UK Visa Application Process, any Africa passport bearer who wants to live and work in the UK or visit there for business, education, or tourism, they need a visa. The application process for a UK visa might take up to 30 days, and you must apply at least three months in advance. This comprehensive guide will greatly simplify the process of applying for a UK visa.
Please note the application process applies to passport holders in Africa.
Types of Visas
- Standard UK Visitor Visa: For short stays of up to six months or transit
- Work Visa: For paid and voluntary work, entrepreneur and investor visits
- Study Visa: Short-term study visas and visas for longer courses, degrees and independent schools
There are other types of UK visas which you need to learn from this website GOV.UK
How to Apply for a UK Visa
To Apply for your UK visa from Africa you have to follow these process.
- Create a user account on the GOV.UK website. You will also be able to check the type of visa you will need for your trip on the website.
- Complete the application, pay the required amount, and schedule a time to visit a visa application center. An email confirming your appointment and outlining the necessary paperwork will be sent to you. A GWF number will also be provided to you, which will be needed for the following action.
- Register on the TLScontact website with your details. You will not be able to attend your appointment if you do not register. After registering, you can check the status of your application on the TLScontact website.
- Go to the designated location and turn in your biometrics at the UK visa application center.
- You should bring the following with you to the application procedure to prevent any delays:
- Your original passport
- A printout of your online application form and appointment confirmation will be needed
- Receipt of payment of visa fees
- Every document as stated above will be required
- Supporting documents
-
- Important: Once you have sent in your biometrics, there will be no more refunds for your visa fee. Furthermore, you have to make sure you arrive at the said time of your appointment. Your application procedure can take longer if you are late since you will need to reschedule your appointment.
- waiting for the processing of your visa application. On the TLS contact website, you will be able to track the application progress of your visa.
- Pick up your passport at the designated center for visa applications. When your visa is ready for pickup, you will receive a notification message.
TLScontact states that in order for their photo to be taken at the center, children under the age of five must now visit the Visa Application Center. Please be aware that minors require the presence of a parent or legal guardian when submitting an application; they are not permitted to do it alone.
UK Visa Fees
A Standard Visitor Visa now costs approximately ₦45,000 ($125). Each category of visa has a different cost for a UK visa. These are available on the GOV.UK portal.
UK Visa Requirements
- One passport photo that satisfies the standards; • A completed online visa application form;
- A valid international passport with a page blank on both sides;
- • Visa fee
- Financial proof (such as an original bank statement no more than three months old)
- A letter of invitation if a friend or family member is sponsoring you;
- Your original marriage license if you are traveling with your spouse;
- Birth certificates for your children if you are traveling together;
- Confirmation of your hotel and flight reservations;
- Recent utility bills
- If you are traveling on business, you must bring the following documents: a letter of invitation, confirmation of the training or conference, and the complete information, including contact details, of an authorized representative from your organization.
Where to Apply
UK Visa Application Centres in Nigeria
- UK Visa Application Centre in Victoria Island, Lagos
- First Floor, Churchgate Building, Tower 2
- Churchgate Street, Victoria Island, Lagos
- Website: TLScontact Victoria Island, Lagos
- UK Visa Application Centre in Ikeja, Lagos
- Ground & First Floors, Etiebets Place
- 21 Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way
- Website: TLScontact Lagos
- UK Visa Application Centre, Abuja
- Third floor, El-Yakub Building (beside Metro Plaza), Plot 1129
- Zakariya Maimalari Street, Central Business District
- Website: TLScontact Abuja
- British Deputy High Commission, Lagos
- 11 Walter Carrington Crescent
- British High Commission, Abuja
- Plot 1137, Diplomatic Drive, Central Business District
UK Visa Processing
Four to six working days may pass throughout the application procedure for a UK visa. However, some visa applications can take up to 30 days if necessary extra time is needed due to a criminal record or a history of denials, or if there are missing papers.
UK Visa Collection
Your passport and visa will be available for pickup Monday through Friday (apart from federal holidays). On the day of submission, you will receive an SMS letting you know when your application has been forwarded to the UK Embassy, and you will also receive an SMS letting you know when your passport has returned to the UK visa application center and is prepared for pickup.
Bring copies of your application materials, a genuine picture ID, and a copy of your passport’s biodata page.
Note: Unless you are a government representative, a parent collecting on behalf of their child or children, or you are collecting on behalf of your family if you applied jointly, no one else may pick up your paperwork.
UK Visa Rejection
Some reason which are common for UK visas to be rejected are:
- Submitting false documents
- When the applicant received a deportation order
- When the applicant is found guilty of any crime that gives a jail term or four years or more.
- Withholding documentation of a criminal background
- Insufficient funds
- When the applicant overstays a previous visit to the UK
- When Submitting false documents on a previous trip to the UK
- Not complying with all the application requirements
- When not having a valid passport or travel documents
- Invalid reason for wanting to visit the UK
This article has provided guide on proper UK Visa Application Process in 2024, how you can process your visa to UK with ease without any delay, if the article is useful to you check other similar content below.
