United Kingdom Skilled Worker Visa for Nigerians
Last verified: August 31, 2026
Quick facts
- Processing time
- 3–8 weeks
- Government fee
- about $1,040
- Start preparing
- about 5 months before your move
- Steps in the plan
- 9
- Need an apostille
- None
- Need a translation
- None
- Job offer
- Required
“Start preparing” covers gathering documents, the 3–8 weeks decision wait and two weeks of slack. Add apostille and translation costs to the government fee.
Overview
Requires a job offer from a Home Office licensed sponsor and salary of at least £41,700/year or the occupation's going rate. English requirement is B2 for new applications since Jan 2026. Care-worker overseas recruitment closed in July 2025 — but the Health & Care route stays open for nurses, doctors, and allied health professionals, with the main applicant exempt from the £1,035/yr Immigration Health Surcharge.
This page covers Nigerians. For every nationality we track, see the United Kingdom Skilled Worker Visa overview.
Requirements for Nigerians
| Minimum annual income | $53,000/year |
| Minimum savings | No requirement |
| Job offer required | Yes |
| Degree required | No |
| Family can join | Yes |
| Path to permanent residency | Yes |
Processing time & costs
Typical processing takes 3–8 weeks after applying. The government fee is approximately $1,040. Difficulty: 3/5.
Documents you'll need
- Job offer from a licensed sponsorCheck the public register of licensed sponsors on gov.uk.
- Receive your Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)Electronic CoS with a reference number.
- English language evidence (B2 since Jan 2026)SELT test (IELTS for UKVI or similar) at B2, or an English-taught degree verified via Ecctis.
- TB test at a Home Office approved clinicCertificate valid 6 months, from approved clinics in Lagos and Abuja.
- Maintenance funds £1,270 for 28 daysFunds held 28 consecutive days, ending within 31 days of applying.
- Apply online and pay fee + health surchargeApply on gov.uk with the CoS reference; most applicants pay £1,035/year health surcharge upfront.
- Biometrics at a VFS/TLScontact centreFingerprints and photo taken in Lagos or Abuja.
- Decision & eVisaYour status is an eVisa, linked to your UKVI account.
- After arrival: National Insurance numberYour employer needs the NI number for payroll.
The full ordered checklist — with timing, dependencies, apostille and translation flags, and personalized due dates — is part of the paid plan.
Not moving yet?
The Skilled Worker Visa takes about 5 months from first document to moving day. Tell us when you plan to move and we’ll email you once, on the day you should start.
Is the Skilled Worker Visa right for you?
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Check my eligibilityFrequently asked questions
- How long does the United Kingdom Skilled Worker Visa take for Nigerians?
- Typical processing time is 3–8 weeks after applying, plus the time needed to gather documents.
- What does the Skilled Worker Visa cost?
- The government fee is approximately $1,040. Additional costs (translations, apostilles, insurance) vary by case.
- Do Nigerians need a job offer for the Skilled Worker Visa?
- Yes. A job offer from an employer in United Kingdom is required before applying.
- Can I bring my family on the Skilled Worker Visa?
- Yes — this visa allows accompanying family members, with additional documentation.
- What is the income requirement for the Skilled Worker Visa for Nigerians?
- The minimum income is about $53,000 a year, roughly $4,417 a month, expressed in US dollars. The official threshold is set in local currency and moves with exchange rates, so confirm the current figure with the official source.
Other United Kingdom visas for Nigerians
Other destinations for Nigerians
United Kingdom visas for other nationalities
Always confirm requirements with the official government source. This guide is general information, not legal advice.