₦airaland Forum

Yinkzy03:
Hello Guys,

Great work you all are doing on this thread. It has really helped me and my family to settle in well. Will share some of my experiences here to help people who might want to go same path.

I'm on a dependant permit, my wife's employer sponsored her and that covers for spouse and children under 18 (i think max of 4 children, i'm not sure about this).

To get my National Insurance Number, i had to call, they scheduled me for an interview as Nigerians now fall under the category of people to be interviewed. I'm still expecting that as it takes a while, max of 6weeks i think. You don't need this to work, you just need to show your employer that you had initiated the process. My wife did't have to do this as she had hers already at the back of her BRP as the principal applicant.

I got a temporary job in about a month after i got in to the country through an agency. I was made to understand that UK experience is key to enable you get a reference, and you know what, the moment i started and updated my CV, it really and truly enhanced my chances as i got more interview calls and all. I have been eating cold sandwich as lunch at work since o and looking for cheap meal deals up and down, that wont be for long sha as i need to start bringing food to work and save money.

We got a flat through Rightmove, inspected and settled for our best bet. That cost us a fortune though, deposit and agency fees attached to it. Bought sofa, bed and mattress through Argos and was delivered but the bed was a big deal to set up, i screw tire so tay my hand sore the next day. (i forgot to write a review of that on Argos website)

Now i'm considering changing career, spoken to some people but i need opinions here, you guys have always been so on point. here is my question, which professional exam can one go for now and you are assured of jobs all over? is Prince2 still a catch? Does the 5days training and certification realistic as i don't want to just go throw way money wey i no get give any academy. Just wana get it right plssssss.

Now childcare is a hell of stress, if you sabi sit down for armchair and be ordering people around in Nija, then you must have loads of money to be able to do same here otherwise you will just be frustrated. Even to get Nursery that is not fully booked is a challenge. I have seen a lot of arrangements asper childcare o,going to the Nursery for 3days in the week and going to stay at a Church member's house for the remaining 2days at a cost.

On Bank Account, I'm yet to open one, they need the original utility bill in my name and the available appointment days seems far away so i just left it jare, will go back next week. I get my salary paid into a friend's bank account.

I have just paid for the Provisional Driving Licence, as soon as i receive the form, will fill and push it out. Pls how long does it take to be issued?

Sorry for my long epistle, just thought to share.

Will update as things unfold.

Interesting, also had issues assembling my flat pack furniture... Luckily, the sofa wasn't flat pack! Took 2 days to assemble the ottoman... The whole week was assemble. Assemble, call utility companies, etc... Infact, i am dreading when I have to move out again, because we have acquired more furniture now! And my previous landlord refused to release my deposit early and the council was still debiting council tax... They've given me my money back now sha.

Bros, goodluck with your driving lessons, that one na another UK headache and also the headache of paying autoinsurance as a new immigrant... They sure know. How to welcome new people in this country!

So many vaginaas have been desicrated thanks to kiss from a rose

Who fine face help... He had a disease when young that scarred his face... Lupus

Lexusgs430:
This is totally dependent on loads of factors... Applicant A can have N0.00 on their bank statement and get visa. While applicant b has N2Million and not get the visa...........

i mean a uk resident sponsoring a Nigerian family member

do you have any idea how much minimum is decent enough to put in applications for?

Aphrodite007:
Hi guys,

My husband (brit) wants to invite&sponsor my brother over for the holidays for two weeks. I told him to use his salary account so that they will see his salary entering, then he can move like £2k from his savings to the salary account for my brothers trip. But I’m worried about two things:

-hubby has an overdraft, is that a red flag?

-my bro’s account isn’t buoyant. I do send him money and will start sending him double (£200 monthly) from next month to beef his account. I’m worried that they will say it’s not enough, even though he is being sponsored. I want him to apply in Nov/Dec.

Also must he apply for a 6 month visa? Can’t he apply for 1 year so that the visa will allow him come back to the Uk in July for the summer.

Bro isn’t working (just doing small contracts for the govt) so no strong ties to Nigeria.

Should I be worried?

I need you peoples experiences on inviting your families here, that’s why I’m not asking in the uk visit group. I’ll still go there to find out all the docs my bro will need.

Thanks

would like to know the answer to this too

marylandcakes:
What a lot of people don’t realise is that you get some of the best rates from the post office. I didn’t realise until I watched the money program Martin Lewis show.

Yeah right

don't use post office or john lewis....when i tried changing $1,000 at john lewis, Oxford street, was treated as if all my money was fake and each bill was scrutinised over and over and eventually they only offered to change $400....so i left and saw a roadside shop, which looked like a pawn shop and they didn't even bat an eye changing+ sweet rates

zibe:
Thank you. Not sure what you mean by high street shops though. Abeg na jjc I be . How would I locate them?

the shops where they do western union money transfer and they put sign board on small pako, like the way they advertise recharge cards in Nigeria

Lexusgs430:
Why not try exchanging it in Nigeria, before departing?

beware of fake money

Rubyventures:
Go to any post office or Travelex shop.

if you are in London,use the highstreet shops, esp Indians or Bangladesh tourist souvenir shops, much better black market rates.

