Applying for a UK visa these days can be a headache, especially if you do not know the steps and procedures to follow. With the listed guidelines below, you should be able to get yourself one in no time.
We have been able to break down the procedures for UK Visa application for the average man to understand. Simply follow the steps and I can assure you of your getting a UK visa. Please see below.
UK visa varies. For immigrants who want to travel to any of the cities in UK and stay for longer periods are advised to apply for the Long Term Visa. You are expected to provide a concrete reason for your long-term stay in UK.
The most common UK type of visa is the Visitor’s or Tourist Visa. These visas are issued for a short stay in the UK. The purpose for this visa is to visit friends and loved ones, holiday or vacation, study, business, training, attend conference and transit visa – this is gotten when you are passing through the United Kingdom.
Also, there are short-term visas that are issued to Government officials called the Official and Diplomatic Visas. The Student Visa is issued to students who wish to study in any part of UK for a long period of time that can last up to three years.
Visa Requirements
- A valid travel passport (ECOWAS Passport)
- Application Form – The UK visa form has to be filled online
- One passport sized colour photograph on white background. This must be a very recent passport (not more than 6 months and the size should be 45mm by 35mm)
- Visa Fee which is about 142 US Dollars
- Evidence of permission to be in UK if you are not a national of the Nigeria. E.g visa, green card, residence permit etc.
- Photocopy of passport data page
- Letter of Invitation
- Financial proof, original bank statement ( at least 6 months)
- Birth certificate for children travelling with parents.
- Applicant travelling on an official business should attach a letter of invitation/confirmation of training/conference, with full details of the Company’s Authorized representative; physical address and phone numbers.
- Supporting letter from sponsor/friend
- Utility bills
- Details of hotel/flight bookings
- Marriage certificate if applicable
Visit the UK Immigration visa requirements for more information.
Five ways on how to apply for a UK Visa
Step 1: You can apply for your UK visa at TELEPERFORMANCE – UK Application Centers in Lagos or Abuja. This company works in conjunction with the United Kingdom Government for visas and immigration in Nigeria makes visa application simple and quick provided you submit all relevant and required documents.
Step 2: Visit the UK Immigration and visa website to find out the type of visa you should apply for. The UK Visa fee varies; see the application fees for different categories under the type of visa you want. However, for general visitor short term visa, the visa application fee is 141 US Dollars. From the UK Visa and Immigration website, you will find out about your application fee and also book your appointment with UK Visa Application Centre.
Step 3: After you have filled the form online, you will be given the GWF number, you should take note of this number because you will need it later. You will also receive an email confirming the your appointment date, the location and the required documents to take along.
Step 4: You will need to register your details on TELEPERFORMANCE website after you have booked your appointment. If you don’t register, you will not be allowed to attend your appointment. You can also track your application on TELEPERFORMANCE website after you have registered.
Step 5: To attend your appointment at UK Visa Application Centre, you are required to come along with the following:
- Printed copies of your online application form and appointment confirmation
- Your passport and other required documents.
There is a gradual process after payment of your visa fees; Your photo and fingerprints – biometrics will be done at the Application Centre. After this has been done, your visa fee will no longer be refundable.
Don’t be late for your appointment. Make sure you arrive at the date and time stated on your confirmation email. If you are late, your application process may be delayed, as you will have to rebook your appointment.
According to Teleperformance website; “Due to global changes in the way visa application are processed, children under 5 years old are now required to attend the Visa Application Centre to complete the application process. It is now mandatory for them to have their photo taken at the VAC. These changes do not affect applications that have already been submitted.”
Visit here for detailed information on how to apply for visa with UK Visa and Immigration.
Application Submission
Applicants can submit their ECOWAS passports and application requirements on Monday to Friday between 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m except on public holidays in Lagos and Abuja UK Application Centre.
Visa Processing
This process takes approximately four to six working days. However, some visa applications can take more time especially those that have special attention in crime or history of rejection.
Collection
Collection time is between 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (Except for Public Holidays) from Monday to Friday. You are expected to come with your application checklist, original photographic ID and a photocopy of bio data page of passport. You will be alerted through an SMS when your application has been sent to the UK Embassy on the submission day and you will be alerted for collection when your passport arrives back to the UK Application Center. You can also track your application online on Teleperformance website.
Note: Third party can not collect your documents on your behalf, except you are a government representative, a parent collect for your child or children or you are collecting on behalf of your family if you applied together.
Approved UK Visa Application Centre Contact Details
UK Visa Application Centre in Victoria Island, Lagos
A) 1st Floor, Churchgate Tower 2
Plot PC31 Churchgate Street, Victoria Island, Lagos
UK Visa Application Centre in Ikeja, Lagos
TLS Contact Processing Services Ltd.
Etiebets Place, 21 Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way
Ikeja, Lagos
UK Visa Application Centre, Abuja.
TLS Contact Processing Services Ltd.
3rd floor El Yakub Plaza, Plot 1129
Zakariya Maimalari street, opp war college
Central Business Area, Abuja
UK Government for Visas & Immigration British High Commission, Lagos
Dangote House, Aguyi Ironsi Street Maitama District, Abuja
UK Government for Visas & Immigration British Deputy High Commission, Abuja
11 Walter Carrington Crescent, Victoria Island, Lagos
GOODLUCK!!!!!
