Skilled Worker Visa: Overview for Nigerians ₦11,426,033
The Skilled Worker Visa is one of the main routes Nigerians use to relocate to United Kingdom. This overview covers the verified 2026 fees, processing time, and the documents you need to apply. All figures are pulled from our verified relocation database — no estimates.
Skilled Worker Visa fees — verified breakdown
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Visa application fee | ₦1,504,247 (~$1,103 USD) |
| Proof of funds (your own savings)Refundable to you | ₦2,332,593 (~$1,710 USD) |
| Health surcharge | ₦9,504,858 (~$6,967 USD) |
| Language test (IELTS/TEF) | ₦288,360 (~$211 USD) |
| Credential evaluation | ₦128,568 (~$94 USD) |
| Total government fees | ₦11,426,033 (~$8,375 USD) |
Verified against official immigration authority schedule. Exchange rates as of 3 June 2026. Proof of funds is your own money — you do not pay it to the government.
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 ₦11,426,033 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).
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 ₦11,426,033 (about $8,375). This includes the visa application fee, health surcharge, language test, and credential evaluation where applicable.
- How long does Skilled Worker Visa processing take from Nigeria?
- Processing time for the Skilled Worker Visa for Nigerian applicants is 3 weeks (standard), 5 working days (priority).
- How much proof of funds do I need for the Skilled Worker Visa?
- You need to show ₦2,332,593 ($1,710) in proof of funds for the Skilled Worker Visa. This is your own money in a bank account — you do not pay it to the government.
- What is the most important tip for Skilled Worker Visa applicants from Nigeria?
- 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).
Related guides
Sibling variants of this visa route and other ways into United Kingdom.
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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 3 June 2026). All fees are subject to change with policy updates — verify with the official immigration website before applying. Last verified: 2026-06-02