Moving to the UK from Nigeria
Complete guide for Nigerian citizens, students, healthcare workers, and tech professionals relocating to the United Kingdom. Includes TB testing rules, Ecctis degree equivalence, TLScontact biometrics in Lagos and Abuja, and 2026 Home Office salary thresholds.
TLScontact
Required (IOM Clinics)
SELT / Ecctis
Nigerian Naira (NGN)
Popular UK Visa Routes from Nigeria
Most common immigration pathways chosen by professionals and students from Nigeria.
Skilled Worker Visa (Tech & Engineering)
Direct sponsorship from UK employers for software engineers, data analysts, and corporate professionals.
Health and Care Worker Visa
For qualified nurses, doctors, and allied healthcare professionals with NHS trusts and care providers. Exempt from IHS fee.
Student Visa & Graduate Route
Higher education Masters and PhD programmes with 2-year post-study right to work.
Global Talent Visa
Tech Nation endorsement for exceptional software engineers and startup founders without needing an employer sponsor.
Visa Application Centres (TLScontact)
Official biometric submission locations
Tuberculosis (TB) Testing & Health Surcharge
Mandatory for stays over 6 months
Maintenance Funds & Currency Exchange Rules
Ensure bank statements strictly cover 28 continuous days without dropping below the threshold for even one day.
Obtain bank statements showing official bank stamp, barcode, and contact verification details.
Be mindful of Naira (NGN) exchange rate volatility against GBP; maintain a 10–15% buffer above the official OANDA rate used by the Home Office.
Real Experiences from Nigeria Immigrants
Verified timelines and practical tips from applicants who moved from Nigeria.
Chinedu O.
VerifiedSkilled Worker Route as a Senior Software Engineer from Lagos to London
I received my defined Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) in September. The entire process from biometrics at TLScontact Victoria Island to decision email took exactly 7 weeks on standard processing. Ensure your employer uses the correct SOC code and that your salary meets the new standard threshold. Also book your TB test at IOM well in advance!
Pay the priority service fee only if you have strict relocation start dates. TLScontact slots in Lagos fill up fast on Mondays.
- Book TB test at IOM Lagos at least 4 weeks before CoS arrives
- Verify your degree with Ecctis (formerly UK NARIC) early if using it for English requirement
Regulated Advisors for Nigeria Applicants
OISC & SRA practitioners with specialized experience in Nigeria relocation cases.
Eleanor Vance
VerifiedBarrister & High Net Worth / Innovator Immigration Counsel
Advises startup founders, innovators, and senior executives on Innovator Founder endorsements, Global Talent (Tech Nation / Royal Academy), and British Citizenship.
Tariq Al-Mansoor
VerifiedSenior Immigration Solicitor & SRA Regulated Partner
Over 12 years of specialized experience in UK Economic Migration, Skilled Worker sponsorships, and Global Talent endorsements. Formerly Senior Counsel at a top London immigration boutique.
Amina Okafor
VerifiedOISC Level 3 Immigration & Human Rights Specialist
Dedicated to helping skilled professionals and families navigate complex UK immigration rules. Expert in Spouse Visas, Refusal Appeals, Administrative Review, and Indefinite Leave to Remain.
Planning your move from Nigeria to the UK?
Book a free 1-on-1 discovery consultation with an OISC or SRA-regulated UK immigration specialist to review your documentation and timeline.
Audit your eligibility, salary thresholds, qualifying period, and documentation checklist before applying.
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