Most people tend to think getting a Visa is one of the most cumbersome part of travelling to the UK. But it is only cumbersome when you go about it the wrong way; that is with no kind of prep up or knowledge of the most important things you should or should not do. This article is aimed at giving you information of what exactly is expected to you and how you should go about the application process.
There are two types of UK visa, depending on the duration of your stay and the duration of your stay is dependent on the purpose of your stay. For example, one who is visiting a family or friend wouldn’t be expected to stick around for just as long as one who is in for an Educational programme. I mean, there’s not a lot of space for luxury visitors.
The Long term visa is for those who intend to stay for an extended period of time. The short term visa on the other hand are for people who do not intend to stay in the UK for long. Examples of short term visas are the Visitor’s or Tourist Visas.
One of the most important documents you would need before you start your visa application is a Nigerian Immigration Passport. The passport validity period should be at least 3 months longer than the duration of your visit to the United Kingdom. This means if you intend to stay in the UK for six months, your passport should be valid for at least nine months.
Below listed are the UK visa requirements for Nigerian Citizens ;
- A valid international passport (one of the criteria for its validity being that it the validity period should be at least three months longer than your intended stay)
- Application Form – This is the UK visa application form which is filled online.
- A recent passport sized color photograph on white background (45mmx35mm wide)
- Visa Fee
- Your visa or some other evidence that you are permitted to stay in the UK eg Greencard, residence permit etc.
- A Photocopy of the passport data page
- Letter of Invitation
- Original bank statement ( at least 6 months)
- Birth certificate (this requirement is for children travelling with parents)
- If you are travelling on official business you would need to attach a letter of invitation. If you are going for a training or conference then you would need to provide evidence to support your claim.
- Letter from sponsor
- Utility bills
- Hotel/flight bookings
- Marriage certificate
Visit the UK immigration Visa Requirements for more information.
Now here is a step by step guide or heads up on what to expect and the necessary course of action to take
- Uk Visa Application visa # First you would have to determine the exact visa type that is most suitable for your visit to the UK. To determine this, visit the UK Immigration and Visa Website and peruse their list of visa types and what they are suitable for. There is also a visa fee to pay. The visa fee is dependent on the category of visa you wish to apply for.
- Uk Visa Application visa # After filling the form online, you will receive a GWF number, be sure to keep it safe or note it down because it will be requested later. You will also receive an email notifying you of your appointment date, its location and the documents to bring along.
- Uk Visa Application # After booking your appointment, you will have to register your details on Teleperformance website. Registering on the site is important, if not done you will not be allowed to attend your appointment.
- Uk Visa Application # On the day of your appointment at the UK Visa Application Centre, you should go with printed copied of your online application form and appointment confirmation, your passport and every other required documents that was listed for you.
The visa application processing may take up to six working days or even more. Visa applications from applicants with crime records or history of rejection may take longer.
You can track your application online on the Teleperformance site.
Collection time for visa is slated from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. from Mondays to Fridays. Public holidays and weekends are exempted. To collect your visa come with your application checklist, original photographic ID and a photocopy of biodata page of passport.
You should also know that no other person aside you can collect your documents.
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