To apply for a British Visa in Nigeria you need to…

• Know if you are qualified

Some people’s applications for UK visa are denied simply on the grounds that they do not qualify to apply in the first place. You have to check if you are qualified first before you start the application process. Failure to do so may result in loss of time and money. If you intend to tour UK or visit friend/family, you will be required to visit the country as a general visitor. You can visit the official British Government website for visas- Home Boarder Agency for more information on the qualifications for the kind of visa you are seeking.

• Ready the necessary documents

Depending on the type of visa you are applying for, you will be required to provide documents, some of which are legal in nature. For each document, you must provide the original plus a photocopy of the same. You can use the original documents alone in which case, the British Government visa application department will retain it.

Remember some of the documents may be necessary while you stay in the UK and so you have no option other than to provide both the original and the photocopy. The necessary documents for each of the UK visa types can be found on the official website of British Home Boarder Agency. Make sure all the required documents are ready before you embark on the application process.

•  Apply for the UK Visa online

Once you confirm that you are qualified and you have all the necessary documents ready, it is time to apply for the suitable visa for your situation. The official, reliable and most efficient way to apply for a UK visa from Nigeria is to visit the official British Government website for visas Visa4UK.

First, you need to register and create an account. You will then get access to the online UK visa application form, which you are required to complete correctly and accurately. If you are lacking any of the required documents, you must provide a valid explanation. Desist from providing false information. You then need to print and append your signature on the completed form. If the computer you are using to fill in the application form is not connected to printer, you can bookmark the page, log in later and print it.

Those applying as students under Tier 4 of the points-based system, there is an online appointment calendar that you must use to book an appointment at the center for visa applications. Those applying under any other category are not required to book an appointment.

After completing the online application form, you will be sent  an email message on the address you provided containing your application number (GWF reference). Note the number as it will be required later.

•  Settle the visa application fee

There are two official options when it comes to payment of Visa application fees. First option is the Sterling Bank method. This bank is contracted by the UK government to collect visa fees on her behalf. Payments are accepted in all the branches of Sterling Bank in Nigeria at no extra charges.

The second method is to pay at the visa application centers in Nigeria. You will be required to pay a service fee of 500 Naira. Should anybody ask you for any charges other than the service fee, then you are obligated to report the issue to British High Commission situated in Abuja or the British Deputy High Commissioner situated in Lagos. Ensure you get a receipt for your payment, as refund in case of unsuccessful application will not be possible without it.

• Go to the visa application center

You will then be required to visit a visa application center where your biometrics (facial photograph and fingerprints) will be taken. Students will be required to book an appointment for the visit. Some people may be exempted from the biometrics such as diplomats, Nigerian government officials, United Nations officials, children under 5 years and relatives of exempted members among other people.