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  • Earn £38,000 a Year as a Skilled Mechanic in the UK with Visa Sponsorship 2026

    Earn £38,000 a Year as a Skilled Mechanic in the UK with Visa Sponsorship 2026

     

    Are you a skilled mechanic looking for a better opportunity abroad? The United Kingdom is currently one of the best places to take your automotive career to the next level. With a growing demand for qualified mechanics and a shortage of skilled workers in the sector, the UK is actively welcoming international talent through sponsored work visas in 2026. If you have the right qualifications and experience, you could be earning £38,000 a year or more while living and working legally in the UK.

    This guide breaks everything down in simple terms so you know exactly what to expect, how to apply, and how to make the most of this exciting career opportunity.

    Why the UK Needs Skilled Mechanics Right Now

    The UK automotive repair and maintenance industry is facing a serious skills gap. Thousands of qualified mechanics are needed every year to fill positions at garages, car dealerships, fleet management companies, and transportation businesses across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

    According to industry reports, the demand for vehicle technicians, MOT testers, and diesel mechanics has gone up steadily. Many employers cannot find enough local workers to fill these roles, which is why they are turning to international recruitment and offering UK skilled worker visa sponsorship to attract the right candidates from countries like Nigeria, India, the Philippines, Ghana, and beyond.

    This is great news if you are trained in automotive repair, because your skills are genuinely valued and needed right now.

    What is a UK Skilled Worker Visa and How Does Sponsorship Work

    The UK Skilled Worker Visa is a work permit that allows you to come to the UK and work for a specific employer who holds a Home Office sponsor licence. When an employer sponsors you, they agree to be responsible for your stay and work activities in the country.

    To qualify for a sponsored mechanic job in the UK, you generally need to meet these basic requirements. You need a confirmed job offer from a UK employer with a valid sponsor licence. The job must meet the minimum salary threshold, which for skilled mechanics is currently around £26,200 per year at minimum, though many employers offer much higher packages, including the £38,000 salary range that makes this opportunity stand out. You also need to meet the skill level requirement, and the role needs to appear on the eligible occupation list.

    For mechanics and vehicle technicians, the relevant SOC codes include motor vehicle technicians, motor mechanics, and related trades, all of which are eligible for sponsorship under the current UK immigration rules.

    How Much Can You Really Earn as a Mechanic in the UK in 2026

    Salary is one of the biggest reasons why international mechanics are targeting the UK job market in 2026. Entry-level positions may start around £26,000 to £28,000 per year, but experienced and qualified mechanics can easily earn between £34,000 and £42,000 annually.

    The £38,000 per year figure is very realistic for mechanics who hold certifications such as NVQ Level 3 in Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair, City and Guilds automotive qualifications, or internationally recognised equivalents. MOT testers and diesel technicians often earn at the higher end of this scale.

    On top of the base salary, many UK employers offer overtime pay, tool allowances, pension contributions, paid holiday, and sometimes even help with relocation costs. When you add all of this up, the total compensation package becomes even more attractive.

    Top Cities and Regions Hiring Mechanics with Visa Sponsorship

    Not all parts of the UK are equal when it comes to job availability and pay. Some regions have a higher concentration of automotive employers actively looking for sponsored workers.

    London and the South East tend to offer the highest salaries, often above the £38,000 mark, because the cost of living is higher and employers need to be competitive. However, cities like Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds, Glasgow, and Bristol also have a very healthy demand for skilled vehicle technicians and regularly advertise sponsored positions.

    Fleet operators, logistics companies, bus and coach operators, and commercial vehicle repairers are among the most active sponsors. If you have experience working with commercial vehicles, HGVs, or electric vehicles, your chances of landing a sponsored role are even higher in 2026.

    How to Find Legitimate UK Mechanic Jobs with Visa Sponsorship

    Finding a legitimate sponsored job is the most important step in this process. There are several trusted ways to search for these roles.

    The UK government’s Find a Job website and the official Register of Licensed Sponsors are both reliable starting points. You can search the sponsor register to find companies that are legally allowed to sponsor overseas workers, then apply directly or through their listed job adverts.

    Job boards like Indeed UK, Totaljobs, Reed, and LinkedIn also regularly feature roles that specifically mention visa sponsorship available. When browsing listings, look for keywords such as skilled worker visa sponsorship, Tier 2 sponsorship, or international applicants welcome in the job description.

    Avoid any recruiter or agency that asks you to pay large fees upfront, as legitimate UK employers cover the cost of the Certificate of Sponsorship themselves.

    Steps to Apply for a Sponsored Mechanic Role in the UK

    The application process does not have to be complicated if you follow the right steps. Start by updating your CV to match UK formatting standards, which typically means a clean two-page document highlighting your qualifications, work history, and technical skills.

    Get your automotive qualifications assessed if they were obtained outside the UK, as some employers may ask for equivalency confirmation. Having your documents ready, including your passport, qualifications, reference letters, and any professional membership cards, will speed things up once you receive a job offer.

    Once a UK employer offers you a sponsored position, they will issue a Certificate of Sponsorship, which you then use to apply for your Skilled Worker Visa through the UK Home Office online portal. Processing times can vary but are typically four to eight weeks if you apply from outside the UK.

    With visa approval in hand, you can start your new life and career as a skilled mechanic in the UK, earning a solid salary, building valuable experience, and opening doors to long-term residency in one of the world’s most stable economies.

     

  • UK Permanent Residence (ILR) 2025 Guide for Nigerians & U.S. Residents

    If you’re living in the UK on a work visa, business visa, or family visa, securing UK Permanent Residence (Indefinite Leave to Remain – ILR) is the most important step toward long-term immigration security and British citizenship.

    For many Nigerians and U.S. residents, ILR represents:

    • Career stability

    • Business expansion opportunities

    • Access to UK financial services

    • Long-term wealth planning

    • Pathway to British passport

    This guide explains eligibility, costs, salary thresholds, processing time, and how to avoid refusal.

