Learn how Nigerians can apply for the UK Skilled Worker Visa in 2025 — eligibility, salary requirements, step-by-step process, dependants, and ILR guide.
Is the Skilled Worker Visa Right for You?
If you’re a Nigerian professional dreaming of relocating to the United Kingdom for career growth, stability, and international exposure — the UK Skilled Worker Visa might be your best ticket. This route replaced the old Tier 2 (General) visa and now stands as the most straightforward legal pathway for qualified Nigerians to work and live in the UK long-term.
The visa allows you to work for a licensed UK employer, bring your family, and even qualify for permanent residence (Indefinite Leave to Remain – ILR) after five years.
Key Benefits for Nigerian Applicants
The Skilled Worker Visa offers Nigerians several life-changing benefits:
- Freedom to work full-time for a UK-approved employer.
- Eligibility to bring your spouse and children as dependants.
- Permanent settlement (ILR) after five years.
- Opportunity to switch employers or roles under the same visa category.
After years on a student visa, getting my Skilled Worker status felt like true stability. The best part? My wife got a Dependent Visa allowing her to work fully — that was the game-changer.
The UK is actively recruiting from Nigeria because of talent shortages in healthcare, IT, education, and engineering. The official Shortage Occupation List confirms the demand for Nigerian-qualified professionals.
The 4 Mandatory Eligibility Requirements
The Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): What to Check
A Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) is the digital document your UK employer issues once they’ve offered you a job. It’s not a paper certificate but an electronic reference number containing details about your job, salary, and employer.
You can confirm your employer is licensed by checking the official Register of Licensed Sponsors (UK Gov).
That two-week wait for the CoS from my employer felt like forever. Pro tip: make sure your employer is on the UK licensed list before signing your offer — fake offers can’t issue a valid CoS.
Meeting the Skill and Salary Thresholds (RQF Level 3 / £38,700 New Rule)
Under new 2025 regulations, most applicants must earn at least £38,700 per year or the going rate for their job’s Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code — whichever is higher.
Check your job’s SOC code via the UK Government Occupation Code List.
Exemptions exist for health-care professionals, researchers, and public-sector workers, who can apply with lower salary thresholds.
English Language Requirement (IELTS or Degree Exemption)
Applicants must prove English proficiency through:
- IELTS for UKVI (General Training), or
- A UK degree or recognized equivalent taught in English (verified via UK ENIC).
Authorized test centers in Nigeria include Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt. Book early via the official IELTS UKVI Booking Portal.
Maintenance Funds (Personal Savings)
You must show you can support yourself financially, unless your employer certifies maintenance on your CoS.
As of 2025:
- Minimum personal funds: £1,270
- Dependent spouse: £285
- First child: £315
- Each additional child: £200
These funds must remain in your account for at least 28 consecutive days before application.
The Skilled Worker Visa Application Process
Step 1: Obtaining a CoS from a Licensed Sponsor
Once your employer assigns a valid CoS, you can begin your visa application on Apply for a Skilled Worker Visa – GOV.UK.
You’ll need to provide your passport, degree, English test results, job details, and proof of funds.
Employers must confirm:
- Your job is eligible.
- The salary meets the threshold.
- The role is genuine and full-time.
Step 2: Calculating the IHS (Immigration Health Surcharge)
You must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which grants access to NHS healthcare.
As of 2025, the fee is £1,035 per year per person. Calculate your total at IHS Calculator – GOV.UK.
I paid £3,105 for my 3-year visa, including my spouse’s surcharge — it was steep, but having full NHS coverage brought peace of mind.
Exemption: Nurses, doctors, and care workers applying through the Health and Care Worker Visa are exempt.
Step 3: Biometrics and Document Submission in Nigeria
After completing your online form and paying your fees, you’ll schedule an appointment at the Visa Application Centre (VAC) managed by TLScontact Nigeria (Lagos or Abuja).
You’ll provide:
- Biometrics (fingerprints + photo)
- All supporting documents
- Tuberculosis (TB) test results from an approved clinic
I recommend paying extra for Priority Service at the VAC in Lagos if you can. The standard waiting time can be stressful, especially if your job start date is close.
Long-Term Stay: Settlement (ILR) and Dependants
Bringing Your Family on a Dependent Visa
You can include your spouse and children under 18 in your Skilled Worker application or add them later.
Each dependent must complete a separate online form under the Dependent Visa category.
Dependants can:
- Live and work full-time in the UK
- Access education and healthcare
- Apply for ILR after 5 years if they meet residence requirements
Path to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) After 5 Years
After 5 continuous years on the Skilled Worker Visa, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), the UK’s version of permanent residency.
Requirements:
- 5 years continuous stay in the UK.
- Salary meeting the current ILR threshold.
- No absences over 180 days in any 12-month period.
- Pass the Life in the UK Test.
Reaching the ILR stage was the fulfillment of the 5-year plan I created back in Nigeria. Track your travel days from day one — it makes the process smoother.
Conclusion: Get Professional Help with Your Skilled Worker Visa
The UK Skilled Worker Visa remains the most reliable route for Nigerians to secure legal work and long-term residence. But it requires precision, patience, and verified documentation.
FAQs: Processing Times & Fees
How long does it take to process?
Most Skilled Worker Visa applications from Nigeria take 3–8 weeks, though Priority (£500) and Super Priority (£1,000) services can shorten this to 5–7 days.
How much does it cost?
| Item | Cost (Approx.) in GBP |
|---|---|
| Application fee (3 years or less) | £719 |
| Application fee (more than 3 years) | £1,420 |
| IHS Fee (per year) | £1,035 |
| TB Test | £57–£100 |
| Priority Service (optional) | £500 |
(Source: UK Visa and Immigration Fees)
Common Reasons for Visa Refusal:
- Employer not licensed under Skilled Worker route.
- Insufficient funds or proof of maintenance.
- Missing IELTS/English proof.
- Job offer below required salary threshold.
Key External Resources
- UK Skilled Worker Visa Official Guide
- Register of Licensed Sponsors (Workers)
- UK Shortage Occupation List
- IELTS for UKVI Booking Portal
- TLScontact Nigeria VAC
- Life in the UK Test Information