bikat:
I have observed that a lot of Nigerians are ignorant of some basic facts about the UK before choosing to study here. I have met so many people whose desire is to stay back in the country for a few years before returning to Nigeria. However, they get disappointed when on arrival they discover that there are no immigration programmes designed to keep them in the country beyond their studies. Hence I thought I should educate us a little just so that you ahead of time. I have been in the UK for 7 years so I am speaking from experience.

The UK is a lovely country, people here are respectful, you will get on with little or no problems at all. However, IF YOU HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY to study abroad and IF YOUR INTENTIONS are to stay back to work for a few years before returning to your country. THEN THE UK is a wrong choice. During the Labour government students were allowed to stay back for two years after graduation but the Conservative Party (currently in Gov) is heavily ANTI IMMIGRATION. Therefore YOU WILL BE REQUIRED TO LEAVE THE UK AS SOON AS YOU GRADUATE except you get married or get certain types of jobs (Trust me, YOU WONT GET THOSE JOBS within ONE YEAR), you will be kicked out of the country. ONLY students whose primary intentions are to study and go back to their jobs, husband, rich parents, wife or other commitments should come to the UK for studies. THE UK IS VERY SENSITIVE TO IMMIGRATION RIGHT NOW. they don't want IMMIGRANTS in the country anymore.

For those who want to stay back and work for some years after graduation, you SHOULD go to CANADA, USA, SELECTED EU COUNTRIES, AUSTRALIA, NEW ZEALAND and others. These countries have immigration programmes to allow you stay back in their countries before returning to NIGERIA, if you want to.

Please note that I am not discouraging people from coming to the UK, as far as I am concern, the UK is a friendly country with good human right. You will love it here but just beware that they are no longer VERY WELCOMING TO IMMIGRANTS. I think they are tired of people coming to their country, it is a good place to study if all you are after is the certificate. However, from my recent experience with Nigerian students (always trying to stay back to no avail) I just thought you should know that there are other countries out there that support or have immigration programmes to support ex students who wants to stay back in their country. [b][/b]

Weedcrusher:
Come to Canada. No long thing

I came to Canada in 2010, finished my masters in 2012, got job in my field in 2013, apply for my permanent in 2014, got it in 2015, awaiting my citizenship by 2019.

The only country you can transition from being a student to becoming a full citizen in less than 10 years.

Peaceful, hospitable and friendly people.........

presiade:

Lol! In Finland, after your master's degree if you are ok with CLEANING jobs you will be fine earning around 1500e per month. Some black PhD students do cleaning/ delivery jobs here... Just to let you know... Finns won't give you white collar jobs... #facts

Abukc:
Obama pikin never think of 9ja degree for once,but. Buhari pikin won. Graduate from oxford and cambridge university even you that read the post.The BIG question is WHY do we all hungry to travel or study abroad

silentdude:


Thanks for boosting our confidence to some of us here.
plz what was ur course of study if I may ask?

Sanchase:

Your statement just changed, now you mentioned "If you hold a tier 2 visa", it's different from my comment.

My comment reflects on general legal UK residents who contribute to the UK economy either by Skill or dependency, it's important not to mix the two.

Sanchase:
@ the bolded, the minimum number of years that gives you the opportunity for Permanent residency in the UK as a foreigner is 10 years and in some cases 20 years.

Where was it you saw 7 years ?

The new law is even more strict and the minimum duration could have gone up more by now.

lammy197:
How much should be budgeted for studying abroad

mindful01:
Na to dey get carry over na

julimaxy:

Firstly,You ONLY have to go back to your home country when your current leave to remain expires and you do not wish to apply to other visa routes.

Secondly,there are currently other visa routes, the main thing is planning way ahead of time in meeting the conditions for any of them and trust me there are a lot of people I know who met those conditions well within in a month or 2. The visa routes that I am aware of are;

The point-based routes such as :

A. Tier 1 - Highly Skilled Migrants - There are 3 categories I know;

1. Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa - This visa restricts you to establishing your own business or joining a new or existing business as a director. There are sub categories to this route: the £200,000 route or the £50,000 route and the Graduate Entrepreneur. You can only be employed by your business. Read the guidance below for further info;

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/513958/T1__E__Guidance_04_2016.pdf

2. Tier 1 Exceptional Talent visa - I only recently discovered that this is actually one of the easiest route. You need to be endorsed first before you can apply to this route. There are criteria you have to meet with regards to jobs/researches before you can be endorsed, then apply for this visa. This route offers you 5 years at a stretch and thereafter you can apply for permanent stay. it also allows you to be either self employed, employed, a contractor as long as your work/research is within the title/position you have been endorsed for. Read the guidance for further info; https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/526652/T1__ET__Guidance_06_2016.pdf


