How to Move to United Kingdom
The United Kingdom is one of the most popular destinations for African professionals, students and health workers. Almost everything is done online through the official GOV.UK website, and you apply directly — never through a paid "agent". A genuine job offer from a licensed sponsor is the key that unlocks most work visas. Healthcare and care roles have their own discounted route.
How to use this guide
Pick the visa type below that matches your plan (work, study, etc.).
Tap it to open and read the simple steps and the papers you need.
Apply yourself on the official website. It's free — no agent needed.
Stay safe: never pay anyone who promises a "guaranteed" visa. Real applications are made on official government sites. Rules can change, so always double-check on the official website before you apply.
United Kingdom embassies in Africa — addresses & directions
UK visas are handled by TLScontact/VFS visa application centres (not the embassy directly). There are centres across Africa — e.g. Lagos, Abuja, Accra, Nairobi, Pretoria, Johannesburg, Cairo, Casablanca, Dakar and Addis Ababa. Use the locator to find the centre that covers you.
Tap “Open in Google Maps” to see the exact location, get directions, and confirm the current address & opening hours.
Plot 1137 Diplomatic Drive, Central Business District, Abuja
+234 9 462 3100 Open in Google Maps255 Hill Street, Arcadia, Pretoria 0002
+27 12 421 7500 Open in Google MapsJulius Nyerere Link, off Gamel Abdul Nasser Avenue, Accra
+233 597 111 444 Open in Google Maps28 Avenue S.A.R. Sidi Mohammed, Souissi, Rabat 10105
+212 537 633 333 Open in Google MapsUmoja House, Hamburg Avenue / Mirambo Street, Dar es Salaam
+255 22 229 0000 Open in Google MapsCocody, Quartier Ambassades, Impasse du Bélier, Rue A58, Abidjan
Open in Google MapsRue du Lac Windermere, Les Berges du Lac, Tunis 1053
+216 71 108 700 Open in Google MapsDon’t see your country? United Kingdom has more missions across Africa — find the nearest one on the official locator.
Around 3 weeks after biometrics (from outside the UK).
Application fee from ~£769–£1,751 + Immigration Health Surcharge (~£1,035/year) + you must show maintenance funds.
Up to 5 years; renewable. Leads to settlement (ILR) after 5 years.
Can I apply?
You'll usually need to tick these boxes:
- A confirmed job offer from a UK employer that holds a valid sponsor licence.
- The job is on the eligible occupations list and meets the minimum salary threshold.
- English language ability at B1 (CEFR) proven by an approved test or degree taught in English.
- A valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) reference number from your employer.
What to do, step by step
-
1
Find a licensed sponsor
Search for jobs with employers on the official UK register of licensed sponsors. Apply for roles and make clear you need sponsorship.
-
2
Get a job offer & Certificate of Sponsorship
Once hired, the employer issues you a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) with a reference number. This is not a paper document — it is a database entry.
-
3
Prove your English
Book and pass an approved English test (e.g. IELTS for UKVI) unless you are exempt (degree taught in English, or national of an exempt country).
-
4
Apply online on GOV.UK
Create an account on gov.uk, complete the Skilled Worker form, and pay the visa fee plus the Immigration Health Surcharge.
-
5
Prove your identity & give biometrics
Use the UK Immigration: ID Check app or attend a visa application centre (VAC) in your country for fingerprints and a photo.
-
6
Submit documents & wait for the decision
Upload your documents. A standard decision takes around 3 weeks. You can pay extra for priority processing.
-
7
Travel and collect your BRP / eVisa
Once approved you receive a vignette/eVisa to travel. Confirm your digital status (eVisa) after arrival.
Papers you need
Helpful tips
- Use the official "register of licensed sponsors" to confirm an employer can actually sponsor you before paying for anything.
- A real employer never asks you to pay them for a Certificate of Sponsorship — that is a scam.
- Healthcare and care workers should use the cheaper Health and Care Worker visa instead (see below).
Ready to apply? Do it yourself — free
Start your Skilled Worker visa application
This opens the official online application form — fill it in and pay the fee directly. No agent needed.