    What Is UK Permanent Residence (ILR)?

    Indefinite Leave to Remain allows you to:

    • Live and work in the UK without visa renewal

    • Change employers freely (no sponsorship restrictions)

    • Start your own UK company

    • Access public services

    • Apply for British citizenship after 12 months

    For high-skilled professionals, entrepreneurs, healthcare workers, and IT consultants, ILR is a major immigration milestone.

    Quick Facts (2025 Update)

    • Application fee: £3,029 per person

    • Processing time: 6–12 months

    • English requirement: B1 level

    • Life in the UK test: Required

    • Absence rule: No more than 180 days outside the UK per year

    Best UK PR Routes for Nigerians and U.S. Applicants

    1️⃣ Skilled Worker Visa (Most Popular Route)

    This is the most common route for:

    • Healthcare professionals

    • IT specialists

    • Engineers

    • Finance professionals

    • Corporate managers

    Requirements:

    • 5 years continuous residence

    • Minimum salary of £41,700 or occupation going rate

    • Employer must hold a UK sponsor licence

    • Pass English & Life in the UK tests

    This route attracts strong CPC because it connects to high-value sectors like healthcare, finance, and tech employment.

    2️⃣ Innovator Founder Visa (Business & Investment Route)

    Ideal for entrepreneurs from Nigeria or the U.S. looking to establish a UK company.

    Qualify after 3 years if:

    • Your business receives approved endorsement

    • You meet growth or job creation benchmarks

    • You remain compliant with UK corporate tax rules

    This route is popular among:

    • Tech startup founders

    • E-commerce entrepreneurs

    • IT consultants

    • Business investors

    Business immigration keywords generate high advertising competition and strong AdSense RPM.

    3️⃣ Global Talent Visa (Fast Track)

    For high-achieving professionals in:

    • Technology

    • Academic research

    • Digital innovation

    • Creative industries

    Settlement possible in 3 years if endorsed as a leader.

    4️⃣ Family Visa Route

    If married to a UK citizen or settled person:

    • 5-year route (standard)

    • 10-year route (human rights grounds)

    Financial requirement:

    • £41,700 combined income
      OR

    • Savings above £88,500

    UK PR for EU Nationals

    EU citizens who lived in the UK before Brexit may qualify under the EU Settlement Scheme:

    • 5 years → Settled Status (permanent residence equivalent)

    UK PR Costs (Full Breakdown)

    Cost Item Approximate Cost
    ILR Application Fee £3,029
    English Test £150
    Life in the UK Test £50
    Biometric Appointment £0–£200
    Priority Processing £500
    Super Priority £1,000

    Estimated total: £3,500–£4,000 per applicant

    For Nigerian families applying together, total costs should be carefully budgeted.

    How to Apply for UK Permanent Residence (Step-by-Step)

    1. Confirm your eligibility timeline

    2. Gather employment, tax, and residence documents

    3. Submit online ILR application

    4. Pay Home Office fee

    5. Attend UKVCAS biometric appointment

    6. Await decision

    Applications can be submitted 28 days before reaching your qualifying period.

    Common Reasons for ILR Refusal

    To avoid losing your application fee:

    • Do not exceed 180 days outside the UK

    • Ensure your salary meets the threshold

    • Double-check qualifying dates

    • Provide complete tax and employment records

    • Meet good character requirements

    Many applicants from Nigeria and the U.S. lose money due to documentation errors.

    Benefits of UK Permanent Residence

    • No future visa extension fees

    • Freedom to change employers

    • Ability to start or expand a UK business

    • Access to UK mortgage and financial services

    • Home tuition fees for university

    • Pathway to British citizenship

    For many professionals, ILR strengthens long-term immigration planning and financial stability.

    PR vs British Citizenship

    Feature PR (ILR) Citizenship
    UK Passport No Yes
    Voting Rights No Yes
    Travel Limit 2 years abroad No limit
    Risk of Losing Status Yes No

    After 12 months on ILR, you may apply for naturalisation.

    Special Section for Nigerian Professionals

    Many Nigerians in the UK qualify through:

    • Skilled Worker (Healthcare & IT sectors)

    • Graduate → Skilled Worker transition

    • Innovator Founder business route

    Strong compliance with UK tax, employment, and immigration laws improves approval rates.

    Final Thoughts

    UK Permanent Residence is more than an immigration status. It is a long-term legal foundation for career growth, business investment, and wealth planning in the United Kingdom.

    Whether you’re relocating from Nigeria or transitioning from the U.S., strategic preparation and compliance with Home Office rules are essential.

  • Truck Driver Jobs In Canada With VISA Sponsorship

    A recent survey has suggested that by  2026, the Canadian trucking sector will be short 48,000 long-haul truckers. This is great news for truck drivers as it will create an ideal opportunity for anyone looking to immigrate to Canada for this kind of work.

    Moreover, the Canadian transportation industry continues to face high demand and employment vacancies for long-haul truck drivers. The Canadian government has also been supportive of all these development as they provide eligible foreign employees seeking work as truck drivers in the country with work visas.

     

     

    Truck Driver Job Requirements in Canada (With Visa Sponsorship)

    Let’s take a look at the prerequisites for getting a truck driver job in Canada. This will help you know what’s required to get a visa sponsorship truck driver job being a foreigner in Canada.

    They include the following:

    • Truck driver jobs in Canada include permanent, full-time, overtime, weekend, day, night, and evening works.
    • A secondary school diploma is preferred but not essential for this position.
    • Heavy-duty driving expertise is a plus, but it is not essential.
    • The ability to communicate in basic or functional English is necessary.
    • Certificates, Licenses, memberships, courses, and other credentials will be required for this job.
    • A valid driver’s license (Class 1 or A) is necessary, as well as the Air Brake (Z) Endorsement.
    • Trucking and Equipment Types: Tractor-trailer, Flatbed, Refrigerated, Highway, Straight truck (4,600kg+ or 10,000lbs+ with 3+ axles).
    • Safety and Security: Basic security clearance, criminal background check, driving record check (abstract), medical examination, and drug test are all required.
    • Information about transportation and travel: Willing to travel throughout Canada and the United States. Willing to travel during the day, evening, or night, including overnight routes, and willing to travel for long periods of time.
    • Other: Candidates must be legally permitted to work in Canada and willing to operate in a two-person team to drive long-haul trucks.

