Choosing to emigrate to the United Kingdom can be a life-changing but exciting decision. Not only does it have the worlds 6th largest economy, but is known for its diverse culture, sport and scenery. The UK more than ever is looking for skilled workers across the African continent to help fill skill shortages in sectors such as healthcare and engineering.
The UK welcomed over 1.2 million new arrivals in the year ending March 2023, most of which on long-term immigration visas. Nigerian, Zimbabwean and Ghanaian nationals made up the largest group from Africa in terms of Work visas and Study visas. 48,480 Africans moved to the UK last year on a Health and Care Worker visa, which represents around 48% of the applicants worldwide. The results of the 2021 UK Census show that 4.2% of people living in England and Wales are from African descent.
Most Popular Work VIsas
African nationals represent 29% of the new arrivals in 2022 who came to the UK on work visas for up to several years. After 5 years of living and working in the UK, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain which is the first step to Permanent Residency.
Health and Care Worker
The Health and Care Worker visa is the most popular visa for African nationals with 48,480 visas granted to the year ending March 2023. Nigerian nationals made up 17,596 followed by Zimbabweans on 17,421 and Ghanaians on 5,660. This visa allows healthcare professionals such as doctors, nurses, midwifes and care and socials workers, to work in the UK for up to 5 years. You must have a job offer and meet the minimum salary for your occupation. You will need to pass an English language test when applying for this visa. The advantage of this visa over others is that it is exempt from paying a Immigration Health Surcharge of £624 to have access to the NHS, saving thousands of pounds over 5 years.
Skilled Worker
The Skilled Worker visa is the second most popular visa for African nationals with 7,575 visas granted to the year ending March 2023. This visa is the main route for immigrants looking to work in the UK outside healthcare. This visa allows skilled foreign workers on the shortage occupations list to work in the UK for up to 5 years. You will need to find an approved employer to sponsor you who will meet the minimum salary requirement for the occupation. You will need to prove you can speak, read, write and understand English to a minimum standard by passing an English language test.
WHAT IS THE CURRENT VISA PROCESSING TIME?
This will differ by visa, but after you have submitted your online application, proved your identity and provided the relevant documents, 90% of applicants are processed within 3 weeks.
Studying in the UK
Student Visa
The Student Visa is the main pathway for people looking to study in the UK. Nigerian nationals represent 79% of the new student arrivals from Africa in 2022. There were 72,683 sponsored study visas granted to African nationals in the year ending March 2023. 57,636 were Nigerians nationals who increased their share by 83% from the previous 12 months. Applicants must be over 16 and study an approved course at an approved institution such as a university. This visa allows you to study in the UK for up to 5 years in which you can work up to 20 hours per week.
How much money should I save
The amount of money to save when planning a move to the UK will vary from person to person, having your finances planned correctly is one of the most important aspects of moving to the UK. How much is a visa? Do I have to pay the NHS Surcharge upfront? Do I need to prove I speak English?
Visa Application Fee
- Health and Care Worker – £247 – £479
- Skilled Worker – £625 – £1235
- Student Visa – £363
Healthcare
- Health and Care Worker – Exempt, including dependents
- Skilled Worker – £624 per year
- Student Visa – £624 per year
Other Possible Fees
- English Language Test – £180
- Tuberculosis Test – £30 – £100
- Criminal Record Certificate – £20 – £100
- Proof of Finances – £1,270
Can I bring my family?
Health and Care Worker, Skilled Worker and a Student visa allow family members to join the main applicant in the UK, who are known as “dependants”. You don’t have to be a permanent resident or have an Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK to bring your family members. Dependants over 18 can work full time in any profession throughout with no restrictions. The length of time allowed to stay is the same as the main applicants work visa.
- Adult Dependant – £1846
- One Child – £1846
Latest Articles
UK Visa Types – UK Immigration [2024]
If you are planning on moving to the United Kingdom for long term work or to complete a degree, then you will need a visa before you arrive. There are many UK visa types that allow you to work and study, some do not require any sponsorship. Each visa has different requirements in order for […]
Shortage Occupation List UK – Skilled Worker Visa [2025]
The Shortage Occupation List UK 2025 is now known as The Immigration Salary List (ISL). It is a list that highlights job roles that there are in demand across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The United Kingdom is currently looking internationally to help fill vacancies in various roles such scientists, engineers, IT professionals and […]
Youth Mobility Visa UK 2024 [Updated]
The Youth Mobility visa UK is a working holiday scheme that allows young people to work in the UK without job sponsorship. This visa is a popular one as it allows you to travel around the UK whilst gaining work experience for two years. You do not have to be sponsored by an employer, meet […]
How to work as a UK nurse from overseas [2024]
Registered nurses are in high demand in the United Kingdom and are currently on the Skilled Worker Occupations List. Nurses (2231 to 2237) are needed in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland with the National Health Service (NHS) hiring from overseas to close the skills shortage gap. Once you are registered and can work as […]
India Young Professionals Scheme 2024
The India Young Professionals Scheme was launched in early 2023. It became the best visa option for young Indians that want to live and work in the United Kingdom. The scheme is ideal as it allows young people to live and work for two years without job sponsorship. This allows time for you to find […]
What is the Skilled Worker Visa UK?
The Skilled Worker Visa UK is the main pathway for skilled workers looking to move to the United Kingdom. The visa is the second most popular for long-term immigration and attracts expertise in different industries around the world. The visa has been designed to make it easier for people who are qualified in chosen occupations […]
Moving to UK – How to Immigrate to the UK
Moving to another country is a big decision but can be a huge opportunity to improve your life. The United Kingdom is a popular choice for skilled workers with over 1.2 million skilled people moving here in 2023, this is more than Canada and Australia. Most people immigrate to the UK for the British culture, […]
Top 13 Skilled Jobs needed in the UK for 2024
The United Kingdom like many countries around the world, is going all out to attract skilled workers to help fill vacancies in many industries. The UK is looking to fill jobs of the future such as computer science and artificial intelligence, these industries amongst others are expected to increase over the next five years. With […]