Start applicationAround 3 weeks after biometrics (from outside the UK).
Application fee ~£524 + Immigration Health Surcharge (~£776/year for students) + tuition + living funds.
Length of your course (plus a short period before/after). Can switch to a work route after.
Can I apply?
You'll usually need to tick these boxes:
- An unconditional offer from a licensed student sponsor (a CAS — Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies).
- Enough money to pay course fees and living costs (shown for 28 consecutive days).
- English language ability proven for the course level.
- Genuine student intention (you may be interviewed).
What to do, step by step
-
1
Choose a course & licensed university
Pick a course at an institution that is a licensed student sponsor. Apply directly or via UCAS for undergraduate degrees.
-
2
Receive your offer and CAS
Once you accept an offer and meet conditions (and often pay a tuition deposit), the university issues a CAS reference number.
-
3
Prepare your finances
Hold the required tuition + living cost amount in your account for at least 28 days. Keep bank statements dated correctly.
-
4
Apply online & pay fees
Complete the Student visa form on gov.uk and pay the fee plus the Immigration Health Surcharge.
-
5
Biometrics, TB test & documents
Do a TB test at an approved clinic, give biometrics at a VAC, and upload your documents.
-
6
Get your decision and travel
After approval, travel within the visa start window and confirm your eVisa.
Papers you need
Helpful tips
- Apply for scholarships early (Chevening, Commonwealth, university bursaries) — they can fund the whole journey.
- You can usually work part-time (often 20 hrs/week) during term — confirm the limit on your visa.
- After graduating you may qualify for the Graduate visa to stay and work for 2 years.
Ready to apply? Do it yourself — free
Start your Student visa application
This opens the official online application form — fill it in and pay the fee directly. No agent needed.
Start applicationOften around 3 weeks; sometimes faster than the standard route.
Reduced visa fee (~£304–£590 by length) and NO Immigration Health Surcharge — a saving of thousands.
Up to 5 years; leads to settlement (ILR) after 5 years.
Can I apply?
You'll usually need to tick these boxes:
- You work in an eligible health or social care job (e.g. nurse, doctor, care worker).
- A job offer from an approved health or care sector employer with a sponsor licence.
- A Certificate of Sponsorship and minimum salary for the role.
- English language ability (B1) and relevant professional registration where required.
What to do, step by step
-
1
Confirm your role is eligible
Check the eligible health/care occupation codes on GOV.UK. Nurses, doctors, paramedics and care workers commonly qualify.
-
2
Secure a sponsored job
Get a job offer from an NHS trust, an NHS supplier, or a CQC-registered care provider with a sponsor licence.
-
3
Professional registration
Where required, register with the relevant body (e.g. NMC for nurses, GMC for doctors). This can run alongside the job search.
-
4
Get your Certificate of Sponsorship
Your employer assigns a CoS once you are hired.
-
5
Apply online & give biometrics
Complete the Health and Care Worker form on gov.uk (reduced fee, no health surcharge) and attend a VAC.
-
6
Receive decision & travel
Once approved, travel and confirm your eVisa status.
Papers you need
Helpful tips
- This route skips the Immigration Health Surcharge — a saving of thousands of pounds.
- Many NHS trusts run international recruitment and will guide you free of charge — never pay a "recruiter" a placement fee.
- Care worker demand is high; confirm the employer is CQC-registered and genuinely licensed.
Ready to apply? Do it yourself — free
Start your Health and Care Worker visa application
This opens the official online application form — fill it in and pay the fee directly. No agent needed.
Start applicationAround 12 weeks (24 weeks for some) from outside the UK.
Application fee ~£1,938 (outside UK) + Immigration Health Surcharge.
Usually 33 months initially, then extendable; leads to settlement after 5 years.
Can I apply?
You'll usually need to tick these boxes:
- Your partner is a British citizen, settled person, or has certain visa status.
- You meet the minimum income / financial requirement.
- Your relationship is genuine and subsisting; you can prove it.
- English language ability at the required level.
What to do, step by step
-
1
Confirm your sponsor's status
Your UK partner must be British, settled (ILR), or hold qualifying status.