Mamatukwas:
Wawu Ok. Yeah I’d prefer to buy a car and not be worried about always fixing... asper 2nd hams tins. Ok will look into what’s available in the brands u mentioned given my budget. Thanks.

you can add lexus to that list...Lexus IS200 has good deals on autotrader and has a bit of luxury rep too. I didnt mention volkswagen because they are priced expensive and prone to dodgy minor electrical faults....I don't even pay any 50 quid for my IS200 daily driver like bmw boss, after all its to get me from A to B, my bank account comes with free car recovery and my old 2004 lexus hasn't had a bad day yet

my driving instructor had an 08 Astra Vauxhaul, he was always taking it to the shop for one thing or the other...if you don't mind not having a 100% reliable car, Toyotas are undeniably reliable, i hate them, but that's a fact

Honda civics are also reliable, but a bit expensive, you can get a cheap bmw or mercedes, but do so at your own risk

Volvos are also reliable, but bland.

Audis....like german cars have a high maintenance when they break down...but i guess that's where your warranty subscription comes in, but might disrupt your daily runs when you can't use the car.

i don't really gbadun the other mushroom car brands, or not experienced enough.

wonlasewonimi:
This is just naija mentality... If you do your due diligence before buying any car and with regular maintenance, mot et al, the car will last. Is it not to get from A to B?

lol....Vauxhaul and Citroen....why don't you just google it yourself. Besides...look at how many of the old ones, ie...the 2000 model ones are still on the roads, then compare with the ones i mentioned.

I watch a lot of car programs to know what and what, its not about 9ja mentality...its just about knowing, and i didnt mention any luxury brands either, because obviously, the poster can't yet afford that! or not yet interested in premium brands

Mamatukwas:
Hi Guys,

Experienced UK drivers/car owners in the house, pls help me.

Given the choice of a Citroen C4 or a Vauxhall Corsa which would you pick and why? Fairly used version.

If neither, why and which other car brand might you recommend.

Thank you.

None of the above.
For me, they are unreliable.

Toyota, Honda seem to suit your class of vehicle choice here...if you are concerned about reliability

No CJ?!!

Funny, people are not paying BBC license and complaining the money is going to overhyped celebrities...But, you no dey pay anything yet now! So how is Chris Evans chopping your money?

why will you stick your holy finger into any random Vee. Very dirty man

Lexusgs430:
If you ask me, my opinion is already established...... I would not invite you to join our #SAYNOTOTVLICENCEGANG........

Go with your spirit, if you want to pay.... Log unto TV licence website (Eastenders stars loves a cheerful giver).....

how much is £13...the real. Scam is my annual visa fee, nhs fee I don't use, income tax when I do over time, driving lessons fees, car insurance... So. Bbc na small thing

Inkredible:
This TV licence issue came up at the very best time.

I got gifted 2 TVs yesterday. I recently moved house and I haven't gotten any letters from the TV guys to pay or anything.

My question is, should I seek them out and pay or just wait for the letter?

Ps: I have no problems paying for the money. I like my peace of mind.

Cc: Lexus430, Davechappelle, RalphLauren et al.

Google TV licence and register

Ralphlauren:
i used to think there were no consequences with not paying tv license (and getting caught) until i met someone whose application for UK citizrnship was denied over the same issue under the 'character test' for citizenship applications.

she has to wait for another 12 months before she can apply again for UK citizenship and there is no guarantee that her application will be granted. she was caught out (i think she opened the door in error) and accepted to pay the fine without going to court.

tv license funds the BBC. the BBC is an institution the Brits are very proud of, so the home office considers not paying the fee a grave offense as the TV license funds the BBC. the case worker has the discretion to refuse applications over 'convictions' from not paying the license.

If you are still under any sort of migrant visa including ILR and you are chasing UK citizenship, I will suggest just paying the £140 yearly fee.

I honestly don't understand why people become so judgemental when rules are rules...personally, i think its a matter of integrity and having a moral high-ground and setting a good example for the junior ones. After getting away with tv tax....one might be tempted to do the same for other taxes

People pay far more for Sky or Virgin etc... Just, feel its wrong to justify not paying it. If you don't want to pay its fine, but don't try to justify or bring up reasons. Its their law. It may not be perfect, but that's what they want. Like paying your short stay parking...not compulsory, but if you get caught out, you cough up a Penalty charge

Lexusgs430:
You are paying BBC's tithe...... So Gary Lineker, Chris Evans and Co, can live like Kings & Queens .......

