₦airaland Forum

akinsanya005:
Boss Good day,
for someone earning 850k & d monthly expense is 400k but has a savings of 3M and going for 7 days vacation; what's the chance?

thank You

There is a portion in the form that asks, how much do you intend to spend on the trip. Your answer to that quesion will determine if these financials you have stated is tenable or not. Your circumstance will play a huge role. Are you a first time traveller to the UK? What is your travel history and the quality.

However, if I am to work on the assumption that you haven't been to the UK, Schenghen, Canada or US and you will be responsible for all your travel expense including flights, accommodation and miscellaneous, this your savings won't fly. Hold on for a few more months and build that number to at least 6m.

giselle237:
You have read so why should I read again?
Stop spamming this thread with these witless statements.
And at this juncture, I’m going to pass that judgement you have been asking for.

1. We are exhausted.
2. You are blocking meaningful concerns from people genuinely stuck in their visa application process and the comments of those helping them.
3. Stop disturbing and disrespecting people on this thread!
4. Nobody is going to entertain your silly questions and comments anymore.

I have observed your take on this matter overtime and I hope what I'm about to say you will help you stay mute going forward.

4 types of persons you can't advice:
A man with money
A woman in love
A follower of a prophet/spiritual leader
A Nigerian man determined to relocate at all cost

You are advising someone who is willing to jeopardise his daughter's future chances of international travel. Please leave this matter even if the pseudonym changes again

Sweetjam:
it’s sincerely a gift from my uncle,he gave me as his support to start a business.Not money laundering or anything dubious.

No problem, no one is doubting you. However with the UK, every claim you make must be backed with proof. If your uncle gave you seed money to start a business, he will have to write a letter introducing himself, your relationship to him, his source of income that affords him the ability to gift such amount and why he is doing it. He will have to prove his source of income by providing necessary doucments that shows he is source of income is legitimate.

Cashmadam:
It has been stated here repeatedly - separate your business from your personal account.

And why did you send 7 months statement? You don't need more than 6 months at the maximum.

Also, forget the 13 Countries you claim to have visited. UK does not care if you have been to the moon and back. They need to be sure you will not stay in the UK illegally. Also, there is abroad and there is abroad. Many Countries don't qualify as abroad in the real sense of the word. I'm saying all this so that you don't continue having the mind set that your purported travel history will add value to your UK visa application. What will add value is a carefully filled form and a clear source of income - backed by your documents.

To me, all the figures in your narration are all over the place and don't add up. Next time, be more intentional with your application as it becomes more difficult once you have a refusal.

Hhmm sometimes I marvel at the responses we give to certain situation. We always advise first timers to build travel history before applying for the likes of UK, Schenghen etc. A person was just refused with 13 countries under his belt. Even though he never stated the countries, you can't just discard that travel history even if it's only African countries. Your posture on his travel history was uncalled for. As it turns out, the individual has been to the US and France, 'which abroad one pass that one?' I just think we shouldnt jump into conclusions and make assumptions of a person's circumstance when they get denied.

Let us be reminded that the UK is notorious for denying visit visa applications for the most flimsy reasons. Even this whole thing about a person's home address not tallying with the address on their bank statement is rubbish. It is like they just look for a reason to refuse. We have seen people denied for not providing certain documents, meanwhile the said documents were uploaded.

Tizzie:
Good day all. Just came to say that my husband and I received my approved visa today using the details in my post below tandem.

We did biometrics on the 13th and got the emails this afternoon.

Thanks to all who helped and happy to answer questions to the best of my knowledge.

Congratulations to you.

Brace yourself though, a man with thousands of luck is about to bombard you

The UK Home Office immigration statistics for the year ending December 2025

4 out of 10 Nigerians get denied visitor visa

source: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistical-data-sets/immigration-system-statistics-data-tables

justwise:
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lol... the joke is on you.

Done with you though.

