Navigating the path to working in the UK can feel complex — but for Nigerian professionals with skills and determination, the Skilled Worker Visa (which replaced the old Tier 2 route) is one of the clearest routes. This visa enables foreign talent to take up employment with a UK employer who is licensed to sponsor visas.
Below is a detailed, updated guide to help you understand and apply for the UK Skilled Worker Visa from Nigeria in 2025.
Skilled Worker Visa: What It Is
The Skilled Worker Visa (formerly called Tier 2) is the main route for non-UK citizens to work in qualifying roles in the UK. To be eligible, you must have a job offer from a licensed employer, and the role must fulfill skill level and salary requirements.
Step 1: Get a Job Offer from a Licensed Sponsor
- Find a UK employer with sponsorship license. Only employers approved by the UK Home Office may sponsor foreign workers.
- Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). Once hired, your employer assigns you a CoS — a digital record containing your work details and sponsor ID, needed for your visa application.
Step 2: Meet the Points & Salary Requirements
The visa system is points-based — you need at least 70 points to qualify.
- CoS: 30 points
- Salary threshold: 20 points
- English language proficiency: 10 points
- Additional points for education, salary above threshold, or shortage occupations
Salary minimum. While it used to be around £30,000, it can vary depending on your job; some roles have “going rate” thresholds. Always check the current figures for your specific profession.
Step 3: Prepare Your Documents
Collect all required documents before applying:
- Current international passport
- Your CoS reference
- Evidence of English proficiency (valid test or academic qualification)
- Bank statements showing you have enough funds
- Tuberculosis (TB) test results if your country requires it
- Any professional or academic certificates
Step 4: Apply Online & Pay Fees
- Fill out the visa application on the UK Government’s website.
- Pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) to access NHS services.
- Pay the visa application fee (varies by location and job).
Step 5: Biometrics & Interview
- Visit a visa application center (in Nigeria) to provide fingerprints and photograph.
- Some applicants may be invited for an interview — be ready to talk about your job, qualifications, and future plans.
Step 6: Visa Decision & Entry to UK
- Processing time is usually around 3 weeks after your biometrics appointment.
- If approved, you’ll receive a vignette in your passport (valid for travel to the UK)
- Collect your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) within 10 days of arrival.
After Arrival: What You Should Know
- The visa is often valid up to 5 years and may be extendable.
- It’s your responsibility to maintain the job that sponsored you or to switch to another licensed employer if you change work.
- After 5 years, you might be eligible to apply for settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain).
How to Secure a UK Job Offer from Nigeria (2025 Guide)
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I apply from Nigeria or must I be inside the UK?
A: You can apply from outside the UK, such as India or Nigeria. Many Nigerians apply from Nigeria itself.
Q: Is the Skilled Worker Visa same as Tier 2 now?
A: Yes — the UK transitioned from the Tier 2 visa to the Skilled Worker route. Most rules are similar but updated.
Q: What if my job pays less than the minimum salary?
A: If your salary falls below the usual threshold, you may still qualify via a “shortage occupation” or if additional points are met.
Conclusion
The pathway to working in the UK for Nigerians is clearer with the Skilled Worker Visa. While collecting documents and securing a sponsoring employer can take time, thousands of Nigerians successfully make this transition annually.
Stay proactive, tailor your applications, and always verify that your employer is a licensed sponsor. Once you meet the points, apply carefully, and follow each step — you can achieve your goal of working in the UK.