₦airaland Forum

Good morning everyone. I arrived in the UK yesterday and decided to share some experience I encountered, as I'm an advocate of sharing such experiences because it will surely help someone.

My visa application was in July 3rd and visa approved on the 21st July 2025.

I booked a flight to the UK via Royal Air Maroc which is a transit flight. i. e. From Nigeria to Morocco and to the UK.

Flight from Nigeria to Morocco was by 7am on friday to arrive Morocco by 11:30am.

We arrived Morocco by 11:28am and before we could pass through their immigration checks and all, the transit flight to the UK left a whole lot of us at their airport stranded.

We ended up staying at their airport for 3 good days without any valid reason as to why our flight left without picking us all up.

Finally, we booked a new flight as they as they kept insisting there's nothing they can do for us. Then on getting to the UK, they left some of our bags in Morocco 🤦‍♂️ after I severally asked them back in Morocco if our bags will travel with us and they said yes.

My little advice is for people to avoid this particular airline Royal Air Maroc because lots and lots of people were frustrated in their airport. Some have slept there like refugees for 5 days and more without them even doing anything to assist you even when it's their fault you missed your flight.

I wish everyone here good luck and at the end, do what works best for you. ✌️

liftmeGod:
Please they only requested for phone number or authenticator app

Are you trying to link your evisa?

doncafu:
Yes, I have gotten a Visa Decision already

Awesome and congratulations 🎊.
Go to gov.uk

Click on the "crown" icon at the top left corner of the page.

After it reloads, on the search space, type "get access to your evisa" and search.

On the new page, click evisas: access and use your online immigration status.

On the new page, scroll down to "setup a UKVI account to access your evisa"

On the new page, click on "create a UKVI account"

On the next pages, fill the information correctly and click continue.

On the new page, scroll down to "Sign in"

On the next pages, fill the information correctly using your passport details and date of birth.

Steps to link your evisa will be displayed here.

doncafu:
I did and I was taken back to my visa application process page

I am bit confused, do I need to create another UKVI account that is different from the one I used for my application?

I created a new UKVI account and I was asked to link my UKVI account to my eVisa (an eVisa that I haven't seen).

Note: I haven't picked up my physical passport yet even though I was emailed on Monday that it is available for pickup

I am a bit confused with the whole thing TBH

Have you gotten a visa decision yet? You said your biometrics was on Monday 11th and I don't know how possible it is to get a visa decision within 3 days unless you paid for Priority.
Kindly ensure you have gotten a visa decision first.

Adeabike:
Good afternoon Gurus,
I received visa successful mail from UKVI on 31/7/2025 and I’m yet to receive a mail from VFS to pick up my passport .The mail also states that I have been issued an evisa. Should I be expecting another decision deceived mail from VFS or that’s all I get? Any idea on how long it might take for my passport to be ready for collection in Lagos?

VFS email should contain when your passport is ready for collection or if you used a courier service, it takes atleast 4-5 days to get to you.

justwise:
This does not sound good, you are likely to get scammed. Never a good idea to do what you are about to do. Wait until you get to the UK and view the accommodation before making payment.

Thank you Sir for your input. Advise duly acknowledged. 🙏

Mindlog:
Don't pay anyone until you physically view the accommodation.

Thank you boss man. That's exactly what I'm going to do.

Pitostade:
Why not stay in a hotel for a day or two before paying for the accommodation?

Have you viewed the accomodation?

Is it suitable for you?

Thank you bro for the reply. Yes I received a video tour of the room and apartment. But I'll simply wait till I get there and see the room myself before making payment.
Gracias 🙏

Good morning everyone.
Please this question is directed to those in the UK 🙏.
I was about sending accommodation fees to a landlord in the UK, but my bank requires his IBAN number which the landlord said he doesn't have or rather, they don't use it in the UK. Now, I'm skeptical of sending him the money through a naira account he wants to give me for the payment.
I told him that I'm ready to pay for 2-3 months rent upfront when I arrive. He didn't agree at first but just today, he said no problem on my request.
I have never met him before and I wanted to ask those already living in the UK if they believe or think this is real or am I falling into the wrong hands?
Please someone knowledgeable with such should kindly assist me to understand this situation and if I have nothing to worry about.

Thanks ✌️

Osprey101:
I used email but it's asking for phone number OTP too

Refresh the page and start from the beginning. If possible, clear your phone cache memory/browser history. It's not supposed to ask for double OTP from your email and phone.

Osprey101:
Boss how did you link to evisa? I tried but I'm not receiving OTP to my number

Chief, use your email for the OTP. I tried using my number as well but didn't receive any OTP. Email works better.

splendorian:
There was no vignette visa on the passport

If he received a successful visa decision from UKVI, he should read the mail from top to bottom and see what next to do.

I received a vignette in my passport (although I submitted my application before the 15th of July but received a decision on the 21st). I was asked to link the vignette to my evisa, which I have done.

So go through the email thoroughly from ukvi to see next steps or how to check the evisa( if available).

DFocus:
CCing this post please. I submitted my application on July 15 (but passport was still retained after biometrics).

I think you'll link the vignette to your evisa account when you receive your passport with a favourable visa decision 🙏

Phoenixs:
Please did you submit other leaflets of your passport apart from passport data page. Thanks

No, I only submitted my passport data page.

Lifesgood66:
Nursing 《mental health》
Abertay university
It's In scotland

You're almost done. Go to their website and go through the requirements for Nursing (mental health) admission, gather the documents and follow the procedure/instructions they've stated. You can even email the school via their mailing address on their website to enquire more.

