Skilled Worker Visa: Timeline for Nigerians ₦11,467,234
Processing time for the Skilled Worker Visa for Nigerian applicants is 3 weeks (standard), 5 working days (priority). Below is what to expect at each stage, plus the verified fees you pay along the way.
Skilled Worker Visa fees — verified breakdown
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Visa application fee | ₦1,509,671 (~$1,095 USD) |
| Proof of funds (your own savings)Refundable to you | ₦2,341,004 (~$1,697 USD) |
| Health surcharge | ₦9,539,131 (~$6,916 USD) |
| Language test (IELTS/TEF) | ₦289,400 (~$210 USD) |
| Credential evaluation | ₦129,032 (~$94 USD) |
| Total government fees | ₦11,467,234 (~$8,314 USD) |
Verified against official immigration authority schedule. Exchange rates as of 14 July 2026. Proof of funds is your own money — you do not pay it to the government.
What each fee covers
The ₦11,467,234 total is made up of several distinct charges. Here is what you are actually paying for:
- Visa application fee — ₦1,509,671: Paid to the United Kingdom immigration authority when you submit your application. Non-refundable regardless of the outcome.
- Health surcharge — ₦9,539,131: Entitles you (and dependants on your visa) to use United Kingdom’s public healthcare during your stay. Paid upfront for the full duration of your visa.
- Language test — ₦289,400: IELTS Academic or General, TOEFL, or country-equivalent test. Book your slot in Lagos or Abuja well in advance — popular centres fill 6–8 weeks ahead.
- Credential evaluation — ₦129,032: A third-party body (WES, ACS, Engineers Australia, SAQA, or equivalent) verifies that your Nigerian degree and certificates meet United Kingdom’s standards. Allow 4–8 weeks for this process.
- Proof of funds — ₦2,341,004: Your own savings — not paid to anyone. Must sit in your bank account, unencumbered, for typically 28–90 days before your application date.
Processing timeline
Total processing time: 3 weeks (standard), 5 working days (priority)
- 1
Confirm eligibility
Check that you meet the Skilled Worker Visa requirements before paying any fees.
- 2
Prepare documents
Passport, qualification certificates, language test result, credential evaluation report.
- 3
Pay fees
Pay ₦11,467,234 in government fees.
- 4
Submit application
Submit online or through the relevant embassy.
- 5
Wait for decision
Processing time: 3 weeks (standard), 5 working days (priority).
Expert tip
Skilled Worker Visa
The minimum salary threshold jumped to £41,700 in July 2025 — up from £38,700. But if you're under 26 or switching from a Student/Graduate visa, you may qualify at just £33,400. Healthcare workers, teachers, and jobs on the Immigration Salary List also get lower thresholds and reduced visa fees. Always check the going rate for your specific occupation code. The visa fee is £819 (~$1,040) for up to 3 years (effective 8 April 2026, increased from £769).
Where Nigerians settle in United Kingdom
Once your Skilled Worker Visa is approved, most Nigerians head to London or Manchester. Here is what to budget for your first year:
- London: 1-bedroom rent ₦3,625,791/month · Lagos–London flights from ~$550 · Nigerian community: Very Large
- Manchester: 1-bedroom rent ₦1,981,559/month · Lagos–Manchester flights from ~$600 · Nigerian community: Large
- Birmingham: 1-bedroom rent ₦1,657,136/month · Lagos–Birmingham flights from ~$620 · Nigerian community: Large
Life in London
London is expensive but has the UK's largest Nigerian community — Peckham and Woolwich in South East London are cultural hubs with Nigerian shops, churches, and restaurants. To save on rent, look at Zone 3–5 areas like Barking, Dagenham, Lewisham, or Croydon where 1-bed flats run £1,200–£1,500/month. Get an Oyster card immediately — monthly travel in Zones 1–3 costs about £180.
28% of Nigerians who use Japa Calculator choose United Kingdom as their destination. Average Japa Score: 58/100. Most common salary expectation among applicants: ₦300K–₦700K.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does the Skilled Worker Visa cost for Nigerians moving to United Kingdom?
- Total government fees for the Skilled Worker Visa are ₦11,467,234 (about $8,314). This covers the visa application fee, health surcharge of ₦9,539,131, language test of ₦289,400, credential evaluation of ₦129,032, and any other applicable government charges.
- How long does Skilled Worker Visa processing take from Nigeria?
- Processing time for the Skilled Worker Visa is 3 weeks (standard), 5 working days (priority). Apply from the United Kingdom High Commission in Abuja or the Consulate in Lagos — book your appointment slot as early as possible, as backlogs frequently add 2–4 weeks beyond the official window.
- How much proof of funds do I need for the Skilled Worker Visa?
- You need to show ₦2,341,004 ($1,697) in savings for the Skilled Worker Visa. This money stays in your account — it is not paid to the government. Funds must be unencumbered: fixed deposits locked for a term or joint accounts with conditions may be queried by the officer.
- What documents do I need for the Skilled Worker Visa application from Nigeria?
- Core documents include a valid Nigerian passport (6+ months validity), completed application form, recent passport photographs, and proof of eligibility for this visa category. Language test result (IELTS/TEF) required — book early, Lagos and Abuja test slots go fast. Credential evaluation from an approved body is required to verify your Nigerian qualifications. Include 6 months of bank statements showing the ₦2,341,004 proof-of-funds requirement is consistently met.
Related guides
Sibling variants of this visa route and other ways into United Kingdom.
Calculate YOUR Japa Score for United Kingdom
Get a personalised cost estimate for the Skilled Worker Visa based on your salary, education, and family size. Takes 2 minutes.
Start Free CalculatorData methodology: Visa fees sourced from official immigration authority schedules. Naira conversions use live exchange rates from open.er-api.com (last updated 14 July 2026). All fees are subject to change with policy updates — verify with the official immigration website before applying. Last verified: 2026-06-02