3. Tier 1 Investor visa - This is for investors who are willing to invest minimum of £1 million in the UK. Read conditions here;

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/514081/T1__I__Guidance_04_2016.pdf


B. Tier 2 - 2 categories:

1. Tier 2 General visa - You will require a sponsorship certificate before you can apply via this route. So when you are offered a job here and your employers are willing to sponsor you; they would assign a certificate to you, which you would submit along with your application form and other required documents. There are conditions and restrictions on this visa route regarding, taking other employments, changing employer, sponsor licence being revoked or suspended, or being self employed. The set of people I'm aware of this route favours the most are doctors, nurses, Construction Engineers, and IT experts (eg, Designers, Programmers). Read the guidance for further info;

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/514054/Tier_2_Policy_Guidance_04_2016.pdf

2. Tier 2 ICT (Intra-company Transfer) visa - you will require sponsorship certificate like the Tier 2 General and there are 4 sub-categories;

a. Long-term Staff - allows for transfer of more than 12 months, but your employer must first prove that the position cannot be filled by a new UK resident. And you need to have worked for your employer outside the UK for at least 12 months.

b. Short-term Staff – The same condition as "a"

c. Graduate Trainee -You need to be a recent graduate with at least 3 months’ experience with your employer outside the UK.

d. Skills Transfer - allows you to gain skills and knowledge needed to perform your duties outside the UK, or to pass on your skills to your UK colleagues.

Read the Guidance for further info ;

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/514054/Tier_2_Policy_Guidance_04_2016.pdf


C . Tier 5 (Temporary Worker) visa - I do not know much about this route. However, you can read the guidance to find out more;
https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/478078/2015_11_19_T5__TW__guidance_11-15.pdf


Non Point-Based routes such as:

1. The Spousal visa - if you can prove that you are a spouse/partner/civil partner of a UK settle person or a person who has been granted indefinite leave to remain as a refugee or on humanitarian protection, you can go through this route. Please Read :

https://www.gov.uk/remain-in-uk-family/overview

2. Dependant visa (EEA) - If you have a settled relative in the UK and you meet the conditions, you can apply via this route. Please Read ;

https://www.gov.uk/family-permit/overview

3. Points Based System (Dependant) - If you have your spouse/partner who is currently in the UK on any of the point-based visas, you can apply as their dependant. Please read Guidance for further info;

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/477216/PBS_dependant_guidance_11-15.pdf


------------------ DISCLAIMER ---------------------------------------
This is only an information and cannot be construed as an advice. so read the Guidance which you can find on the Home Office website and if possible consult a lawyer before making any decision/application.

Beware the guidance are usually updated from time to time, So ensure you are reading up-to-date Guidance.

Cheers.

julimaxy:

Firstly,You ONLY have to go back to your home country when your current leave to remain expires and you do not wish to apply to other visa routes.

Secondly,there are currently other visa routes, the main thing is planning way ahead of time in meeting the conditions for any of them and trust me there are a lot of people I know who met those conditions well within in a month or 2. The visa routes that I am aware of are;

The point-based routes such as :

A. Tier 1 - Highly Skilled Migrants - There are 3 categories I know;

1. Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa - This visa restricts you to establishing your own business or joining a new or existing business as a director. There are sub categories to this route: the £200,000 route or the £50,000 route and the Graduate Entrepreneur. You can only be employed by your business. Read the guidance below for further info;

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/513958/T1__E__Guidance_04_2016.pdf

2. Tier 1 Exceptional Talent visa - I only recently discovered that this is actually one of the easiest route. You need to be endorsed first before you can apply to this route. There are criteria you have to meet with regards to jobs/researches before you can be endorsed, then apply for this visa. This route offers you 5 years at a stretch and thereafter you can apply for permanent stay. it also allows you to be either self employed, employed, a contractor as long as your work/research is within the title/position you have been endorsed for. Read the guidance for further info; https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/526652/T1__ET__Guidance_06_2016.pdf


3. Tier 1 Investor visa - This is for investors who are willing to invest minimum of £1 million in the UK. Read conditions here;

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/514081/T1__I__Guidance_04_2016.pdf


