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
How to immigrate to the UK as a nurse in 2023
Health professionals are in high demand in the UK and even has its own visa, the Health and Care Worker visa. The UK government has set a target for 50,000 more nurses by 2024 in England alone, one of the ways to do this is to attract international talent. The National Health Service (NHS) is […]
UK breaks record with over 679,00 international students in 2022
The UK attracts thousands of international students each year, thanks to its world-class universities and work opportunities. Keep reading to discover some of the top reasons to consider moving to the UK to study. New data from Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) shows the UK now has a international student population of 679,970 as of […]
First ballot for the UK India Professionals Scheme
The United Kingdom’s newest visa will launch on Tuesday 28th February 2023, the long-awaited India Professionals Scheme. This visa will be the easiest way for young Indians to live and work in the UK, for up to two years. This visa is a good way to settle in the UK before applying for longer term […]
UK Job Vacancies and Pay Febuary 2023
On February 2023, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) released its latest monthly report on employment in the UK. The report shows a near all time high of employment in the UK with increasing salaries. If you are interested in filling one of these vacancies and want to move to the UK, check out our […]
Best Cities to Work and Live in the UK in 2023
The United Kingdom has long been the world-famous place to work and live in due to the huge number of opportunities it offers in terms of career and life. Since it is among the top economies in the world, those looking for a high living standard with excellent employment opportunities find it the perfect spot. […]
How to get sponsored by an employer in the UK
When companies in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are unable to find qualified workers living in the United Kingdom, they look worldwide to help fill those skill shortages. To be eligible for skilled work sponsorship in the United Kingdom, you need to qualify for a relevant job on a UK occupations list, after this […]
What salary can I earn in the UK in 2023?
how much can you earn in the UK? The UK is a high-income economy, but how much do you need to earn for a comfortable life? When you think of moving to the UK, the first thing that comes to your mind is how much salary you will earn. From April 2023 the minimum hourly […]
How much money do you need to move to the UK?
How much does it cost to move to the UK? 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 […]