₦airaland Forum

Legally, yes to both questions.

The only time you can work for an employer outside the UK is if it's a virtual internship and that's limited to 20 hours.

yusufDeveloper:
@mimilyrics,please I want to understand you very well.

Are you saying someone can't continue working as a freelancer even if he has a client he's working for around the world (through LinkedIn, slack or other platforms) in Naija before he travels to UK that once he gets there, he needs to terminate those contracts.

Or are you saying someone can't freelance for UK companies only as a student

If you're on the island, there's a BDC operator at Davida mall, around Tantalizers close to Ebeano supermarket on Admiralty way but can't remember the company name. EDIT: I just checked online, it's called VSO Bureau De Change.

Once you get to the mall, check the sign posts in front of the mall to get the name, it's on the ground floor of the mall, towards the back.

Their rates used to be very good and they exchange cash or transfer into your account depending on your preference.

Ykaa:
Hello everyone,

Please, are there BDCs that exchange naira for pounds at the CBN approved rates? If yes please, are there any at the Lagos International airport.

I already tried getting PTA but I was denied because of my one-way ticket.


Best regards

Use the start and end dates provided by your school / shown on your CAS to get an accurate amount.

Haywhy3233:
Thanks mimilyrics, does it mean i will have to pay £940 or £1410 for the two years ? because my calculations for a year and four months is £940.

For applications that have to do with minors, you have to include evidence that they are your kids ie. Birth certificate showing your name as one of the parents, sole custody documents, adoption certificates or consent letter from the parents.

bayonle1:
Good morning
A quick one
my late elder brother has a son who lives with me.
I am hoping he can relocate with us.
Would it be okay to present him as one of my children in my application?
Could there be a problem with that?

Use an affidavit please.

ricaabrams:
Thank you @ mimilyrics @mattfeuter
There is an error in my transcript (date of birth) should I swear an affidavit to correct it or should I leave it since the rest of my documents bear the correct date

1. The placement year is especially useful for students without prior experience in the field or the UK because it is just to enable you gain work experience which some jobs might require.
2. It should be £705 for one year courses but if you go on a placement year, you'll have to pay IHS for each year of the placement. IHS is for each year that you spend in the UK and your visa should also reflect the additional time to be spent for the placement year.

Haywhy3233:
Hello house, am bit confused on what to choose, as a matter of fact i applied for a year and four months course in Bournemouth and i was asked if i would be interested in the two years placement. i do not have an idea of what the 2 years placement is all about and more so, of what advantage is it for my course Msc management with human resources. my question is

1. what advantage is the 2 years placement for my course?
2. whats the calculation for IHS for a year and four months course? and will the same amount be for the two years placement ?

Am being skeptical about the IHS, maybe i should go ahead with the placement if i wont be paying more for the IHS.

You shouldn't work as a freelancer as it falls under self-employment which is prohibited for student visa holders.

iCode2:
Are tech jobs (Web Development especially) available in the UK for freelancers? Freelance because I'll be schooling also.

1. Yes.
2. No. Those should go with his own application.
3. You don't need to upload your CAS, it's a document that is virtually accessible to the ECO using your CAS number.

ricaabrams:
Good morning fam, God bless you all for the selfless work. pls @mimilyrics @justwise @ lagosismyhome and other gurus in the house pls help me out

I’m currently filling the online form for my visa and there is a place that says “ will your dependent be traveling with you to the uk” my husband would be applying in January. Pls do I fill yes or no

Since my husband would be applying in Jan do I need to upload my wedding certificate and other proof of marriage

I plan to upload;
Tb test certificate
Bank statement from 17th oct-15th nov printed on the 16th nov
CAS
Bsc cert, transcript and WAEC ( these are the documents listed on my CAS as evidence used to obtain my offer)
Hope I’m in order??

There is an error in the date of birth in my transcript. Will an affidavit be ok to correct this?

Also my course is for 1yr 4months and the ihs calculator is showing £904 as the amount to be paid, I’m confused because I thought it is suppose to be 470+235 =705.

£220.

Miide2:
please does anyone know how much priority visa fee is ?

Yes.

blazerjewel:
So do i select Yes or No

You can include them on your spouse's application too except your spouse normally contributes nothing financially to the kids upkeep.

blazerjewel:
please any filled a UK partner visa, do you select Yes also for the section that "People financially dependent on you". i am the primary applicant and the children are already included in mine. we are all traveling together

In addition to the quoted comment, any one looking at working within the NHS can start off as a volunteer or bank staff as this usually builds familiarity with how the NHS works and makes it easier to get into later on. This is because NHS most times prioritizes NHS/clinical setting experiences.

