The United Kingdom has announced new immigration and nationality fees effective from April 2026, affecting Nigerians applying for visas, residency, and citizenship. The changes, introduced by the UK Home Office, reflect a general increase of about 6–7% across multiple visa categories.
For Nigerians planning to travel, study, work, or settle in the UK, the updated fees significantly impact the overall cost of migration, especially when combined with additional charges like the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).
Visitor Visa Fees (Short & Long Term)
The UK visitor visa remains the most common route for Nigerians traveling for tourism, business, or family visits.
- 6-month visa: about $177–$181 (≈ ₦250,000+)
- 2-year visa: about $662–$667 (≈ ₦900,000+)
- 5-year visa: about $1,183–$1,190 (≈ ₦1.6 million+)
- 10-year visa: about $1,477–$1,486 (≈ ₦2 million+)
Each visit is typically limited to 6 months per entry, regardless of visa duration.
Study Visa Costs
For Nigerian students, the UK remains a top destination—but at a rising cost.
- Student visa fee (2026): about £524
- Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): about £776 per year
This means a typical one-year master’s student may pay over ₦2.4 million total when visa and health charges are combined.
Work Visa Fees
For Nigerians seeking employment in the UK, visa costs vary depending on the job category:
- Skilled Worker visa (up to 3 years): about £719
- Skilled Worker visa (over 3 years): about £1,420
- Health and Care Worker visa: about £284
Applicants must also pay the IHS, which significantly increases the total cost.
Family & Spouse Visa Fees
For Nigerians joining family members in the UK:
- Spouse visa fee: about £1,938 (≈ ₦3.7 million)
- IHS (mandatory): about £3,105 (≈ ₦5.9 million)
Total cost for a spouse visa can exceed ₦9 million, making it one of the most expensive routes.
Citizenship & Settlement Costs
For Nigerians seeking permanent residency or British citizenship:
- Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR): typically over £2,800+ (varies)
- British citizenship application: often exceeds £1,500+
These fees are subject to periodic increases and additional service costs.
Additional Costs Nigerians Must Consider
Beyond visa application fees, applicants also pay:
- Biometric enrolment fees
- Visa processing centre charges (VFS Global)
- Priority processing (optional): up to $697+
- Tuberculosis (TB) test (mandatory for long stays)
These extra costs can add hundreds of thousands of naira to the total application expense.
Why the Fees Are Increasing
The UK government says the fee increases are aimed at:
- funding the immigration system
- reducing reliance on taxpayer support
- managing rising application volumes
However, critics argue that the rising costs may make the UK less accessible, especially for applicants from developing countries like Nigeria.
What This Means for Nigerians
The April 2026 changes reinforce a growing reality: migration to the UK is becoming significantly more expensive.
For Nigerians, this means:
- higher upfront financial planning
- stricter documentation requirements to avoid visa refusal
- increased consideration of alternative destinations
Conclusion
The updated UK visa and citizenship fees mark a major shift in the cost of international mobility for Nigerians. From visitor visas to permanent residency, the financial barrier continues to rise.
For prospective applicants, careful planning is now more important than ever—not just to meet visa requirements, but to ensure the total cost of migration is sustainable in the long term.