Many Nigerians dream of leaving the country and starting a new life in the UK, where they hope to find better opportunities, education, and living standards. However, japaing to the UK is not as easy as it sounds, as there are many requirements, procedures, and challenges involved. In this blog post, I will share some tips and steps on how to japa to UK with easy route, based on the information I found on the web.
Step 1: Decide why you want to japa to the UK
The first step is to decide why you want to japa to the UK and what your goals are. There are different reasons why people japa to the UK, such as:
- Study: If you want to pursue higher education in the UK, you will need to apply for a student visa, which allows you to stay in the UK for the duration of your course and work for up to 20 hours per week. You will also need to meet the academic and English language requirements of your chosen university, and show that you have enough funds to cover your tuition fees and living expenses. A student visa is one of the easiest and fastest routes to the UK, and it can lead to a 10-year path to indefinite leave to remain (ILR), which means you can settle permanently in the UK¹.
- Work: If you want to work in the UK, you will need to apply for a work visa, which allows you to stay in the UK for a specific period and work for a specific employer. You will also need to meet the skills and salary requirements of your chosen job, and show that you have a valid job offer from a UK employer who is willing to sponsor you. A work visa is one of the most competitive and challenging routes to the UK, as there are limited slots and high demand for skilled workers. However, a work visa can also lead to ILR in 3-5 years, depending on the type of visa².
- Family: If you have a family member who is a British citizen or a settled person in the UK, you may be able to apply for a family visa, which allows you to join your spouse, partner, child, parent, or other relative in the UK. You will also need to meet the relationship and financial requirements of your family member, and show that you intend to live together permanently in the UK. A family visa is one of the most secure and stable routes to the UK, as it can lead to ILR in 5 years³.
Step 2: Choose the best visa option for you
The second step is to choose the best visa option for you, based on your reason, eligibility, and preference. There are different types of visas for different purposes and categories of people, such as:
- Student visa: This visa is for people who want to study in the UK at a university, college, or school. There are two types of student visas: the Student visa (formerly Tier 4 General) and the Short-term study visa. The Student visa is for people who want to study a full-time course that lasts longer than six months, while the Short-term study visa is for people who want to study a short course that lasts up to six months.
- Work visa: This visa is for people who want to work in the UK in a specific job or profession. There are many types of work visas, such as the Skilled Worker visa (formerly Tier 2 General), the Global Talent visa (formerly Tier 1 Exceptional Talent), the Innovator visa, the Start-up visa, the Health and Care visa, and the Youth Mobility Scheme visa. Each visa has its own criteria, requirements, and benefits.
- Family visa: This visa is for people who want to join their family members in the UK. There are different types of family visas, such as the Spouse visa, the Unmarried Partner visa, the Fiancé(e) visa, the Child visa, the Parent visa, and the Adult Dependent Relative visa. Each visa has its own rules, conditions, and fees.
Step 3: Prepare your documents and evidence
The third step is to prepare your documents and evidence that you will need to submit with your visa application. The documents and evidence vary depending on the type of visa you are applying for, but some of the common ones are:
- Passport: You will need a valid passport that has at least six months of validity and one blank page for your visa sticker.
- Application form: You will need to fill in an online application form on the UK government website, where you will provide your personal, travel, and visa details, and pay the visa fee and the immigration health surcharge (IHS).
- Biometric information: You will need to provide your biometric information, which includes your fingerprints and photograph, at a visa application center (VAC) or a UK visa and immigration (UKVI) service point in your country.
- Supporting documents: You will need to provide supporting documents that prove your eligibility and suitability for the visa you are applying for, such as your academic certificates, English language test results, bank statements, job offer letter, sponsorship letter, marriage certificate, birth certificate, and other relevant documents.
- Tuberculosis test results: You may need to provide tuberculosis (TB) test results if you are from a country where TB is prevalent, and you are applying for a visa that lasts longer than six months. You will need to take the test at a clinic approved by the UK government in your country.
Step 4: Submit your visa application and attend your appointment
The fourth step is to submit your visa application and attend your appointment at the VAC or the UKVI service point. You will need to:
- Submit your application online: You will need to submit your application online on the UK government website, where you will also book your appointment and pay the visa fee and the IHS. You will receive a confirmation email with your application number and appointment details.
- Print your application form and checklist: You will need to print your application form and checklist, which will show the documents and evidence you need to bring to your appointment.
- Attend your appointment: You will need to attend your appointment at the VAC or the UKVI service point, where you will provide your biometric information and submit your documents and evidence. You will also have an interview if required. You will receive a receipt with your reference number and tracking details.
Step 5: Wait for your visa decision and collect your passport
The fifth step is to wait for your visa decision and collect your passport. You will need to:
- Wait for your visa decision: You will need to wait for your visa decision, which can take from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the type of visa you applied for and the processing time in your country. You can track your application status online or by phone or email.
- Collect your passport: You will need to collect your passport from the VAC or the UKVI service point, or have it delivered to your address if you opted for the courier service. You will need to bring your receipt and a valid ID to collect your passport. You will find out if your visa is granted or refused when you receive your passport. If your visa is granted, you will find a visa sticker in your passport with your visa details. If your visa is refused, you will find a refusal letter in your passport with the reasons for the refusal.
Step 6: Plan your travel and accommodation
The sixth step is to plan your travel and accommodation in the UK. You will need to:
- Book your flight ticket: You will need to book your flight ticket to the UK, preferably after you receive your visa. You will need to check the travel restrictions and requirements due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and follow the rules and guidelines for entering the UK.
- Book your accommodation: You will need to book your accommodation in the UK, either before or after you arrive. You will need to find a suitable place to stay, either with your family, friends, or a landlord, or in a hotel, hostel, or Airbnb. You will need to check the availability, price, location, and quality of the accommodation, and make a reservation or a contract.
- Pack your luggage: You will need to pack your luggage for your trip to the UK, and make sure you do not exceed the weight and size limits of your airline. You will need to pack your essential items, such as your passport, visa, travel documents, money, clothes, toiletries, medicines, and electronics. You will also need to pack your non-essential items, such as your books, gifts, souvenirs, and personal belongings.
Step 7: Arrive in the UK and clear immigration and customs
The seventh step is to arrive in the UK and clear immigration and customs. You will need to:
- Arrive in the UK: You will need to arrive in the UK at the airport, port, or station where your flight, ship, or train lands. You will need to follow the signs and instructions for arrivals and immigration.
- Clear immigration: You will need to clear immigration, where you will show your passport, visa, and travel documents to an immigration officer, who will check your identity and eligibility to enter the UK. You will also need to scan your fingerprints and photograph at an e-passport gate if you have a biometric passport. You will also need to fill in a passenger locator form and show your negative COVID-19 test result and quarantine plan if required.
- Clear customs: You will need to clear customs, where you will declare any goods or cash that you are bringing into the UK, and pay any duty or tax if applicable