    Skills Required:

    • Ability to operate and drive straight or articulated trucks for the transportation of products and supplies.
    • Cargo loading and unloading, tarping, and guaranteeing cargo safety and security
    • Ability to plan your trip routes and schedules.
    • You should have the ability to use atlases and other planning tools to help you plan your journey.
    • Receive information and relay it to the central dispatcher.
    • The ability to drive in a convoy or as part of a two-person squad.
    • You should also be able to examine the vehicle’s condition and inspect the tires, lights, brakes, cold storage, and other equipment.

    Top Provincial Programs in Canada for Truck Driver Jobs

    Here is the rundown of the leading programs to find a truck driver job with visa sponsorship in Canada:

    British Columbia

    British Columbia is a provincial program for truck drivers in Canada is

    A full-time job offer in long-haul trucking is the gold standard for candidates in British Columbia’s entry-level and semi-skilled category, which has over 400 positions on the job bank. Long-haul drivers can live in the province permanently. Learn more about immigration in British Columbia by visiting their website at https://www.immigration.ca/british-columbia-immigration/.

    Quebec

    With 837 job adverts now available, Quebec leads the way in terms of provincial opportunities for truck drivers. According to information on the Quebec government’s employment website, truck driver employment prospects are ‘excellent’ with their platform.

    Access Quebec website at https://www.immigration.ca/en/quebecimmigrationprovincial.html.

    Ontario

    In July 2019, the NOC code for transport truck drivers (7511) was added to the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program Employer Job Offer In-Demand Skills Stream, along with three other occupations.

    It means that experienced truck drivers who have a work offer in Ontario can follow a defined path to permanent residence in Canada. Learn more about immigration at https://www.immigration.ca/en/ontario-immigration.html.

    Alberta

    Long-haul truckers are another in-demand profession under the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program, with over 500 job openings on the employment bank. Both the Alberta Opportunity Stream and Alberta Express Entry are open to truck drivers.

    Manitoba

    Employers wishing to hire truck drivers in Manitoba should use the federal Labour Market Impact Assessment for Temporary Foreign Workers process. The Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program only allows businesses to hire outside of the LMIA procedure provided certain criteria are met, such as recruitment efforts and compliance with provincial labor laws.

    Visit the Manitoba immigration website at https://www.immigration.ca/en/manitoba-immigration.html to discover more.

    Newfoundland and Labrador

    This is a province in the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador

    The Labour Market Outlook 2025 report in Newfoundland and Labrador highlights truck driving as an occupation that will require significant immigration to meet job vacancy demand. For the NLPNP’s Skilled Worker and Express Entry streams, trucking companies must apply to be eligible employers.

    Saskatchewan

    For people already working in Canada on a work permit, Saskatchewan Immigration has a separate Long-Haul Truck Drivers Sub-Category. The occupation also qualifies for the province’s Express Entry and Occupations In-Demand categories, which each draw targets certain occupations.

    Nova Scotia

    Transport Truck Drivers (NOC 7511) are one of two target jobs in the Nova Scotia Nominee Program’s Occupations In-Demand Stream. This provides a clear road to permanent residence for drivers.

    You can hope to get a truck driver job with visa sponsorship in Canada, through this program.

    Wages for Truck Drivers in Canada

    Truck drivers’ hourly salaries are now competitive with national and provincial averages.

    According to job bank and Statistics Canada data, the median wage of truck drivers is slightly lower than the national average, but it can soar to more than $8 over that average, to $32 per hour, in several circumstances.

    Wages for truck drivers are projected to climb as labor market demand rises in the future years, as is expected.

    Conclusion

    If you’re contemplating a truck driver job with visa sponsorship in Canada for foreigners, then you were on the right page. This article highlighted these opportunities and the various programs offering them.

  • Top 10 MBA Scholarships in Canada

    Earning an MBA degree is a huge accomplishment. The degree is what every business student wants and craves. It opens a huge range of opportunities to the student that earns it.

    MBA stands for Masters of Business Administration and it is a sure guarantee for its holder that they will land a job rapidly and their career growth in the corporate world will be accelerated.

    In this light, many students that had their undergraduate in a Business related course want to gain an MBA to boost their CVs. Not surprising at all. And because lots of students want to study for their MBA, there is need for scholarships especially for students who are from developing countries or who need financial support to study.

    Many universities all over the world offer scholarships to students that wish to study at their institution and luckily, there are universities and colleges in Canada that offer scholarship opportunities to MBA students and we will take a good look at them in this article.

    So, let’s see the top ten MBA scholarships in Canada, shall we?

    1.Ted Rogers School of Management at Ryerson University.

    Ted Rogers School of Management is a management school located in Toronto, Canada and is one of Canada’s leading management schools where students can apply for their MBA. It was also ranked as one of the top 25 international MBA programs according to Bloomberg Businessweek.

    Up to 24 students are awarded with scholarships and awards that are worth up to $20,000 each. In order to qualify for the Ted Rogers School Graduate Entrance Scholarship, the applicant must be academically excellent. Students are selected based on academic excellence and performance.

    The scholarship is open to local Canadian students who are applying on full time or part time basis. And it is also open to international students who are applying only on a full time basis.

    2. Rotman School of Management Scholarships at the University of Toronto.

    This school of management is located in Toronto, Canada and is one of the leading schools of management in the world. This school of management is part of the University of Toronto and MBA aspirants can apply to the school to study and earn an MBA degree.