For job applications, ensure that your cover letter address the skills on the JD while including one or 2 lines of how you've used those skills, ie. For jobs that require you to attend to visitors, handle enquiries, handle post etc, you can come up with something like "in my previous job/employment, I provided reception services to the Executive office/ executive director and I provided support with ...........(input the relevant things that you did in line with the JD).
Sell yourself well but make sure that you can provide scenarios on each of the skills incase you're are asked at the interview. A lot of interviews ask situational questions so get ready to display your knowledge and experience in concise words using the STAR method.

For the plagiarism aspect, while avoiding it like a plague, ensure that you reference your sources and use a wide range of materials as it shows that you've read and understood the subject matter widely.

TheGuyFromHR:
Exactly.
One good thing in all this is that a lot of people who've landed are now waking up to reality. As I said, there are some jobs going, but masses of people applying.

Some tips: Anyone coming here with the intention to stay back (not referring to those just seeking jobs to earn funds to cover immediate bills now), no matter what course you've studied or are studying or your previous work experience, add another string to your bow by orienting yourself towards the NHS. Take one or two of the self-study online courses available everywhere (e.g. health and care, etc), make a mix of practical and theory courses and try and find your way in on whatever Band level you can get in.
Leave all the international business management, Healthcare Technology, Information Technology Management and all those strangely named things - they are not likely to get you anywhere.

Redraft your CVs from the Nigerian style (throw out all the extraneous info about origin, primary school attended, etc.) to reflect what you have done (if you have experience) and can do. See if your school has a careers service that is actually working during the pando that can help you with this. You need to start applying soon for the internships and whatnot that will be coming up next year.

Draft good cover letters. Stop using the internet to do that. Anti-plagiarism software will catch you out. Learn the mistakes in your west African English ("asides", "would" instead of "will", etc.) and work on them. They actually do read these things. You all have phones and data, every morning devote at least an hour to reading the papers online to improve your English. Trust me when I say you're being held to a higher standard.

Do some basic research about the company to which you are applying and target your relevant experience or qualifications or skills towards that in your cover letter. Or if its an open position where specifics are not required, say something about what you could do for them using the above if you have no relevant experience, qualifications or skills.

Also, a lot of companies are unfortunately not up to speed with the latest changes to immigration rules allowing for the post-study among others, and still are unaware that foreign students will have 2 years after school, so you might need to address that as well so they know. A brief and specific line will suffice (someone asked me how to put that and I'm not going to say anything here, because the internet has a long memory and sadly a lot of people prefer cutting and pasting). Just say things in your own words, and you will be fine.

Lastly, do not underestimate the use of anti-plagiarism software in all you do. Do not.

4. Date of application is the date of online payment.
5. You can choose self-service which allows you to upload your documents up till the date of your appointment or choose the assisted service which entails your documents being scanned and uploaded by the VAC staff. Using either option doesn't have any implication on your application decision.
6. You can go ahead with your submission with the statement of account as long as it shows your funds for 28 days as required while your family should print another statement that captures all the funds after their own funds must have met the 28 day mark.

GodblessAll:
Thank you everyone for the wealth of information here.
Please I really need some clarification;
1. The whole money in my account will be 28days due by Tuesday next week for family of 5 but already, some part of it is already due for family of 4
2. My husband started my application and submitted on the 24th paying for assisted document upload.
3. He has started his own application, made necessary payment but I told him not to proceed with appointment page until the money is fully 28 days so that he can apply for the children and submit the same time.
4. When does submission start counting, is it after appointment or uploading of document or after payment
5. Please what is the implication of submitting without uploading documents (Waiting to do that at the appointment day)
6. Since the part of money I have in my account is ok for my application and I have submitted, will it affect my family that will apply next week when the whole money in my account will be due for their use.

It's possible but why, if I may ask? Why not wait till January for your spouse to apply with your son?

No, though you might need an enrolment letter from your school to support your spouse's application.

yibore1:
Good day everyone,

Can I apply for visa for myself and my spouse and later apply for my son by January. Is this possible.

Secondly, do I need to update my school by January in regards to my CAS to apply for him.

