most Skilled Worker visa holders, the answer is a reassuring yes. You can apply for your dependants—meaning your spouse or partner, and any children under 18—to join you in the UK. Each person will need their own application and will have to pay their own visa fee and IHS.

However, be aware of a major rule change that has affected many. If you're coming to the UK on a Health and Care visa to work as a care assistant or home carer, you can no longer bring dependants. This has been a significant shift, so it's crucial to know if it applies to you.

If you are eligible to bring your family, you’ll also need to prove you have enough money to support them when they first arrive. The UK government wants to see an additional:

• £285 for your partner
• £315 for your first child
• £200 for each additional child

Think of this as a financial safety net. It’s the UK government’s way of making sure your family won’t need to rely on public funds while you’re all getting settled in.

Why Do UK Visa Applications from Nigeria Get Refused?

It’s truly devastating to get a refusal, especially when it’s because of a simple, avoidable error. From what we’ve seen over the years, most rejections come down to a handful of common mistakes.

Here are the top culprits:

1. Messy Paperwork: This is, by far, the biggest reason for refusal. A classic slip-up is providing a bank statement that doesn't show the required funds for the full 28 days. If the balance drops below the minimum, even for one day, it’s an automatic red flag.
2. Missing the Financial Mark: You absolutely must prove you've held £1,270 (or its Naira equivalent) in your account for 28 straight days. Any dip in that balance resets the clock.
3. Errors on Your Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): A tiny typo in your name or job title on the CoS can cause an instant refusal. Always insist that your employer sends you a copy to review before you submit your application.
4. Failing the 'Genuineness Test': Sometimes, a visa officer might not be convinced that you genuinely intend to do the job you’ve been sponsored for. This can happen if your qualifications or work history don't seem to line up with the role.

The golden rule? Double-check everything. Then, have someone else check it. Then, check it one last time before you hit that submit button.

How Long Will I Be Waiting for a Decision in Nigeria?

After you’ve done your biometrics appointment at a TLScontact centre in Lagos or Abuja, the waiting game begins. The standard processing time is roughly three weeks, which is 15 working days.

Keep in mind, this is just a guideline. Timelines can stretch out if the Home Office is particularly busy. If you’re in a real rush, you can often pay extra for a faster decision. When you book your appointment, check the TLScontact website for the latest availability and pricing for these priority services:

• Priority Visa Service: Usually gets you a decision within 5 working days.
• Super Priority Visa Service: Aims to provide a decision by the end of the next working day.

These services don't come cheap, so you'll have to decide if the speed is worth the significant extra cost.

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