    The Rotman MBA is indeed a good investment in one’s professional career. The Rotman School of Management does not, in itself, sponsor any students for scholarships for their MBA program, but there are a number of external organisations willing to sponsor foreign students for their MBA at the school.

    For example, the Government of Canada International Scholarship Programs. There are many scholarships available under the governmental program for foreign MBA aspirants. Visit www.educanada.ca to see a full list of government scholarships.

    3. Alberta MBA Scholarships.

    Up to $1 million was available to students of the MBA program at University of Alberta School of Business in 2019. There are entrance awards for students that successfully gain admission into the Alberta School of Business which could have value of up to $15,000.Scholarships are awarded during the course of the MBA programs.

    4. Haskayne School of Business MBA Entrance Scholarships.

    This school of business is a part of the University of Calgary and they have scholarships for first year students that successfully gain admission. There are also scholarship and award programs for students during the course of their MBA like the Haskayne Student Experiences Fund, SU Travel and Conference Funding and so on. 5. Schulich School of Business Scholarships.

    All international students are automatically considered for the scholarships and awards at Schulich School of Business. There are merit based scholarships, scholarships for those in financial need and so on.

    6. Ivey MBA Scholarships.

    There are a number of excellent scholarships and student loans available for Ivey MBA applicants. The scholarship awards are worth up to $1.8 million in value.

    7. Sauder School of Business Entrance Scholarship.

    There are also entrance awards and scholarships at UBC Sauder School of Business. Sauder School of Business is a part of the University of British Columbia. Some of their scholarship programs include Dean’s Entrance Scholarship, International Talent Scholarships, and so on.

    8. Desautels Faculty of Management.

    Desautels School of Management is a part of McGill University and is also a top management school in Canada.

    9. Smith School of Business – Queens University.

    This school of business is a part of Queens university and you can visit their scholarships page. The school is fully called Robert H. Smith School of Business.

    10. HEC Montreal MBA Scholarships.

    In partnership with the HEC Montreal Foundation, there are hundreds of scholarships up for grabs for you as a MBA student.

  • 5 Simple Steps To Apply For UK Visa From Nigeria

    5 Simple Steps To Apply For UK Visa From Nigeria

    Scholarsnew bring to you Five simple steps to apply for UK Visa from Nigeria.

    In this post you’ll find out how to apply for a UK visa from Nigeria in 5 easy steps:

    Note : This information is provided by the Founder & CEO of Help with my visa! Gareth Richards, who has set up and ran UK visa application centres in 89 different countries and was personally responsible for setting up the UK visa application centres in Abuja and Lagos.

    • STEP 1: how to get started with your UK visa application
    • STEP 2: how to make an online UK visa application
    • STEP 3: how to calculate the UK visa fees
    • STEP 4: how to book an appointment at a visa application centre to enrol your biometric data
    • STEP 5: how to find out UK visa processing time information
    • STEP 6: how to book your travel to the UK

    STEP 1: How to get started with your UK visa application

    You’ll need to do a number of things before you even start making your UK visa application.

    The first thing may seem obvious but it’s surprising how often it’s overlooked, and that’s to define your travel purpose.

    Why are you applying for a UK visa?

    This dictates everything you do from now on, so it’s extremely important to define why you’re planning to travel to the UK.

    After you’ve defined your purpose, you need to decide which UK visa is best for you.

    And here you might have several options.

    We have 3 resources you can use to help you decide which UK visa you need:

    • Check out our What UK visa do I need? blog post to get a detailed view of every type of UK visa
    • Use the Help with my visa! Signposting Tool to find out exactly how to get the right help preparing your UK visa application
    • Book a Visa Consultation with a professional immigration advisor, who will answer all your questions and tell you exactly how to proceed (we even have a Nigerian expat who runs one of the immigration law firms we work with if you’re like to speak with a compatriot)

    When you’ve confirmed that type of UK visa you need, you’ll need to prepare your supporting documents and make sure your passport is valid for travel.

    You’ll also need to check whether you need to take a Tuberculosis (TB) test for the type of visa you’re applying for.

    Once you have all your supporting documents prepared and in order, you can start your online UK visa application.

    STEP 2: How to make an online UK visa application

    Virtually all UK visa applications are now made online.

    You should only start filling your UK online visa application form once you’ve gathered and properly prepared all your supporting documents and have checked that you passport is valid for travel, otherwise you could waste a lot of time having to re-do the online application.

    The UK online visa application form isn’t a ‘form’ as such, but rather a series of questions that you’ll be asked to complete.

    It’s super important you know which type of UK visa you need as the information requested during the online application process differs depending upon which type of UK visa you’ve apply for.

    And if you apply for the wrong UK visa type, you significantly increase the risk of a visa refusal.

    So before you begin, make sure you’ve completed Step 1 above, then find a quiet space with a good internet connection to get started on your online UK visa application form.

    Even with all your supporting documents and passport prepared in front of you it typically takes 1 hour or more to complete the UK visa application form.

    When you start the form you’ll be asked to create an account – make sure you enter an email address that you have access to as you’ll need to verify your account before you can begin.

    Filling out the online UK visa application form is relatively straightforward, but it just takes time. You’ll need your passport and other supporting documents with you to fill out the UK visa application form, including the dates you’ve been out of the country.

    At the end of the form you’ll be given one last chance to review and amend any of the information you’ve entered.

    DO NOT click the button to confirm unless you’re sure everything is correct as after this point you won’t be able to make any more changes. When you confirm, your online UK visa application form is sent directly to UKVI and the only way to change anything is to start a completely new visa application form.

    STEP 3: How to calculate the UK visa fees

     

    You’ll pay a number of different fees when making a UK visa application depending upon the choices you make and the type of visa you’re applying for.

    All fees are paid online so as part of your preparations it’s worth checking with your bank or card issuer that your account is set up to make international payments and payments in GBP. Not all bank accounts and credit cards have this capability as standard so it’s good to check as this is a frequent issue for people applying for a UK visa from Nigeria and other African countries.