Please your advise is needed. Is kind of urgent.

Thanks.

I'm not sure that it will but the ECO might want to know why the certificate from the last course you were sponsored for wasn't used. You might need to explain this.

See link and screenshot below: https://www.gov.uk/student-visa/money

Berryabel:
Hi everyone,

I'm currently in the UK and considering a second program.

The issue is I was given a CAS using my BSc degree from Nigeria because my current masters degree certificate is not ready.

Considering that I have an academic history here, do you think my school using my BSc certificate as admission document on my CAS will give me issues?

Secondly, has anyone applied for a student visa in country (from the UK) recently? Did they ask for proof of funds?

The cover letter should be uploaded as a separate document. You can submit same with all the applications.

sherilycious:
Please I am apply with my dependents, must i include the cover letter on each of their applications also or only my own as the principal applicant? And please how is the cover letter done, should i merge it with the bank statements or i upload it seperately?

Normally, the ECO will not ask questions on bulk lodgement since it's a student visa but if you're asked for the source of funds, then just say the truth about how you got the money and be prepared with the evidence of the source just incase, the ECO asks to see it.

Dramaqueen12345:
Please what excuse can i use for having huge bulk of money deposited into my account? I got share of the sale of my father’s estate and i want to use it for my masters. Is this good enough reason for ECO...Someone please help

By "your account", I meant the account to be submitted which in this case, is the husband's.

If you read a few comments after that (I quoted the same comment below for your info), you'd notice that I stated the minimum amount the husband has to earn to make an application for her.

mimilyrics:
You should do your English and TB tests before you submit online.
Your husband must show evidence that he meets the financial requirement of £18,600 plus an extra £3,400 for your child. He'll have to submit his 6-month payslips, employment contract and bank statement to this effect.

NIFES:
Hello,
Permit me to ask why she needs to demonstrate any proof of funds in her account as it is her husband that is standing in as the sponsor and she isn't living or working (earning) in the UK as it is.
Thanks

BDC, transferwise (if it's a dorm account), PayPal (high charges) or get someone who needs Naira and can give you £. Ask on the living in the uk thread, someone will answer you.

iphie1984:
Goodevening all, please how do I transfer cash from my naija bank to UK. Please I need cash her to pay bills.

Declare them.
For the US refusals, just stating that the VO refused on the grounds that you didn't qualify for a visa at the time is okay.

Zemanova:
Good day guys , I'm planning to apply for my visa next week so I need your advice. I've had canada and US study visa refusal twice in 2017 and 2018 respectively, do I need to declare these in my application and if so, what will I say reason for my refusal was for my US application, considering the fact that, they don't give reasons, they only issue blue paper. And also for canada application,they stated that they are not satisfy that I will leave canada at the end of my study. Considering travel history,current employment situation and personal assets and financial status. Plz guys will I have to state these reason for them too ?

Upload separately. You can explain the use of 2 bank statements in a cover letter or the additional info section of your form to prevent the ECO from erroneously overlooking either of them.

sherilycious:
Please I am using account statement from two different banks to show my POF. Do I upload it seperately or I should merge both into one PDF file?
Also the part where I am to fill the bank I am using for proof of fund, is there an option to State both or I just state the one with bigger amount?

Yes.

MsChidi:
So the total amount payable is £705?

It's correct. £470 for your one year program plus ½ of £470 (£235) for the extra 4-6 months that's usually added so you're granted 1 year, 4 (or 6) months for 1 year programmes.

MsChidi:
Hi Mimi. I got £705 using the link. How did you come about £470 pls?

£470 per year.
Use this link to check how much you have to pay: https://www.immigration-health-surcharge.service.gov.uk/checker/type

MsChidi:
Hi everyone. With the increment in IHS fee to £450, how much is payable for IHS now? £450 or £675? Anyone, please.

Then he doesn't need to give notice. Registering at a Nigerian registry is considered appropriate notice, they will take care of the banns.

pamfad101:
The event would be happening in Nigeria, i was at the Lagos high commission to make enquiry but there was no to attend to me, fiance's family would be handling the registry activities (fathers wish), so he doesn't know how to go about the giving notice of marriage

It depends when the conviction happened and also on the merits and demerits of your application though the conviction will heavily colour your application; UK visa approvals are now heavily tilted towards having a good character and a criminal record will have some impact success at getting a visa.

