The Fee for Each Route
These are the government fees our data holds for the main UK routes a Nigerian can use. All of them are open to Nigerian citizens.
| Pathway | Government fee | Processing | Published salary floor | Leads to PR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Skilled Worker Visa | $3,290 | 1–3 months | GBP 41,700/yr (≈ $56,462/yr) | Yes, about 5 years |
| Health and Care Worker Visa | $350 | 1–3 months | GBP 25,000/yr (≈ $33,361/yr) | Yes, about 5 years |
| Global Talent Visa | $760 | 2–8 months | See pathway page | Yes, about 3 years |
| Innovator Founder Visa | $1,580 | 3–6 months | See pathway page | Yes, about 3 years |
Our Skilled Worker checklist also records the application fee as a range, £769-£1,623, because it depends on how long the Certificate of Sponsorship runs.
Everything Else You Pay, Itemised
| Item | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) | £1,035/year | Per person, paid upfront for the whole visa. Waived on the Health and Care Worker visa. |
| English language proof (B2+ CEFR) | £190 IELTS UKVI | Nigeria is not on the English exemption list, so most applicants sit a test. |
| TB test (some countries) | £40-90 | Required for Nigeria. Done at a Home Office approved clinic. |
| Maintenance funds (£1,270 × 28 days) | Held, not spent | Waived if your sponsor certifies maintenance. |
The surcharge rates come from gov.uk's surcharge page, which sets £1,035 per year for most visas and £776 for students and their dependants. Nigeria's place on the TB list is on the gov.uk country list.
Why the surcharge dominates
How to Bring the Cost Down
- If you work in health or care, use the Health and Care Worker visa. It has a lower fee and no surcharge for you or your dependants, as gov.uk confirms.
- Ask your sponsor to certify maintenance, which removes the 28-day bank balance requirement.
- Ask whether your employer will pay the visa fee. Some employers cover it, and it is worth asking before you sign.
- Book the TB test close to your application date. The certificate is only valid for 6 months.
Nurses should read the UK visa guide for Nigerian nurses, which covers NMC registration and the red list. Everyone else can see every UK route on the UK page for Nigerian citizens, or compare destinations on immigration options for Nigerian citizens.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to move from Nigeria to the UK?
For a Skilled Worker, our checklist puts the out-of-pocket cost at £3,000-7,000 GBP (often partially employer-paid), on top of flights and your first months of rent. The biggest single item is usually the Immigration Health Surcharge, at £1,035/year per person, paid upfront for the whole visa.
What is the Immigration Health Surcharge for Nigerians?
The same as for every other nationality: gov.uk sets it at £1,035 per year for most visas and £776 per year for students and their dependants. It is paid upfront for the full length of the visa, for each family member.
Which UK visa from Nigeria avoids the health surcharge?
The Health and Care Worker visa. Gov.uk lists health and care workers eligible for that visa, and their dependants, as exempt from the surcharge. Its government fee is also lower than the general Skilled Worker fee.
Do Nigerians need a TB test for a UK visa?
Yes, for stays of 6 months or more. Nigeria is on the gov.uk list of countries where a TB test is required, and the test must be done at an approved clinic. Our checklist records a cost of £40-90.
How much money do I need in my account for a UK Skilled Worker visa?
Our checklist records the requirement as Maintenance funds (£1,270 × 28 days), unless your sponsor certifies maintenance on your Certificate of Sponsorship.
official sources: Skilled Worker · gov.uk·Skilled Worker success-rate data · gov.uk·Health and Care Worker · gov.uk·Global Talent · gov.uk·Innovator Founder · gov.uk