UK Visa Requirements for Nigerian Workers – Complete 2025 Guide

Introduction

The United Kingdom remains one of the top destinations for Nigerian professionals seeking international career opportunities. With the Skilled Worker visa route, qualified Nigerians can work legally in the UK for up to 5 years, with a path to permanent residence.

What Is a UK Skilled Worker Visa?

The Skilled Worker visa (formerly Tier 2 General) allows UK employers to sponsor international workers for eligible jobs. This visa replaced the old system in December 2020 and offers more flexibility.

Key Features

• Duration: Up to 5 years (can be extended)

• Path to settlement: Apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after 5 years

• Family: Bring dependents (spouse and children under 18)

• Work: Only for sponsoring employer (can change jobs with new sponsorship)

Eligibility Requirements

1. Job Offer from Licensed UK Sponsor

You must have a genuine job offer from a UK employer with a valid sponsor licence. Our UK partner, Alwayz Positive Limited  is a licensed sponsor for healthcare roles.

2. Certificate of Sponsorship (COS)

Your employer must assign you a COS with:

• Job details (title, duties, location)

• Salary information

• Start date

• Your personal information

COS validity: 90 days from assignment date

3. Eligible Occupation

Your job must be on the UK’s eligible occupation list at the required skill level (RQF Level 3 or above, equivalent to A-levels).

High-demand occupations for Nigerians:

• Healthcare workers (nurses, healthcare assistants, care workers)

• IT professionals (software developers, data analysts)

• Engineers (civil, mechanical, electrical)

• Teachers and education professionals

• Hospitality managers and chefs

4. Salary Threshold

You must be paid at least:

• General minimum: £38,700 per year
  OR

• Going rate for the occupation (whichever is higher)

Exceptions (lower thresholds):

• Healthcare and education: £29,000 minimum

• New entrants (under 26, recent graduates): £30,960 minimum

• Shortage occupations: £30,960 minimum

5. English Language Requirement

Prove English proficiency through:

• IELTS UKVI (Academic or General): Minimum B1 level

• Degree taught in English (UK NARIC-recognized institution)

• National of majority English-speaking country (not applicable to Nigerians)

IELTS UKVI requirements (general):

• Overall: 4.0 minimum (B1)

• Reading: 4.0

• Writing: 4.0

• Listening: 4.0

• Speaking: 4.0

For healthcare roles (NMC registration):

• Overall: 7.0

• Reading: 6.5

• Writing: 6.5

• Listening: 7.0

• Speaking: 7.0

6. Financial Requirement

Prove you have at least £1,270 in your bank account for a minimum of 28 consecutive days before applying.

Exception:
If your employer certifies they will support you (A-rated sponsor), this requirement is waived.

7. Tuberculosis (TB) Test

All Nigerian applicants must take a TB test at an approved clinic in Nigeria and obtain a certificate.

Approved TB clinics in Nigeria:

• Lancet Laboratories, Lagos

• Synlab Nigeria, Lagos

• Others listed on UK government website

• Cost: ₦35,000–₦50,000

• Validity: 6 months from test date

8. Criminal Record Certificate

Obtain a police clearance certificate from the Nigeria Police Force.

• Where to apply: Police Force Headquarters or state commands

• Processing time: 2–4 weeks

• Cost: ₦5,000–₦10,000

• Validity: 6 months