    Unfortunately you can’t pay the UK visa fees any other way than online, so if you don’t have a suitable payment card you should see what other options may be available to you, such as:

    • asking a trusted friend or family member to make the online UK visa fee payment for you
    • buying a pre-payment credit card that has international and foreign currency payment authorised
    • using a UK-based immigration advisor to prepare your entire UK visa application who will accept a bank transfer from you and then make the online UK visa fee payment on your behalf

    Here’s more details on the fees you’ll be asked to pay.

    UK Visa Fees

    UK visa fees are mandatory fees and differ depending upon:

    • the type of UK visa application you’re making
    • the duration of the visa
    • whether you’re a lead applicant or a dependent
    • other factors

    It’s therefore not always easy to understand what the UK visa fees will be.

    UKVI publishes all UK visa fees online and updates them frequently.

    Here’s a quick overview of the current UK visa fees for the most common visa types:

    • UK Visitor visa fees:
      • UK Visitor visa <6 months: £95
      • UK Visitor visa <2 years: £361
      • UK Visitor visa <5 years: £655
      • UK Visitor visa <10 years: £822
    • UK Work visa fees:
      • UK Skilled Worker visa fees: between £610 and £1,408
      • UK Health and Care visa fees: £232
    • UK Settlement Visa fees:
      • UK Settlement visa fees: £1,523
      • UK Settlement visa fees (other dependent relatives): £3,250
      • UK Settlement visa fees (refugee dependent relative): £388
    • UK Study visa fees:
      • UK Study visa fees (>18 years old): £348
      • UK Child Study visa fees: £348

    Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)

    If you apply for a UK visa from Nigeria that’s >6 months in duration and you intend to reside in the UK you may also be required to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).

    This charge is levied against visa nationals residing in the UK and goes towards healthcare provision on the NHS.

    The IHS charge is £624 per year and is applied pro rata for the duration of your visa.

    For example, if you’re issued with a 30-month Skilled Worker visa your IHS charge will be £624 x 2.5 years = £1,560.

    You don’t need to pay the IHS charge if you’re applying for a UK Visitor visa or if you meet other criteria, such as if you’re applying for a UK Health and Care visa.

    Priority Visa and Super Priority Visa Fees

    UKVI offers two fast-track services to speed up the decision time when you apply for a UK visa from Nigeria.

    The Priority Visa service reduces the UK Visitor visa processing time to 5 working days, and also reduces the processing times for many residency-type visas from several months to 3 weeks.

    The Super Priority Visa service is only available for a limited number of UK visa types and offers a next working day decision.

    Priority Visa and Super Priority Visa fees aren’t cheap and the service standard is only guaranteed if there are no irregularities with your visa application:

    • UK Priority Visa fees:
      • UK Visitor visa: £212
      • UK Settlement visa: £573
    • UK Super Priority Visa fees: £956

    You’ll be asked to select the Priority Visa or Super Priority Visa (if it’s available in your location) during your online application process. You’ll also pay the fees online at the same time you pay your visa fees.

    Mandatory User-pay Visa Application Centre Fees

    There are 3 visa application centres in Nigeria; one in Abuja and two in Lagos (Victoria Island and Ikeja).

    The visa application centres in Abuja and Victoria Island are free to use, but the Ikeja visa application centre – which is the biggest – has an additional fee for using it.

    This ‘mandatory user-pays’ visa application centre fee is currently set at £55 per person and is paid along with all other fees on the UKVI website during the online application process.

    STEP 4: How to book an appointment at a visa application centre

    After you’ve submitted your online UK visa application form and paid the required fees, you’ll need to book an appointment at one of the 3 UK visa application centres in Nigeria to enrol your biometric data.

    Your UK visa application isn’t complete until you do this.

    The UK visa application centres in Nigeria are operated by a UKVI commercial partner, TLScontact, and are located in Abuja and Lagos (one in Victoria Island, the other in Ikeja).

    uk visa application centres in nigeria
    UK Visa Application Centres in Nigeria
    ukk visa application centres in lagos
    UK Visa Application Centres in Lagos

    Ikeja is the largest UK visa application centre in Nigeria but is also a mandatory user-pays site so there’s an additional fee for using it.

    Abuja and Victoria Island are free to use.

     

    UK Visa Application Centre (Abuja)

    TLScontact

    Third floor, Murkhtar El-Yakub Place

    Plot 1129 Zakaria Maimalari St, beside Metro Plaza

    Central Business District

    Abuja

    Nigeria

     

    UK Visa Application Centre (Lagos – Victoria Island)

    TLScontact

    Ground Floor, Ivie House

    4/6 Ajose Adeogun Street

    Victoria Island

    Lagos

    Nigeria

     

    UK Visa Application Centre (Lagos – Ikeja)

    TLScontact

    Etibets Place, Ground Floor

    21-22 Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way

    Opebi

    Ikeja

    Nigeria

    To book an appointment, click the link on the UKVI website after you’ve submitted your UK visa application form and you’ll be taken to the TLScontact website.

    Here you need to create an account and book an appointment at your chosen UK visa application centre.

    TLScontact also offers a number of other added value services to enhance your visa application experience, and you can select them as you go through the appointment booking process. Before you can confirm your appointment you’ll need to make another online payment for any of the added value services you’ve chosen.

    When you’e finished, you’ll be sent an email confirmation (and receipt for any added value services purchased) to the email address you used to register the account.

    Keep this email confirmation safe and print a copy to take to the visa application centre with you.

    STEP 5: How to find out UK visa processing time information

    UK visa processing times depend on many factors so should only ever be taken as guidelines.

    UKVI publishes its UK visa processing time service standards so you can see how long it can take for you to receive a decision.

    UK visa processing times start from the day you enrol your biometrics at the visa application centre and work on the basis that 1 week = 5 working days. Therefore if you’re applying for a UK visa from Nigeria around Nigerian or UK public holidays it may take a day or two longer than the published service standard.