This is a crime that also can be categorised as against public good and granting you a visa might put UK citizens/residents at risk and an applicant that is categorised as such has a high probability of leading to a UK visa refusal.

Also if you were imprisoned for 12 months or more, your application has a high chance of being automatically refused.
For non-custodial sentences, it also depends on how much time has passed since the conviction.
See attached screenshots for more info.

You can give it a try though but make sure you have more than enough funds in your account and that you can prove that the source of the funds is clean incase you're asked. Tick all the boxes and hold your documents in the manner prescribed by UKVI. This is because there will be a higher than normal scrutiny of your application.

EDIT: I just added a screenshot on measures that currently apply to non-EU nationals who have been convicted of a crime but will start applying to EU nationals from Jan 2021. PLUS screenshots from the UKVI refusal guide.
Visit links below for more info:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/general-grounds-for-refusal-considering-entry-clearance

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/home-office-announces-tougher-criminality-rules-for-eu-citizens

Coolhuy:
Good morning folks!
Can you apply for student visa in the UK and get approved, if you have had a criminal court case(white colar yahoo) previously and convicted with option of fine . ? What are the remedies, Implications and solutions . ?

Read the refund policy before you commit your finances to avoid just dashing them your funds in case you change your mind or things don't go as planned.

harmony940:
Please gurus I got an admissions at herefordshire for Jenuary, but deferred the admission to September 2021,I just got an offer and was told to make payment of 5000 pounds on September 11 2020,I am a bit confused as that date is no more vissible......Please attached is the screenshot...

It's still not a problem and I don't see it having a negative impact on your application except you're interviewed and can't give cogent reasons as to why you chose the course and what you've been doing before your admission offer.
WAEC isn't a gap determinant except you contradict your dates and key info during the interview.

When did you write your WAEC? What have you been doing since then? Have you been working and decided to better your professional chances? Are you a fresh secondary school leaver?

Kingp91:
Yes exactly! My waec is quite a while back so yes. That period between my waec and me getting admission.
That is the gap I am talking about and want to explain what I have been doing

I don't see that as an issue as long as your school accepted it. Your resumption on campus has no impact on your WAEC.

When did you write your WAEC? Are you talking about what you've been up to since you wrote your WAEC? That's me assuming that you wrote it a long time ago.

I'm trying to see what gap you're worried about. Kindly break it down so that we understand what you mean and advice appropriately.

Kingp91:
I am going to do a bsc and I used my waec to get my admission that is the gap I want to explain, the gap between my waec and my resumption.

1. Yes, you can but if you have any reason why you think your visa application might be complicated, you can apply 1st before your family.
Also, if you would like to sort things in the UK before your family joins you, applying alone would be your best bet.
If you want to make the move with your family and don't mind going through the initial stress of settling down together, then by all means, apply together.
The choice of applying together or alone is basically down to your preferences.

Just ensure that, whatever option you choose, you tick all the boxes, declare all the declarables and submit your documents in line with the prescribed UKVI requirements.

2. No. Some schools accept WAEC English result while others will accept a letter from your last institution stating that your course was fully taught in English. Some schools accept only IELTS though.

3. No, you can only apply at most 6 months before your course start date but you won't be able to travel to the UK more than a month before your course starts.

olaness:
Good day house. Thank you for all the insight and info given. This forum is really wonderful. I have a few questions pls:

1. Can I apply for visa at the same time with my spouse and 2 kids or will the chances for my family be better after I've gotten my own visa?

2. Must I write IELTS for admission or even visa? How else can I show English requirements.

3. Can we apply for visa in December or January for September program start date?

Pls gurus in the house, I need your replies. Thanks

You have an admission offer which is based in fulfilling the listed conditions.

1. Your degree certificate showing that you obtained a 2.1 degree.
2. IELTS or equivalent.
3. Pay a deposit of £2,000 or provide evidence of a scholarship you have towards your tuition.

You need to accept or reject it; if you accept it, you'll need to fulfil the conditions attached to the offer before it unconditional.

Adediwura025:
Please what does this means? Cos I applied for 3 different courses and I just got this message from one of them

What gap? What exactly is your situation?

Kingp91:
I need help please, I am preparing for my visa application and I have a gap , I would like to explain this using a cover letter but I have been unable to find samples or any information on how to do so especially something specific to my situation. Please your help will be highly appreciated.

Ps:i have been on it for three days

Cc @mimilyrics @lagosismyhome @justwise