Abikeadebey:
Who is promoting fraudulent act I asked 2 questions, should I keep paying myself salary from my company account or get my husband to pay me salary to avoid tax clearance issh, someone kind enough responded and said “ I should go keep paying my self salary and there will be no need for tax clearance….. y”all judgmental others started saying I was being fraudulent for asking questions and knowing how to perfect my application which is happening in 6months time….. stop judging without understanding the question you guys are not being helpful rather judging and being mean

See just leave her. When I made my comment, I said this person doesnt understand the implication of what she is trying to do. Even if you explain it to her until tomorrow, she clearly cannot see anything wrong with it and it's really no fault of hers. She's a reflection of the average Nigerian who is used to getting things done the wrong way and believes it is right, because many others do it, sometimes without immediate consequence. The point still remains that getting someone's company to pay into your account for the purpose of your application is fraudulent, you have to tell stories that are untrue even if it's your dear husband's company

On the issue of tax clearance, as already stated here, it is not complusory. However in recent times the UK has been notoriously known to refuse visas application of business owners/ self employed individuals for this sole reason. There are several self-employed individuals who may have received visas in the past and present without presenting tax clearance, the key difference is usually their circumstance. It is possible that at the time they got their first UK visa, UKVI wasn't as strict as they are now and their extensive travel history helps avoid much scrutiny. For example when my brother got his first UK visa several years ago(Pre-COVID), his company was inactive on CAC webiste, he didnt present any TCC, yet he got it and he has continued to get his visa renewed without TCC. A few years after COVID, we started seeing high rates of refusals from UKVI for inactive company status on CAC website and none submission of TCC, especially for first timers with little or no strong travel history. In your case, your active Scheghen and Canada may work in your favour especially if you have used them before. Your circumstance and how you present it will determine if your application will be successful or not, with or without TCC

Avoid fruadulent moves, E get why

Abikeadebey:
Thank you!!! But I was thinking hope they won’t ask me for tax clearance certificate, also i was thinking of getting someone else with a company account to pay me salary so I can say I work in the company to avoid tax clearance issh

The audacity! The average Nigerian doesnt see anything wrong here. You want to commit fraud, just to get UK visa. You obviously don't see the implication of what you are trying to do. We are so used to anyhowness and anormalies in this country. Kai!!

giselle237:
My opinion.
Visa denial uncalled for, at least the refusal letter does not have any basis.
Start Official complaints process (primary route)
Obtain clear rationale and redress
If unsatisfied: Consider PAP next.
Attach any supporting documents and a clear timeline
Maintain a respectful, factual tone in all communications but please remember to mention your contribution to the healthcare system and payment of all your taxes. Also not collecting benefits etc ..

I genuinely don’t think you should reapply first.
Complain. Go through the process. Read the thread few pages back.

Lastly, Barclays statements are not limited to 1 month . They give all your statements.
- In the app: Open Documents section -> download multiple months -> compile as needed .
In case of next time, she doesn’t need to sponsor any part of the trip as elderly parents can get away with this. Fully sponsor. Even 4k is enough.

@Dradephoenix I agree 100% with this, do not accept the baseless denial and do not reapply immediately, go through the process of seeking redress. You stand a good chance. Also ensure you dont delay. There's usually a timeline of 3months within which if you don't seek redress your matter won't be attended to. Lastly, it may take some time before you get the desired result but it's worth it.

I have an observation, and I am open to other perspectives. Is it me or has the number of people coming to this channel to make enquiry for visit visa reduced significantly? In the past this channel used to be very active, with people either sharing their visa approvals, refusals, complaint about waiting period, or booking appointment, etc. But recently this channel can sometimes be inactive for as much as 2days. Is it safe to assume that while the criteria for standard visit visa hasn't changed, the recent changes to student and immigrant visas has a direct effect on non-immigrant visa applications? or did people suddenly find the UK undesirable for tourism? Are people outsourcing more to agents? Is it the economy? Although as much as I can remember there has never been a time Nigerians collectively agreed the economy was great. We only speak about the good times in hindsight never in the present. What's your take or observation?

sanyaolurilwan:
Good evening house, it's been a while here.