    Here’s an overview of the UK visa processing time service standards for the most common types of UK visa:

    • UK Visitor visa processing time: 3 weeks
    • UK Work visa processing time: 3 weeks
    • UK Study visa processing time: 3 weeks
    • UK Settlement visa processing time: 12 weeks

    If you need your UK visa faster, you may be able to use the Priority Visa or Super Priority Visa services to reduce the processing time.

    You must select and pay for these services during the online visa application process as they can’t be added to your application afterwards.

    Service standards for the Priority Visa and Super Priority Visa are:

    • UK Priority visa processing time: 5 working days
    • UK Super Priority Visa processing time: next working day

    When your UK visa application has been processed you’ll receive emails from UKVI and TLScontact informing you that your passport is being returned and when you can pick it up from the UK visa application centre.

    You can only pickup your passport from the UK visa application centre at which you originally applied and enrolled your biometric data.

    If you purchased the courier return service from TLScontact, they’ll mail your passport back to you at the address you provided.

    STEP 6: How to book your travel to the UK

    Unlike many other destination countries, you don’t need to book your travel and accommodation before you make your UK visa application.

    In fact, UKVI actively discourages it.

    So when you’ve got your UK visa from Nigeria you can look at making your travel arrangement and organising everything else you need for your trip.

  • How To Apply For US Diversity Visa 2023 Lottery, Work Abroad

    How To Apply For US Diversity Visa 2023 Lottery, Work Abroad

    How to apply for the US diversity visa lottery program 2023.
    Scholarsnews learnt that Each year, the Department of State performs a random selection of Diversity Immigrant Visa (DV) applicants from all registered entries.

    Scholarnews reports that the State Department website for the US Diversity Visa Lottery (DV-2023) program is currently open and accessible.

    Interested applicants can apply for a spot or check their admission status if they have already applied. We have detailed in full how to apply for and be successful in the US Visa Lottery DV-2023.

    Each year, the Department of State performs a random selection of Diversity Immigrant Visa (DV) applicants from all registered entries, based on allocations of available visas in each area and nation. It is critical that you be constantly aware of the entry submission deadline so that you can prepare and apply on time. Only within the specified application window will the entry form be available for submission. Entries will NOT be accepted via the United States Postal Service.

    Eligible Countries: For DV-2023, natives of the following countries are not eligible to apply, because more than 50,000 natives of these countries immigrated to the United States in the previous five years:

    Bangladesh, Brazil, Canada, China (mainland-born), Colombia, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, India, Jamaica, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, South Korea, United Kingdom (except Northern Ireland) and its dependent territories, and Vietnam.

    About the Award: The Department of State administers the Congressionally-mandated Diversity Immigrant Visa Program annually. Section 203(c) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) provides for a class of immigrants known as “diversity immigrants” from countries with historically low rates of immigration to the United States.

    For Fiscal Year 2023, 55,000 Diversity Visas (DVs) will be available. There is no cost to register for the DV program. Applicants who are selected in the program (selectees) must meet simple but strict eligibility requirements to qualify for a diversity visa.

    To qualify for a diversity visa, applicants who are chosen for the program (“selectees”) must fulfil basic but stringent eligibility conditions. The Department of State selectees are determined via a randomized computer drawing. The Department of State divides diversity visas into six geographic areas, with no single nation receiving more than 7% of the available DVs in any given year.

    The entry form will only be available for submission during this time frame. Entries will NOT be accepted via the United States Postal Service. Before commencing the entry procedure, you may use the Photo Tool to ensure that your image(s) meet all requirements.
    Type: Contests/Awards
    Eligibility:

    Requirement #1:

    Individuals born in countries whose natives qualify may be eligible to enter.
    If you were not born in an eligible country, there are two other ways you might be able to qualify.
    Was your spouse born in a country whose natives are eligible? If yes, you can claim your spouse’s country of birth – provided that both you and your spouse are named on the selected entry, are found eligible and issued diversity visas, and enter the United States simultaneously.
    Were you born in a country whose natives are ineligible, but in which neither of your parents was born or legally resident at the time of your birth? If yes, you may claim the country of birth of one of your parents if it is a country whose natives are eligible for the DV-2022 program.

    Requirement #2:

    Each DV applicant must meet the education/work experience requirement of the DV program by having either; at least a high school education or its equivalent defined as successful completion of a 12-year course of formal elementary and secondary education;

    OR

    Two years of work experience within the past five years in an occupation that requires at least two years of training or experience to perform. The Department of State will use the U.S. Department of Labor’s O*Net Online database to determine qualifying work experience.

    Number of Awards: Not specified

    How to Apply for US State Department Electronic Diversity Visa Lottery:

    Applicants must submit entries for the DV-2023 program electronically at dvlottery.state.gov between noon, Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) (GMT-4), October 6, 2021, and noon, Eastern Standard Time (EST) (GMT-5), to November 9, 2021.
    Do not wait until the last week of the registration period to enter, as heavy demand may result in website delays.
    No late entries or paper entries will be accepted.
    The law allows only one entry by or for each person during each registration period.
    The Department of State uses sophisticated

    Award Providers: US Department of State

    Important Notes: As stated in the US State Department Electronic Diversity Visa Lottery guidelines, several nations incorporate components and dependent territories overseas for qualifying purposes.

    Please choose the relevant nation of eligibility if you are a native of a dependent or an overseas territory. Inhabitants of Macau S.A.R., for example, should choose Portugal, whereas natives of Martinique should choose France.

    APPLY NOW

  • Visa Lottery: US Green Card Lottery Reopens, Apply For US Visa Lottery Here

    Visa lottery, US green card lottery and how to apply for US Visa lottery can be accessed below.

    Scholarsnew  reports that the US government has officially opened its diversity visa lottery program at the start of a new fiscal year.

    This is coming at a time thousands of past winners from Afghanistan, Egypt, Peru, Iran and other nations continue to endure processing delays that are dimming hopes of a new life in America.

