Navigating the path to working in the UK can seem complex, but for skilled Nigerian professionals, the Tier 2 Visa represents a clear route.
This visa is designed for those who have been offered a skilled job in the UK, and it’s a common choice for Nigerians looking to expand their professional horizons.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help simplify the process.
Step 1: Secure a Job Offer
Finding a Sponsor: Before you can apply for a Tier 2 Visa, you need a job offer from a UK employer who is licensed to sponsor Tier 2 visas. This means your prospective employer must be approved by the UK Home Office to employ non-European workers.
Certificate of Sponsorship: Once you have a job offer, your employer will provide you with a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). This is an electronic record, not a physical document, which contains a unique reference number that you’ll need for your visa application.
Step 2: Check Your Eligibility
Point-Based System: The Tier 2 Visa operates on a point-based system. You must score a minimum of 70 points to be eligible, which are awarded for having a valid CoS (30 points), being paid an appropriate salary (20 points), and meeting the English language requirements (10 points).
Salary Requirements: Ensure the salary offered meets the minimum threshold required for your job as stipulated by the Home Office, which is typically at least £30,000 per year, though this can vary depending on the specific job.
Step 3: Prepare Your Documents
Required Documents: Gather all necessary documents, including your passport, proof of English proficiency, bank statements showing you have enough money to support yourself when you arrive in the UK, and your tuberculosis test results if you’re from a country where this is required.
English Proficiency: You must prove your knowledge of English when you apply. This can be done by passing an approved English language test or by having an academic qualification that was taught in English and is recognized by UK NARIC as being equivalent to a UK bachelor’s degree or higher.
Step 4: Apply Online
Filling Out the Application: Complete the online application form on the UK Visa and Immigration website. Be prepared to pay the healthcare surcharge as part of your application, which grants you access to the UK’s National Health Service.
Biometrics: After submitting your online application, you’ll need to book and attend an appointment at a visa application center to have your fingerprints and photograph taken.
Step 5: Attend Your Visa Interview
Interview Process: Depending on your situation, you might be required to attend an interview where you’ll be asked about your job in the UK, your background, and your plans during your stay. The aim is to verify the information you’ve provided in your application.
Step 6: Receive Your Visa Decision
Processing Time: The processing time for a Tier 2 Visa can vary, but you should receive a decision within three weeks of your appointment at the visa application center. If successful, you’ll receive a vignette (sticker) in your passport that allows you to travel to the UK.
Conclusion: Starting Your New Role in the UK
Once you’ve received your visa, you can enter the UK and start your new job. Remember, the Tier 2 Visa is typically valid for up to five years and can be extended. It also opens the pathway to applying for permanent residence should you choose to stay in the UK long-term.