United Kingdom suspends visa applications in Nigeria

The British High Commission in Nigeria today announced a temporary suspension of study, work, and family visa applications for Nigerians.

A statement by the UK Visas and Immigration explained that this is because priority has now been placed on applications made under the Ukraine Family Scheme in response to the humanitarian crisis caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

In a statement titled, “Temporary Suspension of Priority Visas for Student, Work and Family Application,” UKVI said Nigerians with standard applications in study, work, and family routes may experience delays in the processing of their applications.

Read full statement below:“UK Visas and Immigration is currently prioritising applications made under the Ukraine Family Scheme, following its launch and in response to the humanitarian crisis arising from the invasion of Ukraine.

As a result, UKVI have temporarily suspended priority and super-priority services for new study, work, and family applications.

Customers with standard applications in study, work, and family routes may experience some delays in the processing of their application.

“We are still currently unable to offer PV for visitor applications in Nigeria. Standardvisitor visa applications are currently taking an average of six weeks to process.

“Applicants will be contacted by the Visa Application Centre (VAC) when their passportis ready for collection. They should not attend the VAC until they have been invited todo so.

“Where there are extremely compassionate or compelling circumstances (for example,a medical emergency), UKVI may consider expediting specific cases. However, the bar for this is high and will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. If a request is exceptionally urgent, applicants can contact UK Visas and Immigration for help.

“Please note that this is a chargeable service for overseas customers. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.”