Please I have a question and I need directions. I have obtained 3 UK visit visas and I've used all successfully staying a maximum of 3weeks, I don't stay more. I have visited the UK like 5 times from 2024 till date. These visas were gotten with an invitation letter from my elder sister. Now her stay will expire by January 2026.

How best can I renew my visa? A friend invite or tourism?

Directions are needed, thank you!

You really don't need an invite to get a visit visa. As it stands, your travel history to the UK has stood you in good stead. You can take the tourism route. I'll advise you go for longer term visa say 5 or 10years, you're eligible

nairabase:
Thank you for your candid advice and honest feedback!

I plan to submit another application with a well-written cover letter that addresses their concerns and provides additional proof.

And, if that doesn't fly, I will consider filing an official complaint. Can you please provide a guide on how to file a complaint?

Thank you!

I read your response to @giselle237 and it gives more context and further proves my point. Infact I now believe your application was not considered on it's merit, even though each refusal will state otherwise. I have seen visit visa applications sail through with bank statements that have low opening balance, I have also seen applications sail through with closing balances that are not up to twice the propsed amount for the trip. It's all circumstantial and I believe your previous refusals maybe impeding your chances of getting fair assessment. With the futher context you gave on your travels and previous refusals, I agree with @giselle237 not to reapply, follow the complaint route. I hope the refusal is still recent and not up to 3months.

To file a complaint you can use these options; send a mail to complaints@homeoffice.gov.uk and/or visit https://www.gov.uk/complain-uk-visas-immigration. There are fellow users on this platform that have gone through this route and got positive result. If you take your time to go through this thread all the way to previous parts, you will find their testimonials. Be sure to address the issues raised and present your case well with documents to back up any claims made.

For Pre Action Protocol: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/pre-action-protocol-for-judicial-review. There are also persons on this platform that followed this route with positive results. A careful research on this platform and you'll find their process and tesimonials as well.

All best in whichever route you opt for

nairabase:
I do have a good travel history.

I got a Schengen visa through France and I have been to Qatar, Singapore, and Dubai.

With a profile like yours, a refusal can be annoying. It's a constant reminder that visa approvals are totally at the discretion of the embassy. You can do everything right and still be refused a visa for the most flimsy excuse, it comes down to the consular officer treating your application.

If you are not pressed for time, I would recommend seeking redress by way of filing a complaint or Pre-Action Protocol. However, a faster option would be to put in another applciation and taking time to address the concerns raised in the refusal letter. Since the money went into paying rent and school fees you can show proof of the expenditure. Those expenditures allude to strong ties.

Your refusal is quite annoying to say the least. It's not enough to show bank statements, one now has to explain the circumstances of the statement. This is the reality of a visa applicant in Nigeria

All the best in whatever route you choose to explore.

Juxen:
Good day everyone,

Well done to all contributing to the forum.
I am currently completing my UK visa application and would appreciate some clarification on the following points:

For the question “Where do you plan to stay in the UK”, am I required to provide hotel booking details and enter the hotel information in that section?

In the section on previous visa refusals outside the UK, if I cannot recall the exact reasons given, can I simply provide the date of the refusal along with the type of visa I applied for?

Regarding previous employment history: as an employee of a government parastatal, should I select the option shown in the image below?

Yes, you will enter the details of the hotel in that section.

Providing hotel reservation/booking isn't required. On the guide for supporting documents as stated on the official website, it is actually amongst the list of documents you should not use as evidence. However, if you feel that it has the potential to strengthen your application based on your circumstance then you should. What you can do in this instance is to either make a booking that doesnt require immediate payment, or make a refundable booking which allows you cancel the reservation with full refund. You can make such on sites like booking.com, trip.com etc.

