Apply early for visa for the academic session beginning September
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
Huge visa applications are putting the “processing system … under enormous pressure” at the British High Commission and it has asked Nigerians seeking to study in the United Kingdom from September this year to apply early.
Up to 96 per cent of student visa applications are granted, British High Commissioner to Nigeria Catriona Laing said on her official Twitter handle, meaning there is no need to worry.
But the key is to apply early and avoid rush, she stressed, as visa process now takes an average five weeks because of heavy visa demand by Ukrainian refugees fleeing the Russian war in their country.
“My message is directed to those of you who are planning to study this academic year, September 2022.
“The UK is a fabulous place to study. Our academic qualifications are recognised globally as the best, and we welcome students from around the globe and in particular from Nigeria because we want the brightest and best,” Laing pitched.
“We have a transparent point-based system, and 96 per cent of Nigerians who applied for student visas are granted those visas.
“But my message this morning is please, help us to help you by applying much earlier than you think you need for your visa this year.
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Russian-Ukrainian war puts UKVI under pressure
“In previous years, it might have been okay to apply in August for a visa to start your studies in September. This year, that’s going to be much, much too late.
“So, I appreciate that some of you may still be getting your paperwork together, your confirmation of acceptance of studies, your requirement for TB clearance, and of course, your exam results.
“But there is other paperwork that you can be starting to put together so that you have everything together in one package so you can just press ‘go’ as soon as all the paperwork is complete.
“The reason for this is that UKVI, our visa immigration processing system, is under enormous pressure. You will all be aware of the horrible humanitarian situation in Ukraine, and we’ve had to prioritise processing visas for the people trying to get out of that horrible war zone.
“That means we’ve had to pause our priority and super-priority visa processing systems. So, it’s really, really imperative that you get your paperwork together as soon as possible and you apply as early as you can.
“So, please help us to help you, to make sure you get to the UK in September for your studies which is going to be fabulous. We want you to have a wonderful time studying in the UK.
“There is going to be lots of information over the coming weeks and months on our social media channels, on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, and our hashtag is #UKnaijaStudent2022. So, look out for further information.”
Nigeria a major source of UK foreign students
British Home Office data shows that total 58,887 study visas were granted by full year ended March 2022, up from 17,366 in March 2021.
Nigeria has the third-highest nationalities granted UK-sponsored study visas after China and India, as of March 2022, according to the Home Office.
