Securing a UK visa from Nigeria requires applicants to pay specific fees based on the type and duration of the visa they are applying for. These fees are essential to cover the administrative costs involved in processing the applications. Understanding these fees can help applicants plan their budgets effectively. How Much is the UK Visa Fee in Nigeria
Standard Visitor Visa Fees
For those seeking a short-term stay in the UK, such as for tourism or visiting family, the standard visitor visa is the most common option. The fee for a six-month visa is $129. If you need a long-term visitor visa, the costs increase: a two-year visa costs $487, a five-year visa is $867, and a ten-year visa costs $1,083. These fees are consistent regardless of the purpose of the visit within the allowed categories.
Student UK Visa Fees
Nigerian students aiming to pursue their studies in the UK will need to apply for a student visa. The standard student visa fee is $630. If a faster processing time is required, priority services are available: a five-day priority service costs approximately $1,272, and a next-day super priority service is about $1,915. Additionally, students should be prepared for the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which is an extra cost of £470 per year.
Work Visa UK Fees
Professionals seeking employment in the UK must apply for a work visa. The skilled worker visa fee varies: a visa valid for up to three years costs $924, while one that lasts more than three years costs $1,824. This visa allows individuals to work in the UK for an approved employer in an eligible job.
Family and Settlement UK Visa Fees
For those planning to join family members or settle in the UK, specific visas apply. The spouse or partner visa costs $2,372. For those applying as a fiancé(e), the fee remains the same. An adult-dependent relative visa is considerably higher, costing $4,176, reflecting the comprehensive nature of the application and the extended stay it permits.
Short-Term Study Visa Fees
For short courses or research, a short-term study visa is ideal. It allows students to stay in the UK for up to six months and costs $129. If the course duration extends up to eleven months, such as an English language course, the fee increases to $259.
Child Visitor Visa Fees
Children under 18 can apply for a child visitor visa, which has the same fee structure as the standard visitor visa: $129 for six months, $487 for two years, $867 for five years, and $1,083 for ten years. This visa is suitable for children visiting the UK for tourism, short-term study, or family visits.
Healthcare and Private Medical Treatment Visa Fees
For those seeking medical treatment in the UK, the private medical treatment visa for stays between six to eleven months costs $259. This visa is tailored for individuals needing longer-term medical treatment beyond what a standard visitor visa would cover.
Business Visitor UK Visa Fees
Business travelers, including academics, doctors, and entrepreneurs, typically apply for the standard visitor visa for business purposes. The fee structure follows the same rates: $129 for six months, $487 for two years, $867 for five years, and $1,083 for ten years.
Priority and Super Priority Services
To expedite visa processing, priority, and super priority services are available for an additional fee. The priority service costs £250 and generally processes the visa within five working days. The super priority service, costing £956, aims to process the visa within 24 hours.
Additional Costs and Considerations
Applicants should be aware of additional costs such as the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) applicable to certain visa categories. This surcharge ensures access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) during the stay. The IHS fee is £470 per year, which is mandatory for most long-term visas.
These fees cover the cost of application processing but do not include the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which is required for some visa categories like the Student Visa, adding an additional £776 per year. For external inquiries visit: LewisRayLaw | The Law of Price, UK Visa Blog
Conclusion
Understanding the visa fees and the associated costs is crucial for Nigerian applicants planning to visit, study, or settle in the UK. The fees vary significantly based on the visa type and duration, and additional services like priority processing come at an extra cost. Applicants should ensure they have the necessary funds to cover these expenses and any additional costs related to their stay in the UK. For the most current information and detailed guidelines, applicants should refer to the official UK government website and trusted visa application centers.