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How to Pay for UK Visa Fee in Nigeria: A Step-by-Step Guide

Pay for UK Visa Fee in Nigeria

Applying for a UK visa can be a complicated process, especially when it comes to paying the required visa fees. With fees that can range from £95 for a visitor visa to over £1,500 for a settlement visa, having a clear understanding of the payment options and processes is essential. 

The steps for paying your UK visa fee will depend on the specific visa type you are applying for from Nigeria. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk through the key steps for paying UK visa fees from Nigeria. Whether you choose to pay by debit/credit card, make a bank transfer or pay cash at a Visa Application Centre, we will outline the procedures to help ensure your visa application payment goes smoothly.

Determine the Type of UK Visa You Are Applying For

The amount you will need to pay for your UK visa application fee depends on the specific type of visa you are applying for. Here are some of the most common UK visa types and their associated fees:

  • Visitor visa – £95
  • Student visa – £348
  • Work visa (Tier 2) – £610
  • Family visa – £1,523
  • Settlement visa – £1,523

Before you begin the visa application process, you will need to identify the specific visa category you are applying for based on the purpose of your travel or move to the UK. The UK government website has detailed descriptions of the requirements and eligibility criteria for each visa type. Determining your visa type is a key first step, since it will inform the visa fee amount you must pay.

Some visas, like visitor visas, have standardized fees for all applicants. For other visas, like work and study visas, you may qualify for a discounted rate if you are from a certain country or meet other conditions. Check if you can get a reduced fee before paying the full amount.

Knowing your specific UK visa type ensures you budget the correct fee amount and avoid any payment issues that could delay your application.

Understand the Payment Options for UK Visa Fees

Once you know the required visa fee amount, the next step is determining the best payment method based on your circumstances in Nigeria. Here are the main options for paying UK visa fees:

  • Credit or Debit Card – The UK Visas and Immigration office accepts most major credit and debit cards for online visa payments. This is typically the fastest and most convenient option.
  • Bank Transfer – You can transfer the visa fee amount directly to the UK Visas office bank account. This may take 3-5 business days to process.
  • Cash – Some UK Visa Application Centres in Nigeria allow you to pay visa fees in cash locally. You must schedule an appointment first.

Pay by Debit or Credit Card

Paying your UK visa fee online using a debit or credit card is the most convenient and fastest option for most applicants in Nigeria. Here are step-by-step instructions:

  1. Have your visa type, required documents, and fee amount ready. Double check you have the right visa category and associated fee.
  2. Go to the UK Visa and Immigration online payment portal. Create an account if paying for the first time.
  3. Input your visa details and confirm the fee amount. Enter your card information.
  4. Use a Visa, MasterCard, or American Express card. Do not use prepaid credit cards as these may not work.
  5. Ensure your card has sufficient funds and transaction limits for an international payment. Contact your bank in advance if needed.
  6. Complete secure payment. Print or save the payment confirmation and receipt.
  7. You will receive an email confirming payment from UK Visas and Immigration. Add this to your records.
  8. If your payment fails, try another card or an alternative payment method. Technical issues can cause declined payments.

Paying online by card is fast and simple when applying from Nigeria. Just ensure you enter accurate visa details and use a card approved for international transactions to avoid payment delays.

Pay by Bank Transfer

If you prefer not to pay by card online, a bank transfer or direct bank deposit are alternatives for paying your UK visa fee from Nigeria. Here are the steps:

  1. Obtain the UK Visas and Immigration bank account details for transfers. The account is with Barclays Bank in the UK.
  2. Go to your bank in Nigeria and provide the account details, SWIFT code, IBAN, and instructions to transfer the exact visa fee amount.
  3. Make the transfer at least 5 business days before your application appointment date. Bank transfers can take 3-5 days to fully process.
  4. Your bank will convert the fee to GBP and process the transfer via SWIFT. You may pay a transfer fee.
  5. Obtain a receipt from your bank showing the transfer details, date, and confirmations. Track the transfer status.
  6. Once received, the UK Visas office will reconcile your payment with your visa application. Check your account for confirmation.
  7. If the funds don’t reflect after 5 days, contact your bank to investigate the transfer status before your appointment.

Providing the proper bank details and giving enough time for international transfers are key when paying by bank deposit or transfer. Monitor the payment status closely.

Pay in Cash at a Visa Application Centre

Some UK Visa Application Centres (VACs) in Nigeria allow you to pay your visa fee in cash locally. Here is the process:

  1. Find your closest UK VAC location in Nigeria. There are centres in Abuja, Lagos and Ibadan.
  2. Schedule an appointment on the VFS Global UK Visa website for your biometric enrolment and visa payment.
  3. Prepare the exact visa fee amount in Nigerian Naira cash. Bring a bit extra in case of fluctuations.
  4. Attend your confirmed VAC appointment with your cash, documents and application form.
  5. At the VAC, you can pay your full visa fee in Naira cash. Get a printed receipt right away for your records.
  6. Double check the payment amount on the receipt matches your visa type fee. Count your change.
  7. Keep this official payment receipt to attach to your application as proof you paid the required fee amount.

Paying in cash locally avoids international transaction fees and conversion rates. Just be sure to bring the exact amount to your VAC appointment to pay onsite.

Get Receipt and Proof of Payment

No matter which payment method you use, obtaining official receipts and records is essential. Here are tips for getting UK visa fee payment proof:

  • For online credit/debit card payments, save the emailed payment confirmation from UK Visas and Immigration.
  • When paying cash at the VAC, carefully check the payment receipt before leaving the centre.
  • For bank transfers, obtain the transfer receipt from your bank in Nigeria and track the transfer.
  • Keep all receipts, emails and records together in a safe place with your visa application.
  • If paying through a third party service, collect payment confirmations from them.
  • Contact UK Visas and Immigration if you don’t receive payment confirmation within 5 days.

Having proper documentation of your visa fee payment is required in case any issues arise. Lacking payment evidence can jeopardize your application.

Carefully store receipts, bank transfer records, confirmation emails and other payment proofs together with your visa documents.

Conclusion

Paying the required visa fees is a crucial step when applying for your UK visa from Nigeria. By understanding the different payment methods and following the step-by-step instructions provided, you can ensure your visa application payment is completed smoothly. 

Be sure to save all payment confirmations, transfer receipts, and official records to have proof you paid the exact fee for your visa type. With the right preparation and knowledge of the payment process, you can avoid common pitfalls and delays. Paying your UK visa fee properly is key to getting your application off to a good start.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I get a refund if my UK visa application is denied?

A: Unfortunately visa fees are non-refundable regardless of the final visa decision. If your application is denied, you will have to pay the fee again when reapplying.

Q: What is the cost for priority visa processing?

A: Priority visa processing has an additional fee of £500-£800 depending on the service centre. This secures faster decision times for your visa application.

Q: What credit cards can I use to pay the visa fee online?

A: Visa, MasterCard and American Express cards are accepted. Debit cards with a Visa or Mastercard logo also work. Some banks may decline international payments.

Q: Is there a discount for certain visa types?

A: Yes, some student and work visa applicants from certain countries qualify for discounted visa fees. But this does not apply to all visa types or applicants.

Q: Can I pay the fee through a visa services company?

A: Yes, you can hire an approved 3rd party visa services company to collect your documents and pay the fee on your behalf. There is usually an added service fee.