B. Tier 2 - 2 categories:

1. Tier 2 General visa - You will require a sponsorship certificate before you can apply via this route. So when you are offered a job here and your employers are willing to sponsor you; they would assign a certificate to you, which you would submit along with your application form and other required documents. There are conditions and restrictions on this visa route regarding, taking other employments, changing employer, sponsor licence being revoked or suspended, or being self employed. The set of people I'm aware of this route favours the most are doctors, nurses, Construction Engineers, and IT experts (eg, Designers, Programmers). Read the guidance for further info;

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/514054/Tier_2_Policy_Guidance_04_2016.pdf

2. Tier 2 ICT (Intra-company Transfer) visa - you will require sponsorship certificate like the Tier 2 General and there are 4 sub-categories;

a. Long-term Staff - allows for transfer of more than 12 months, but your employer must first prove that the position cannot be filled by a new UK resident. And you need to have worked for your employer outside the UK for at least 12 months.

b. Short-term Staff – The same condition as "a"

c. Graduate Trainee -You need to be a recent graduate with at least 3 months’ experience with your employer outside the UK.

d. Skills Transfer - allows you to gain skills and knowledge needed to perform your duties outside the UK, or to pass on your skills to your UK colleagues.

Read the Guidance for further info ;

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/514054/Tier_2_Policy_Guidance_04_2016.pdf


C . Tier 5 (Temporary Worker) visa - I do not know much about this route. However, you can read the guidance to find out more;
https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/478078/2015_11_19_T5__TW__guidance_11-15.pdf


Non Point-Based routes such as:

1. The Spousal visa - if you can prove that you are a spouse/partner/civil partner of a UK settle person or a person who has been granted indefinite leave to remain as a refugee or on humanitarian protection, you can go through this route. Please Read :

https://www.gov.uk/remain-in-uk-family/overview

2. Dependant visa (EEA) - If you have a settled relative in the UK and you meet the conditions, you can apply via this route. Please Read ;

https://www.gov.uk/family-permit/overview

3. Points Based System (Dependant) - If you have your spouse/partner who is currently in the UK on any of the point-based visas, you can apply as their dependant. Please read Guidance for further info;

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/477216/PBS_dependant_guidance_11-15.pdf


------------------ DISCLAIMER ---------------------------------------
This is only an information and cannot be construed as an advice. so read the Guidance which you can find on the Home Office website and if possible consult a lawyer before making any decision/application.

Beware the guidance are usually updated from time to time, So ensure you are reading up-to-date Guidance.

Cheers.

coretechng1:
You are awesome. God bless you for sharing this.Am sure some of the people saying it's practically impossible to remain in the UK might be privy to this information but will refuse to share. Everybody keeps talking of getting JOB JOB JOB. As if people don't do any business in the UK. You rarely hear people talking about creating businesse/jobs. It's GETTING JOB JOB JOB

Sanchase:
@ the bolded, the minimum number of years that gives you the opportunity for Permanent residency in the UK as a foreigner is 10 years and in some cases 20 years.

Where was it you saw 7 years ?

The new law is even more strict and the minimum duration could have gone up more by now.

Kvdag:
Good day house, let me just chip in my little experiece, I think the OP is right. I was in the UK for 7 years, was lucky enough to be among the last set to get PSW visa for 2 year until Thresa May started her wahala. I had to return back to nigeria after the expiration of my 2 years visa cos I couldnt renew nor change into any other immigration category.just before you guys start advising on getting married to a briton or so, I tried that as well, I cant recollete how much I lost during the process. You see that's why I believe information is always powerful, I wish I knew about other countries that I could easiy study and stay back to work. To make matters worst, I had to convice my girlfriend to come do her master's in the UK as well thinking she would get the 2 years PWS to work. But for where, we both back in nigeria now. Thank God for her she's got a job unlike me still submitting applications daily. I just wish I knew. I cant even remember the street I stayed back in London again. So my candid advise, if your intention is to go staudy abroad to stay back, pls and pls dont waste ya money going to the UK. Canada or Austaria is a much more better destination for you unless you be politician pikin. Still suffering from my mistake. I came back to nigeria a day to the expiration of my visa cos I really dont wanna over stay so I can easily go back in future. So tired of Nigeria right now.

Wow, my cousin's experience is also similar to yours, he is stuck in Nigeria now still searching for jobs

bikat:


I know so many unpopular countries where you can go and have A VERY GOOD LIFE AND JOB AFTER STUDIES

bikat:
I have observed that a lot of Nigerians are ignorant of some basic facts about the UK before choosing to study here. I have met so many people whose desire is to stay back in the country for a few years before returning to Nigeria. However, they get disappointed when on arrival they discover that there are no immigration programmes designed to keep them in the country beyond their studies. Hence I thought I should educate us a little just so that you ahead of time. I have been in the UK for 7 years so I am speaking from experience.

