“Shine Your Eyes”: UK Embassy Shares New Update on Nigerians' Visa Application, Wait Time

“Shine Your Eyes”: UK Embassy Shares New Update on Nigerians' Visa Application, Wait Time

  • The British embassy has shared a new update on visa applications for Nigerians, advising early submission to avoid delays
  • The embassy said visit visas currently take about three weeks to process, while student visas can take between 3 to 5 weeks
  • Intending travellers to the UK have been advised to use only official channels and authorised agents to avoid falling victim to fraud

Legit.ng journalist Dave Ibemere has over a decade of business journalism experience with in-depth knowledge of the Nigerian economy, stocks, and general market trends.

Gill Lever, the Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, has issued an important update for Nigerians planning to travel to the United Kingdom.

UK visa Nigerian
UK government advises Nigerians to apply for Visa on time Photo credit: Massimo Insabato
Source: Getty Images

In a video message shared on X on Wednesday, July 31, 2024, Lever emphasised the need for early applications.

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According to her, the processing times are expected to lengthen, with many students preparing to start their academic year and planning holiday trips to the UK.

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She said:

"My message today is for everyone planning to travel to the UK. As we enter the holiday season and peak period.
"We are encouraging everyone making plans for the UK for holiday or study to apply early for their visas to avoid delays.
"Currently, visit visas are taking about three weeks to process. From submitting an application to receiving a response from the UK visa team. Student visa can take between 3 to 5 weeks due to high demand."

Visa fraud scam

The commissioner has also taken the opportunity to warn against visa scams.

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"For urgent travel. Please do use priority or super priority services but beware of fraudsters claiming guaranteed visa. But beware of frausters claiming guaranteed UK visas.
"Decision on applications are based on variety of criteria. Abeg shine your eyes well No fall for scam and make sure you complete your application personally on and with all the required documents as listed on the gov.uk website where you can find visa cost and further advise.
"Please take extra care to submit the light right documents according to the online guidiances."

Answering US visa interview questions

In a related story, an immigration lawyer says it is important to know how to answer questions asked by visa officers at the US embassy.

The lady, Lelia Adams, noted that knowing how to answer the US visa interview questions correctly would improve one's chances of getting a visa.

She said the US visa officer would likely ask what the applicant does for a living, the purpose of the visa and why the journey at the time.

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Proofreading by Nkem Ikeke, journalist and copy editor at Legit.ng.

Source: Legit.ng

Authors:
Dave Ibemere avatar

Dave Ibemere (Senior Business Editor) Dave Ibemere is a senior business editor at Legit.ng. He is a financial journalist with over a decade of experience in print and online media. He also holds a Master's degree from the University of Lagos. He is a member of the African Academy for Open-Source Investigation (AAOSI), the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations and other media think tank groups. He previously worked with The Guardian, BusinessDay, and headed the business desk at Ripples Nigeria. Email: dave.ibemere@corp.legit.ng.

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