Lifesgood66:
Can anyone put me through how to apply at a university.. I'm finding it hard here

Which University, course and program? This will help guide you on the Schools you should check out their requirements.

Osprey101:
Why did you say bank statement not more than a month?

That's their requirement for a student visa

Kattybaby1981:
I don't have a reference letter for work. Been out of work for sometime now

Since you graduated just 2 years ago, I don't know if it'll be mandatory for you to upload any (I'm not sure o).
You just said "you've been out of work for sometime". You can still get a reference letter from the last place you worked at.

Kattybaby1981:
Good evening everyone.
Please I want to apply for students visa. What are the documents I need to submit.
I have landed properties and stopped working 3 months ago.
I graduated may 2023(Just 2 years study gap)
Thanks

CAS document
Document checklist
TB test
WAEC certificate
Academic certificates and transcripts
Work reference letter
Bank statement (not more than a month)
Passport data page
Unconditional offer of admission

Any Cardiff Metropolitan University September intake interested in shared accommodation? Let's connect.

Uzonma:
Congratulations...

Still waiting biometrics July 16th.


Did you receive this kind of email after your biometrics?

Dear Applicant,

Regarding Visa Application: GWF08398727

This message is to tell you that we are still processing your visa application. We aim to make a decision on your application within our published visa processing times.

If you applied to visit, study or work in the UK, you can check your visa processing time using the link below.

Before you start, you will need the date you verified your identity by either:

using the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ phone app

visiting a visa application centre – for example, VFS Global

They're still processing your application.

tsmue:
SORRY, IS IT MSC YOU ARE GOING FOR?

Yes it's Msc computing and information technology

Pitostade:
Wow ...huge congratulations. When did you have your biometrics?

Thank you 😊. Biometrics was done on the 10th of July.

tsamson:
What’s your biometrics date

On the 10th of July.

Good morning house.
Visa success email duly received this morning 😁

Documents uploaded:
CAS
HND transcript and Certificate
TB Test
Document checklist
Passport data page
WAEC certificate
Bank statement (UBA)
2 work reference letters

8 years study gap.

School's Cardiff Metropolitan University.
Anyone in or going to same school? Let's connect as I'm looking for a shared accommodation.

Chuksy12:
This is high o

Please is the IHS FOR ONE YEAR COURSE??

uote author=Kaykaychizzy post=136145863]
IHS Fee USD 1660.04
Visa fee USD 747

Yes, this is for a year course.

Chuksy12:
Good evening house.

Please for individuals that just paid IHS FEE AND VISA FEE within this month of July, how much did you pay in dollars??

Many thanks for your response Great people.

IHS Fee USD 1660.04
Visa fee USD 747

[quote author=ehemwhy post=136053690][/quote]Which school is this please? I experienced the similar delays before my CAS was issued.

Mindlog:
I recall times I have been in the room where shortlisting of job applications was going on for my borough, with CVs being scrolled on the big screen.

In one of the roles: Children residential support worker, about 60% of the applicants were Nigerians, many with MBA, Masters in Law, international business management, project management etc with work experience only in adult care which is a no, no...this breaks my heart because the starting monthly gross pay is £2,856 for the 36hrs (4 days a week), when they work an extra day (9hrs) in a week as overtime, the gross pay for that 9hrs is about £247 and when the extra day is on a bank holiday or a Sunday, it will be about £330.

And there are tens of roles in Children and Family services that pay well e g Best Start for Life Officer, Parenting practitioner, Life Story Work Practitioner, Clinical Practitioner, Family Early Help Practitioner, etc.

Nigerians need to be more strategic.

Thank you so much for the real life experiences you've shared. Trust me, it will really help alot of people here. I applaud you sir!

What about the IT sector? Is that not in demand from the much you know? As I believe every sector should have an IT department or team.
Thank you.

Fred2020:
There’s a lot of good in the UK — if you can find your feet in the labour market.
Forget the stories people post about the UK being all about bills and struggle. Yes, the cost of living is real, but with a good job and some discipline, you can achieve a lot here.

People actually buy houses (yes, on mortgage) within just two years — there’s even a mortgage thread on Nairaland that proves this. If I decided to focus purely on saving, I could probably buy a decent house in Lagos with just a year or two’s savings from here.

What’s worth noting, though, is that the UK job market isn’t as buoyant as it was just a short while ago.
Even more concerning is the government's clear agenda: a sharp reduction in net migration.

They’re not necessarily targeting student visas themselves — they understand and value the revenue international students bring into the economy. But the real strategy lies in what comes after the degree.

Instead of reducing student numbers, they’re making it significantly harder for students to stay and transition into work or residency. New policies are being designed to place serious hurdles in the path of those hoping to remain after their studies.

In essence: “Come, study, spend — but don’t expect to stay.”

Another thing to keep in mind is that it now costs at least twice as much — if not more — to move to the UK compared to just 3 or 4 years ago.
But despite the higher cost associated with the move now, the chances of settling in successfully have dropped due to stricter immigration policies and the current economic and political climate.

In short: higher investment, lower certainty. That’s the reality for many trying to move now.

For example, this week. The government announces its intention to raise the minimum skilled worker pay from 38K to £41K. That additional 3K would be the reason some job opportunities would go off the table for migrants seeking job sponsorship. To put this in perspective, median pay in the UK is just about £31K. Such moves have real implications for migrants seeking sponsored jobs.

& more hurdles are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.

The bottom line is that there are still positives in the UK, but access to assessing them is now restricted.

😁 this is...I don't even know the right word to use bro! You've simply made my night lol.
Thank you so much as this explanation is superb 👏.
God bless you.