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.

Guides

UK Skilled Worker Visa Guide for Nigerians (2026)

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