Still, a reason the BBC is better than the Mitv or AIT

still cheaper than paying tithe though!

Mamatukwas:
Ok. They specified LIVE TVthough. Netflix isn’t live tv. The money isn’t much but I’d hate to pay for something I’m not using coz of fear. Been there done that.

Do you like gambling? This is a form of gambling, you don't have to place bets literally. And also its about candour and setting a right example, Paying your TV tax.

Inkredible:
Good evening fam,

God willing, I passed my theory today. Thanks to everyone who contributed tips.

To the next stage, how much does the practice test cost and how soon can it be taken?

Ps: for anyone who cares to know how I did it. I downloaded the free apps and left them on my phone. Fiddled with it few minutes whenever I felt like. Then bought the full app a day to the exam and binge studied till late in the night. Fell asleep, woke up and continued till I got to the exam center.

Oh, I moved house 2 days to the exam. Point? It's an easy exam. Thanks to fatima04 et al.

Cheers!!

Use a 5-star reviewed Driving school/instructor, and i hate to be racist, but avoid Pakistani teachers or Asian teachers...in my experience they treat Nigerians like they're punishing us for our bad behaviour or like ATM machine or like we're stupid, except if the Asian instructor is 5-star reviewed....and if he has 1 star and self-reviewed himself with 5-star...definitely avoid!


I heard AA is highly recommended

wonlasewonimi:
Babyliss hair clipper is 17 pounds on ebay. You can do it yourself every week.

lol... Only if you like gorimapa... Else don't be like me after investing 100gbp in mirror and clipper and cutting nonsense.... Not worth the stress

sutelk:
So I loss big time today. Won't try this kind of adventure again for a very long time. Na God say make I carry my debit card today.
So at times after work, I just get on any bus get on the top deck and go round the city. Most of the time the bus brings me back to the same stop I boarded after going round the city, at times I alight when I sight anything of interest and still find my way home with Google map. This is my way of exploring the city.
Today the son of man enter oyibo "One chance". So I got on this bus and found myself inside one Bush near an airfield far outside town. I was busy taking pictures of old airplanes when I heard the driver calling " Last stop". I was like, last stop Ke, are u not going back to town? The guy said, no this is the last bus for today, the next bus is 7am tomorrow. Come and see how cold and heat catch me at the same time, wetin I come find for here. Finally I was able to get a cab back to town, that was after coughing out £20. Lesson learnt.
In other news, had my first haircut today. If somebody told me that one day I will use the equivalent of 10k naira for a haircut I will not believe. Those days of haircut every 2 weeks are over, watch out for my new Afro look. Got to stop thinking in naira before I give myself hypertension.

Can't imagine what you will do when you top up used up data/ get new glasses, go to dentist or start driving lessons... £20 is not too bad

Lexusgs430:
I can see you are trying very hard to protect your licence...

So far so good, and with the waze app,it even warns me of police vehicles ahead.

Lexusgs430:
The driving is nicer with cruise control, just set and rest your legs (eyes wide open)....

i always use cruise ctrl in those funny 40/ 50 MPH speed restrictions

Lexusgs430:
Stamp duty waived for properties below £300K, in some parts of London, you cannot get a property for £300K.

5/10% deposit? Very possibly, but 10/20% deposit I think is what most lenders request. Of course, the buyer would have to do their due diligence.

A property selling in July 2018 for £310K, could easily be selling for £350K in July 2019........

you can get a house worth 500k in London for 160k in Peterborough....o, that's where my head is at. Makes life more easy and sensible

Lexusgs430:
£15,000 is a big amount to save, but it depends on what you are saving for.

If its to buy a property, I would say that £15K would be swallowed in administration. By the time you work out stamp duty payments, conveyancing, brokers fee, survey cost etc etc..... The 15K would simply varnish....

Anybody can buy a property, but certain visa conditions would require higher deposit payments by the lenders (the lender never loses)....

The term hammering is truly subjective...... Who has hammered more, someone that has £15K savings or the other party that already owns a property, £0 savings, but sitting on a £600K equity?

Hasn't Govt waivered stamp duty on first time buyers...And if i'm putting down 5-10%...i'm still kampe innit?!

Lexusgs430:
I return with my financial bug bear issue........

If you are considering buying a property in the UK, key terms you MUST be aware off.......

Leasehold

Interest only mortgage

Freehold

The best to buy is a freehold property....... Completely avoid buying interest only mortgages, like a fish bone stuck in your throat....

Leasehold properties are good, but ensure you understand all the key facts, and all payments due going forward + repairs due etc etc etc



Also avoid buying council flats, like a plague in the night.....

Please can you elaborate.
Esp for those of us JJCs here on various visas
And the help to buy and those eligible.
Also 15,000 pounds savings...Can you be said to have hammered yet?