    Scholarnews  Nigeria reports that the President Joe Biden administration announced Wednesday that registration for the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program for 2023 — popularly known as green card lottery — had begun. Congress authorized 55,000 green cards per year for immigrants around the world to promote diversity in the U.S.

    Registration starts well before any given fiscal year — in this case, 2023 — to allow time for processing applications. But delays have become chronic and spawned legal action.

    While accepting new applications, U.S. officials acknowledge a severe backlog in processing existing ones, many of which were filed during the former Trump administration and have been slowed by the pandemic.

    Visa Lottery: US Green Card Lottery Reopens: Apply For US Visa Lottery Here
    Do you qualify to enter the American DV-2023 Diversity Visa Green Card Lottery ?

    1. To enter the Diversity Visa Lottery you must be a native of a qualifying country

    To enter the DV-2023 Diversity Visa Green Card Lottery you must be a native of a country with a low immigration rate to the USA to qualify for the USA Diversity Visa Lottery. People born in countries with high U.S. immigration are excluded from this Diversity Visa Lottery. Please see the list below of countries whose natives are currently excluded from the USA Diversity Lottery. Please note that eligibility is determined only by the country of your birth, not based on country of citizenship or current residence. This is the most common misperception. The only change this year is that people born Honduras and Hong Kong SAR are no longer eligible to enter the DV-2023 green card lottery.
    If you were born in one of the non-qualifying DV-Lottery countries you may still qualify

    You may still be able to participate in the USA Diversity Visa Lottery based on the country of birth of your parents or spouse if you were born in a non-qualifying country.
    2. Education or Work experience that qualifies for the American DV-2023 Lottery

    To enter the USA DV-2023 Diversity Visa Lottery you must comply with one of the following two requirements (Option 1 or Option 2 below) to qualify:

    OPTION 1: To qualify for the DV-2023 Diversity Visa Lottery you must have completed a U.S. high school education or a foreign equivalent of U.S. high school education “High School education or its equivalent” means the successful completion of a twelve year course of elementary and secondary education in the U.S. or successful completion in another country of a formal course of elementary and secondary education comparable to complete a 12 year education in the U.S. Passage of a high school equivalency examination is not sufficient. It is permissible to have completed one’s education in less than twelve years or greater than twelve years if the course of study completed is equivalent to a U.S. high school education; or

    OPTION 2: To qualify for the USA DV-2023 Diversity Visa lottery you must have worked in one of the following occupations for at least two years within the last five years:

    Click here to view all qualifying DV-Lottery jobs

    Proof that you satisfy these requirements should NOT be submitted when entering the DV-2023 Lottery but will be requested by a consular officer after your name has been selected and you formally apply for your permanent residence (Green Card) visa. Individuals who do not match these basic requirements should not apply in this program. You need to provide proof of education, work experience and native country only if you are selected. For this reason we do not request this information in the application form for the DV-2023 Green Card Lottery.
    Visa Lottery: US Green Card Lottery: How To Apply For US Visa Lottery

    DV 2023 – Apply for US Visa Lottery: HERE

  • How to Boost your IELTS Score with These Latest Tips 2021

    How to Boost your IELTS Score with These Latest Tips 2021

    We have understands that the International English Language Testing System(IELTS)  is the most Valid and renowned English language test.

    It is currently accepted by more than 10,000 organizations, including employers, universities, schools, and immigration bodies across 140 nations. Hence, IELTS plays a key role for millions of candidates who intend to study, work or live, in an English-speaking country.

    There are majorly two types of IELTS – Academic (AC) and General Training (GT). Before starting the preparation, the required individuals should check the version of IELTS suitable to their needs.

    Furthermore, IELTS is divided into four sections: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. Test-takers receive individual bands for each section along with an overall band score. candidates will have to fulfil the minimum requirements both with the individual band scores and overall band scores.

    After receiving emails from people who score less after taking the International exam, edugistblog decided to narrow some sensitive tips on how to ace your IELTS score.

    The following are the tips you need to boost your IELTS score

    1. Accept English language as part of you

    You can never understand the language you shy from, therefore you have to understand that English is a language. Thus, practising it as a language (and not as a subject) is sacrosanct. Indulging in some activities can make you achieve this, for example, candidates can watch English movies, read English newspapers, or listen to English music more often.

    1. Constantly take Mock tests

    We all know that mock tests are the key to self-evaluation and building confidence. There are a lot of mock tests and preparation resources available on the IDP IELTS website. Candidates must take these tests to analyse how much preparation they need. There are also lots of sites to get mock tests from apart from the official website.

    1. Keep Practicing English speaking, hearing and listening.

    As we do say ” Practice Makes Perfect” it’s encouraging to know that, practising helps us a lot to build ourselves, so when you keep practising maybe through, articles, mocks and videos you tend to build your abilities.

    1. Understand a variety of accents and words pronunciation.

    A test-taker must be able to pronounce words correctly. For example, for the word ‘probably’ don’t say ‘probly or ‘prolly‘. During your learning phase, you can always practise and test your pronunciation by carefully using pronunciation tools available online.

    1. Be Early and get ready for the test without a rush.

    There is nothing wrong with planning therefore Carry relevant ID proofs (the same document as used at the time of test application). Double-check test location, date, and time. Keep enough travel time to avoid lateness to the exam.

    Note that watches are not allowed in the exam room; therefore always refer to the wall clock in the examination hall.

    In summary, IELTS is the most Valid and renowned English language test, it’s not easy and it’s not also hard, so brace up with the following tips above to boost your Grades.

  • Canadian University Announces Special Scholarship Opportunity For Nigerians

    Canadian University Announces Special Scholarship Opportunity For Nigerians and other African countries

    The entrance and excellence scholarship will provide incoming students with a four-year scholarship to cover the partial cost of their university tuition.