The UK is a lovely country, people here are respectful, you will get on with little or no problems at all. However, IF YOU HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY to study abroad and IF YOUR INTENTIONS are to stay back to work for a few years before returning to your country. THEN THE UK is a wrong choice. During the Labour government students were allowed to stay back for two years after graduation but the Conservative Party (currently in Gov) is heavily ANTI IMMIGRATION. Therefore YOU WILL BE REQUIRED TO LEAVE THE UK AS SOON AS YOU GRADUATE except you get married or get certain types of jobs (Trust me, YOU WONT GET THOSE JOBS within ONE YEAR), you will be kicked out of the country. ONLY students whose primary intentions are to study and go back to their jobs, husband, rich parents, wife or other commitments should come to the UK for studies. THE UK IS VERY SENSITIVE TO IMMIGRATION RIGHT NOW. they don't want IMMIGRANTS in the country anymore.

For those who want to stay back and work for some years after graduation, you SHOULD go to CANADA, USA, SELECTED EU COUNTRIES, AUSTRALIA, NEW ZEALAND and others. These countries have immigration programmes to allow you stay back in their countries before returning to NIGERIA, if you want to.

Please note that I am not discouraging people from coming to the UK, as far as I am concern, the UK is a friendly country with good human right. You will love it here but just beware that they are no longer VERY WELCOMING TO IMMIGRANTS. I think they are tired of people coming to their country, it is a good place to study if all you are after is the certificate. However, from my recent experience with Nigerian students (always trying to stay back to no avail) I just thought you should know that there are other countries out there that support or have immigration programmes to support ex students who wants to stay back in their country. [b][/b]

Weedcrusher:
Come to Canada. No long thing

I came to Canada in 2010, finished my masters in 2012, got job in my field in 2013, apply for my permanent in 2014, got it in 2015, awaiting my citizenship by 2019.

The only country you can transition from being a student to becoming a full citizen in less than 10 years.

Peaceful, hospitable and friendly people.........

Ikennali01:


I disagree with you to some extent bro, I know Nigerians without Msc who have very good jobs and are earning good pay. I have just a post graduate certificate and a couple of licenses and I have a good job. Canadian companies are more concerned about you possessing the skill and not your qualification so even an ordinary diploma can get you a good job. All the same I think if one can afford an Msc, it's very good but if not, run a post graduate diploma then fall into the labour market.

Jethrolite:
I'm very calm right here, we are still turning round and coming to the same point. Op is passing a very critical message across to people especially those who getting a foreign degree is not the primary reason they find themselves in a foreign university but sharing his own experience and the way he is sharing it is like those who are already making a terrible mistake have hope in the future. We both know as we write there are people that are processing admission at various stages, have done visa application and there are some that have gotten visa and waiting to resume. Isn't it better those that have gained admission or applied for visa or even waiting to travel to the UK get a clear story that they are on the wrong path now, cut their losses and see if they can meet up with 2017 winter or spring session in Canada?

We should remember once again that the primary audience for this thread are not rich kids who simply want to study in the UK then return home but people whose intention is to kiss Nigeria and the hard life goodbye until further notice.

BiafraBushBoy:


Like I asked the other guy, please any Tip for me?

Wana start either a Second degree or Masters in Germany.

justwise:


There is nothing new here, this info has been here before the op started this and guess what? People still apply for come to the UK WITHOUT bothering to read and plan ahead.

Last year somebody started this thread https://www.nairaland.com/2378290/5-things-should-considered-before to educate prospective students and the usual comments flooded but at the end nothing much changed.

Blame people who are lazy and careless to through their millions away the moment they hear abroad.

You talking about Canada? Have you done your research on Canada? Do you know the requirements? Do you know the possibility of getting a PR and then citizenship?

shinarambo1:
it all depends. I wont be a citizen of canada today if not for my UK masters degree. So many of my friends took up citinzinship in Australia too. Our MSc from the UK gave us high scores in immigration programs of those countries.

Jethrolite:
Yes, people can be lazy and I know Canada very well, once you're in Canada you can rest easy and stay away from crime. There are things that can't be shared publicly because Nigerians are masters of abusing favourable systems. Let those who can research do their findings.

justwise:


Very interesting that you said that, we all know that is elephant in the room here is our dubious reputation.

Some immigration polices come about so as to stop the abuse of the system and some Nigerians do that as a job