I have had successes applying for a UK visa, stating the hotel information without confirmed hotel booking, and I have had successes making actual reservations that are fully refundable. Your circumstance will determine the option to take

kakinson55:
Hello everyone,
Please does UK confirms visa refusal or ban from US precisely from year 2009.
Am working to apply for UK tier 5- temporary visa and my fear has been what to fill. The story is old and long but pls bear
I was refused a US immigrant visa vid DV in year 2009. Although no fingerprint collected and no police report print collected at interview date.
Paid an agent back then who merged me with a principal applicant as her husband. Marriage certificate, wedding pictures arranged. We went for interview, but the cashier advised she go in alone because I had dollar to for one applicant and naira to pay for second applicant. Reason because they can't take 2 denomination for a file. That once applicant is given she can send email for new interview for her spouse. She went in was granted visa and we sent email and interview was scheduled. She insist she couldnt go with me then, several excuses and just 2 weeks interval, she had picked her passport with visa, later called me on phone giving excuses I go alone. Agent pleaded tried to reach her but no way. I went alone for the interview and the officer ask a simple question where is she, my answer was she is sick and had to be with her parents, he said well she spoke with her at US port last night, he had put a clause on her visa and she will be sent back. That he wanted clear his doubt that is why he asked us to come together. And he will give a ban. Although I was giving a refusal letter no ban written on it. I didn't bother on any visa application since then.
Now that am thinking of UK, my concern is the marriage certificate, no divorce done. I have been married with kids.
Please I need advice, so I won't be having issues filling form or concealing facts.

There are a bunch of things I would like to recommend as the approach you can take, but I will tell you to consult an immigration lawyer who is conversant with UKVI. I am not one and I am not looking to recommend any, if you take your time to research you will find competent people. Your case isnt the usual, please seek professional help, not visa agent. Seeking professional help will cost you some good money but consider it as part of the price you have to pay for your error in jugdement years ago. Nevertheless you could still go at it yourself, having consulted wide. If you do, please avoid people like that fellow who said your previous situation doesnt affect anything, they don't mean well for you

Taal17:
Well a ban from US doesnt affect any other visa application so you didnt need to be afraid of applying for any visa.
Besides you do not know if you got a ban. If you did it was probably 5 or 10yrs so that time has passed

Please fear not .it doesn't mean anything.
If the uk visa form you fill asks questions on previous refusals just put yes and indicate you dont know. or you are not sure as the reason for the refusal.
Pls note most US visa refusals do not tell you why they deny you visas

This is terrible advise, people like you are the kind that can implore any means necessary to get a visa, either by hook or crook. Someone was caught red handed in the act of declaring a fraudulent marriage in order to obtain a visa and you're saying it doesnt affect other visa applications. You even went further to say he may not be banned, and even if he was banned, time has passed so it doesnt matter. Are you for real? Lastly you mentioned most US visa refusals do not state why an applicant is denied, honestly there must be something in the water you drink for you to think this way.

jmoore:
I handle at least one visa application a month.
So no one should come out here and label my information false.

When was the last time any of you completed any visa application?
These changes are on the main uk visa application website. If you go to the biometric portal, it has also been introduced.

A new category called passport/travel document is now on the biometric site.

I like what you have just done. It is a constant reminder to everyone on this platform that life is always in a constant state of flux. Before you come here to discredit another person's information, take some time to research and find out if the information is valid. Visa processes especially within the Nigerian context is always changing and evolving. What was applicable yesterday, may be abolished today, and reinstated tomorrow. In the end this platform is amazing and continues to educate individuals on these ever changing rules.

GudluckIBB:
Employee, a senior Manager

Typically there should be a letter of introduction from your company addressed to the embassy, signed by your HR and or MD, stating your name, job title, years of service, etc. They would equally state the days of leave approved for you and their responsibilty in sponsoring your airfare. They can choose to disclose the reason for sponsoring your trip.