    Entrance & Excellence Scholarship for African Students Studying in English

    The University of Ottawa is proud of the diversity of its international student body. This renewable scholarship is offered to international students who are citizens of African countries, who are admitted in the Fall 2022 term (September start date) or later with an admission average of 80% or higher, who are studying in English, and who enroll in one of the specified undergraduate programs in the faculties of Engineering, Science, or Social Sciences.

    This significant financial contribution to their education reduces their tuition fees by $17,500 to $25,000 for the excellence scholarships and by $12,000 to $20,000 for the entrance scholarships, depending on the program annually. All students who are eligible for this scholarship will automatically receive it upon enrolment. It will be applied directly to their tuition fees.

    The Entrance scholarship cannot be combined with the Excellence Scholarship for African Students Studying in English. Our scholarship program is one of the most generous in Canada.

    It rewards not only your pre-university academic achievements but also your achievements every term of full-time study at University. The new scholarship will give African students studying in English access to numerous pilot programs in three faculties for a significantly reduced cost of tuition.

    In 2020, more than $42 million in scholarships were allocated to undergraduate students and $35 million to graduate students.

    In a bid to assist students throughout the application process, the University of Ottawa will host a number of virtual sessions to answer questions and guide prospective students on the application process.

    Eligibility Criteria

    All eligible students are considered for this award and will be notified at the time of their admission. Although no application is required for this scholarship, recipients will be asked to submit proof of citizenship of a country of territory in Africa before receiving their first instalments.

    The applicant must: 1. be an international student with a valid study permit; 2. have citizenship from one of the countries in Africa; 3. be newly admitted in one of the following undergraduate programs offered in English or with the French Immersion option:

    • Engineering: Civil Engineering; Chemical Engineering

    • Social sciences: Sociology; Anthropology; International Development and Globalization; Conflict Studies; Public Administration

    • Sciences: All programs except the Honours BSc in Biochemistry / BASc in Chemical Engineering;

    Honours BSc in Physics / BASc in Electrical Engineering; and Honours BSc in Ophthalmic Medical Technology 4. be enrolled full-time; and 5. For the Entrance scholarship: have an admission average of 89.99% or lower once converted in our grading scale 6.

    For the Excellence scholarship: have an admission average of a minimum of 90% once converted in our grading scale.

    Application Guide:

    – First the student has to apply here: https://www.ouac.on.ca/ouac-105/

    – Then the University would receive the application and generate a Student Number which the prospective student would use to login to the school’s portal, UOZone, and then submit their results and documents for review.

    – After a successful review, they will be offered a conditional admission offer which will include the scholarship depending on their average.

    The submission deadline for all 2022 nominations is by 5:00 p.m., Central Time, on or before 31st March, 2022. For more information about the Entrance & Excellence Scholarships, contact Collins.enwemasor@uottawa.ca or call +2349071235106.

  • Scholarships Offered at the University of Toronto

    Scholarships Offered at the University of Toronto

    Scholarship for international students is the easiest way to finance your education in Canada. The University of Toronto is one of the top schools in Canada providing thousands of scholarships each year for students.
    Currently, there are over 4,400 undergraduate scholarships available at the university and thousands more available for graduate students.
    Obtaining a scholarship in Canada makes it easy for international students to reduce the cost of tuition, accommodation, transportation, etc. while also studying in some of the best schools in the world.
    The Canadian government wants to bring in as many international students as possible. This is because they understand the important contribution and positive impact international students have had on the nation’s economy in recent years. The Canadian government along with Universities and other private bodies each year provides thousands of scholarships to help attract more students to the country.
    The University of Toronto is one of the most prestigious universities in Canada. Each year thousands of students who apply to study in the school are awarded fully-funded or partially-funded scholarships to study any course program at different levels in the school. The scholarships are not just available to international students, there are some for domestic students who are already based in Canada.

    How Scholarships are awarded at the University of Toronto

    The scholarships come with different requirements and specifications, so many of the scholarships international students apply to are based on the academic excellence of applying students, while some are for students who demonstrate financial need or those who lack the means to afford their studies in Canada.
    Many of the scholarships provided at the University are awarded automatically mainly during the first year at the university, however, there are still some awards that stretch for 2 to 5 years. There are also some scholarships that require applicants to submit separate applications different from the admission application form.
    You should also note that not all the scholarship are designed to cover the full cost of your tuition so, in such situations, it is advised to find other financial sources to aid you. The scholarships offered at this university are also very competitive. Prestigious scholarships such as The U of T Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship receive thousands of applications each year, so you should expect stiff competition when you apply.

    Top Scholarships at the University of Toronto for bachelor’s students

    You find scholarships and research programs for undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels in the university for international and domestic students.

    university of Toronto Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship Program

    This is a fully-funded scholarship provided for domestic and international students at the University of Toronto. A total of 30 to 50 students receive this award each year when they meet the requirements.
    President’s Scholars of Excellence Program
    Scholarship award for students with outstanding academic records and performance. The scholarship award is also available to students applying for an undergraduate degree at the university. Recipients receive 10,000 CAD at the time of commencement of their Toronto UG program.

    U of T Engineering International Scholar Award

    Scholarship award for engineering students who are undertaking an undergraduate degree course at the university. The award amount of up to 20,000 CAD is offered to the selected students.

    University of Toronto Scholars Program

    International and domestic students who secure this scholarship will receive 7,500 CAD as the award benefits for this scholarship.

    Top Scholarships at the University of Toronto for Master’s and Doctorate students

    • Connaught International Scholarship
    This scholarship is available for graduate students undertaking a master’s program at the university. The scholarship award covers the tuition cost for your master’s course program.

    . Delta Kappa Gamma World Fellowships

    All-female applicants including International and domestic students who secure this scholarship will receive 4,000 CAD as the award benefits for this scholarship
    • Mackenzie King Open & Travelling Scholarship
    Masters students who are applying to study at UoT are required to have a minimum grade of “A” (85%, 3.85/4.00) to qualify for this scholarship. The scholarship award offers 10,500 CAD to qualified students