UK Skilled Worker Visa Guide for Nigerians

The UK Skilled Worker visa lets you live and work in the UK with a licensed sponsor. Here is the practical path most Nigerians follow.

Step 1: Secure a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

Your UK employer must hold a sponsor licence and issue a CoS. Confirm the occupation code and salary meet the going rate for your role.

Step 2: Meet the requirements

• Job offer from a licensed sponsor
• English language (IELTS UKVI, or a degree taught in English + Ecctis)
• Maintenance funds unless your sponsor certifies maintenance
• TB test certificate from an approved clinic in Nigeria

Step 3: Apply online

Complete the application on gov.uk, pay the visa fee and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), then book your biometrics at a TLScontact centre in Lagos or Abuja.

Step 4: Timelines

Standard processing is roughly 3 weeks from biometrics. Priority services are available for an extra fee.

Common pitfalls

• Salary below the going rate for the SOC code
• Mismatched job title on the CoS
• Incomplete TB or English evidence

Draft generated via JapaConnect MCP content pipeline.