Okots:
Good day house, please I need clarification,
firstly can I book a ticket and the duration is 2 months plus?
Secondly can i carry foodstuffs in Ghana must go?
Please kindly help a first timer.

Yes you can, however if you're a first timer, you're likely to face additional scrutiny at the border and stand the risk of being sent back if your story doesnt add up

[quote author=spriteB post=136353044][/quote]Great! Go ahead and proceed.

In the past when I had a similar situation with an applicant we called TLS and were advised to fill another form, then schedule another appointment thereby forfeiting the previous one. From the FAQ you posted, it looks like things have changed now. It's good to know that you dont have to forfeit your exisiting appointment.

All the very best

GudluckIBB:
Sir,

If my company is sponsoring the trip by covering the airfare, will a board resolution be sufficient, or should I also submit the company’s statement of accounts along with my documents?

Are you an employee or a business owner?

[quote author=spriteB post=136339327][/quote]It's best if you post a picture of the screenshot, so we can all see it. I am not a fan of clicking links I am unable to verify

With regards to what you should do, I've stated my opinion, others have equally stated it's not a big deal either. It's up to you to decide

My screenshot below which is the last thing you do before submission should help you understand my position

Apples and Oranges. The poster clearly stated that he/she made an omission. You're comparing that error to your son whose discrepancy by your claim is due to inadvertent entries on the part of the NIS. You even claim an error like birth date not matching can be overlooked. I don't understand your position.

I will repeat it again, if the names on your form do no match the names on the biodata page of your passport, that error is grounds for a refusal. In the past people have been refused over wrong passport size talkless of something as sensistive as a person's name

BreconHills:
And this is why I mentioned bio data lining up with the international passport. Any discrepancy can by explained by an affidavit or a letter from NIS. There are many cases where there is discrepancy between say birth dates due to inadvertent entries at NIS. My son had one of this and he was never refused a visa.

Your major concern seems to be forfieting the appointment you already made which I consider a small price to pay for the error you already made. I hope it's not too late. Omitting your middle name on your visa application form is sensitive. If you doubt me ask the TLS rep when you go for your biometrics

spriteB:
Good to know, because I don't want to cancel the appointment I already booked. Thank you very much!

Wrong advice. Omitting information about your bio-data is sensitive. Upon scrutiny that application will be refused. Unintentional mistakes lead to visa refusals.

BreconHills:
If everything else is in order, it won't matter. Once your application lines up with your international passport and there is no attempt to deceive.

You have to cancel that application and make another one, which means you might have to forfeit the appointment that you have already made. Omitting your middlename is enough reason to have your application refused. Your name on the bio data page should match the information on your application form and match your visa(should it be approved). Unintentional mistakes like this can get a visa application denied, which is why people are advised to review their forms thoroughly before submitting.

spriteB:
Hello everyone,

I just realized I didn't add my middle name on my Visa application form, only my first and last name; it was only included on my TLS appointment form. Is there any negative implication to this? I understand I might lose the application fee and may not get the initial appointment date anymore, if cancel the application. What do I do?


Please, anyone who has an idea, kindly respond to this question.

It's been a while someone posted long-term validity on page 5 of this thread, so here goes:

Biometrics: 2nd June
Decision Made: Probably 16th June (Unsure)
Passport Drop Off Mail from VFS: 25th June (Unable to drop off immediately due to travel)
Passport Drop Off at VFS: 30th June
Passport pick up mail from VFS: 30th June
Passport Pickup at VFS: 1st July

Visa Approved- 10years (Keep My Passport While Applying)
Previous Visa-2years (1st visa issued and used)

It seems like we are back to the unofficial ban. Most applicants with no prior travel to the USA are getting denials regardless of their travel history and ties. Renewals on the other hand seem to be successful alhough after an interview and a long waiting period.

