Do I have to submit my application in person?
Yes, all customers over the age of 5 years are required to attend the Visa Application Centre to submit their visa application and for Biometric data collection.

Do I need my own passport?
Yes, all visa customers need to have their own passport.

Where can I find additional information about Biometric data collection? Information about Biometric data collection can be found on UKBA website.

If I need an interview, where will it take place?
Customers, who submitted their applications to the Visa Application Centres in Abuja and require an interview, will need to attend the British High Commission in Abuja. Customers, who apply in Ikeja, Victoria Island or Ibadan, will need to attend the British Deputy High Commission in Lagos, should they require an interview.

If I need an interview, what information will I need to provide?
The British High Commission/British Deputy High Commission may call you an interview. Entry Clearance Officers at the Visa Sections at the British High Commission in Abuja/British Deputy High Commission in Lagos may ask you some questions if they need more information about your application before making a decision. Since the time for each interview is limited, it is important for the Entry Clearance Officer to gain a quick and accurate understanding of each application. Some applicants take advice from outside organisations about the questions you might be asked and prepare answers. But because they are working from a script, these applicants do not always listen to the Entry Clearance Officer's questions or provide relevant answers. So please try to give full and clear replies to the questions asked by the Entry Clearance Officer. If you do not know the answer, say so.

When should I apply for my visa?
The British High Commission/British Deputy High Commission suggests you apply at least eight weeks before you plan to travel and do not purchase air tickets prior to the visa being issued. If you are applying for a student visa, it is particularly important that you follow this advice.

What documents should I submit with my application?
Check that you have at least everything on the recommended documents list. If you want to study in Britain, you should take particular care to show that you can pay for your course and living expenses. The BHC/BDHC aim to return all documents submitted, unless they believe they are not genuine. No documents are retained by VFS Global.

Are you sponsoring a visa application from a friend or relative in Nigeria?
Many UK residents regularly invite family members to spend holidays in the United Kingdom. UKBA is committed to maintaining family ties and promoting the UK as a holiday and business destination. To ensure that your role as a sponsor in the visa application process, is secure and risk free, Visa Sections in Nigeria are now inviting all sponsors to complete Sponsor Information Forms, supported by attested evidence of their identity, immigration status and UK address. These measures have been introduced to counter incidents of sponsor identity theft and to prevent sponsorship documents being used fraudulently. The additional information provided by you will assist the Entry Clearance Officers in their assessment of the visa application and will help ensure that the visa application process is reliable and risk free.

Download the sponsorship information form

It can also be obtained from any of the visa application centres in Lagos, Abuja and Ibadan.

UKBA frequently asked questions

I wish to study in the UK. Which sort of visa should I apply for?

Student Visitors

You should apply for this visa if:

•	You are over 18 years
•	You wish to take a short course of study lasting less than 6 months.
•	You do not wish to work during your stay
•	You will not need to extend your stay in the UK.
•	Your course is for less than 15 hours per week or is in the evening or at weekends. However, the training provider must be on the DIUS Register of Education Providers.

You should not choose this if:

•	You are taking a sandwich course or any short course with a work placement element.

Student
You should apply for this visa if:

•	You wish to take part time employment during your studies
•	You may need to extend your stay in the UK
•	You are undertaking a short term English course before going on to long term studies in the UK. Give details of both courses in your application.

Child Visitor
You should apply for this visa if

•	You are a child under the age of 18 travelling to the UK for a short course of study lasting less than 6 months.
•	Please note there is a requirement to demonstrate that adequate arrangements have been made for care in the UK. This means that you must give the name and address of the person you will stay with. You must also submit the necessary signed consent forms from both parents, and the name and passport number of who is accompanying you to the UK.