-
2
Meet the financial requirement
Gather evidence your partner (or you both) meet the minimum income threshold or hold sufficient savings.
-
3
Pass the English test
Take an approved A1-level English test (higher levels for extensions).
-
4
Apply online & pay
Complete the family visa application on gov.uk and pay the fee plus health surcharge.
-
5
Biometrics & relationship evidence
Attend a VAC and submit strong proof of your genuine relationship.
-
6
Decision & travel
After approval, travel and later apply to extend, then settle.
Papers you need
Helpful tips
- Build a clear evidence file of your relationship over time — caseworkers look for genuineness.
- The financial requirement is strict; check the latest threshold before applying.
- Keep copies of everything you submit.
Ready to apply? Do it yourself — free
Start your Family / Spouse visa application
This opens the official online application form — fill it in and pay the fee directly. No agent needed.
Start applicationMost United Kingdom work visas need a job offer first
Browse visa-sponsored and remote jobs open to Africans, then build a CV tailored to United Kingdom — both completely free.
Explore other destinations
Questions about United Kingdom visas
How much does the United Kingdom Skilled Worker visa cost?
The United Kingdom Skilled Worker visa costs: Application fee from ~£769–£1,751 + Immigration Health Surcharge (~£1,035/year) + you must show maintenance funds. These fees were checked against the official source on 1 June 2026, and governments change them regularly.
How long does the United Kingdom Skilled Worker visa take?
Processing for the United Kingdom Skilled Worker visa takes around 3 weeks after biometrics (from outside the UK). This is the official guide time and does not include the weeks you spend gathering documents beforehand.
How long is the United Kingdom Skilled Worker visa valid for, and does it lead to permanent residence?
The United Kingdom Skilled Worker visa is valid for up to 5 years; renewable. Leads to settlement (ILR) after 5 years. This route can lead to permanent residence.
How much does the United Kingdom Student visa cost?
The United Kingdom Student visa costs: Application fee ~£524 + Immigration Health Surcharge (~£776/year for students) + tuition + living funds. These fees were checked against the official source on 1 June 2026, and governments change them regularly.
How long does the United Kingdom Student visa take?
Processing for the United Kingdom Student visa takes around 3 weeks after biometrics (from outside the UK). This is the official guide time and does not include the weeks you spend gathering documents beforehand.
How long is the United Kingdom Student visa valid for?
The United Kingdom Student visa is valid for length of your course (plus a short period before/after). Can switch to a work route after. This route does not by itself lead to permanent residence.
How much does the United Kingdom Health and Care Worker visa cost?
The United Kingdom Health and Care Worker visa costs: Reduced visa fee (~£304–£590 by length) and NO Immigration Health Surcharge — a saving of thousands. These fees were checked against the official source on 1 June 2026, and governments change them regularly.
How long does the United Kingdom Health and Care Worker visa take?
Processing for the United Kingdom Health and Care Worker visa takes often around 3 weeks; sometimes faster than the standard route. This is the official guide time and does not include the weeks you spend gathering documents beforehand.
How long is the United Kingdom Health and Care Worker visa valid for, and does it lead to permanent residence?
The United Kingdom Health and Care Worker visa is valid for up to 5 years; leads to settlement (ILR) after 5 years. This route can lead to permanent residence.
How much does the United Kingdom Family / Spouse visa cost?
The United Kingdom Family / Spouse visa costs: Application fee ~£1,938 (outside UK) + Immigration Health Surcharge. These fees were checked against the official source on 1 June 2026, and governments change them regularly.
How long does the United Kingdom Family / Spouse visa take?
Processing for the United Kingdom Family / Spouse visa takes around 12 weeks (24 weeks for some) from outside the UK. This is the official guide time and does not include the weeks you spend gathering documents beforehand.
How long is the United Kingdom Family / Spouse visa valid for, and does it lead to permanent residence?
The United Kingdom Family / Spouse visa is valid for usually 33 months initially, then extendable; leads to settlement after 5 years. This route can lead to permanent residence.
Fees and processing times last checked against official government sources on 1 June 2026. Always confirm on the official portal before paying anything.