Debbieeeeeee:
You’re missing the point here, regardless of reissue of the visa some countries have something called information sharing in place which is why I said depending on the country he had that issue with he has to declare if it’s a country that does information sharing with the USA or else it’ll be a recipe for disaster during his interview, what’s the big deal in declaring the issue if it was overturned and visa was reissued meaning it’s past him now? If it’s a country that does information sharing with he USA it will come up and he has to explain it.

It is similar to being refused a visa in the past and you’ve now been given the visa they’ll always ask that question does that imply a no answer? Perhaps may the issue come up it may and it may not.

I’m all for keeping application tidy but tactfully, if you’ve applied to a country that does information sharing with the USA just know it will come up no need to shroud anything it’s not a mystery they already know what you’re not sharing, sometimes they only bring it up for clarifying and nothing more.

I think your submission here has helped with some clarity.

Let's imagine a scenario where an applicant was denied a visa, like Canada, UK,New Zealand or Schengen. These countries also share information with the US. Would the applicant have to disclose visa denials of other countries in the DS-160 even when the form does not provide avenue for such? I believe the answer is No

My conclusion from all the points everyone has made is to answer the DS-160 form in relation to the questions asked and not disclose what is not directly asked. At the interview if it then comes up, it can be addressed verbally

Debbieeeeeee:
You’re missing the point here, regardless of reissue of the visa some countries have something called information sharing in place which is why I said depending on the country he had that issue with he has to declare if it’s a country that does information sharing with the USA or else it’ll be a recipe for disaster during his interview, what’s the big deal in declaring the issue if it was overturned and visa was reissued meaning it’s past him now? If it’s a country that does information sharing with he USA it will come up and he has to explain it.

Like I said, disclosure is not the issue here. The issue is where do you disclose it on the DS-160. Even if the country that cancelled and reissued the visa shares information with the US. Under what part of the form should it be declared?

Debbieeeeeee:
I get what you mean, but it’s really important to be careful. It depends on which country refused entry and whether any visa was cancelled in their system at that time. Some countries share data with the U.S., and if there was a visa cancellation connected to that refused entry, it could be visible during U.S. background checks. That’s why it’s safer for the OP to clarify exactly what happened, where, when, and whether a visa was cancelled, before deciding not to mention it. Better to be transparent if there’s any doubt, because misrepresentation can ruin future chances with the U.S. embassy.
I’m all for keeping application tidy and free of unnecessary explanations but also it’s best to be cautious.

Yes the visa was cancelled over a documentation issue, although it was eventually resolved and a new visa was issued, which has been been used multiple times since then.

But the question still remains in what portion of the DS-160 application do you disclose it without admitting to something you did not do. Like admitting a US visa denial even if you haven't been denied before and even if you have been denied before, is it appropriate to disclose it when the question only pertains to a previous US visa denial or admitting to be removed/deported when that's not the case all in a bid to explain the refused entry that was eventually resolved. Disclosing the refusal to entry isn't the issue. It's how to go about it in the form that is the issue

Debbieeeeeee:
if you haven’t been denied a U.S. visa before, and you were only refused entry at a port of entry but never actually admitted, there’s no section on the DS-160 to report that. Since refused entry is not the same as deportation or removal, you don’t need to check ‘yes’ or force an explanation. Honestly, it’s better to keep your application tidy and only discuss it at the interview if asked. That way you avoid adding confusion or unnecessary complications.

my initial advice was based on the fact that you seemed to feel it was important to disclose this experience. If you still want to disclose it on the DS-160, one possible option is to check ‘yes’ to the question about visa refusal, and then use the explanation box to clarify that you were not refused a visa, but instead turned back at the port of entry due to [ so so so so]. This way you are being fully transparent, even though technically it isn’t a visa refusal. However, if you want to keep your application clean and avoid complicating things, you can just leave it off the form and bring it up only if asked during the interview.

Okay that makes sense.

So if the scenario is one where the answer to a US visa denial is yes, would it be appropriate to include the refusal to enter another country in the samr explanation box after explaining the US visa denial. Or to still leave it out since the question speaks directly to a previous US visa denial?