₦airaland Forum

Ademuyiz:
Does anyone know if it's possible to carry out international transfers as usual with the new banking rules. For example someone's parents send their child in the UK a bulk amount for rent, say £3000 upwards, or will there be a specific list of documents to be provided before a bank honours the transfer request?

Thanks.

YES..
Through Form A.
Educational related issues are exempted but strictly through Form A transactions.

derbylicious:
*clears throat *

OK I need to be clear on this: for someone being sponsored via a trust fund, is the 28days bank statement required still

If you have your sponsorship letter then you use it. There is tier4 sponsored application as part of online application form option. if you are using the letter then you use that tier4 sponsored app.

But if the money is already in your account and you have enof time..its actually the best. if your fees have been paid and it reflects on your CAS then its a lot better.

spikesC:
Am just saying from experience.
Last year August, I went to first bank to get a PTA, they refused and asked me to use my MasterCard, and that if I don't have, I should fill in the form right there and get it immediately.

OK.
Policy changed!
U can't access PTA if you have an active Master/Visa card.

thanks.

spikesC:
First bank will issue you with a new mastercard right there and then

Pls I really don't understand this. Can you pls explain further? I actually got mine with the process stated. its a CBN policy.
Thanks.

worry357:
You are so sharp that you will cut yourself!
You just go on being clever and getting slapped.

Let other people be humble and succeed.
"The meek shall inherit the earth" not clever, smart bois!

I hear you!

If knowing your left from your right is the definition of not being meek but clever, I'm afraid I rather die being clever than keep silent and fane ignorance of a thing I know let alone when its to my benefit and not detriment.

There is nothing wrong in calmly reminding/informing anyone of a genuine information let alone when you are a beneficiary of such info. I think it's boldness not just smartness and I'm yet to see anyone getting slapped nor cut off cos of that.

Thanks!

Petitediva14:
I personally think that dollars is universally accepted. You would always find a bureau de change office to change to pounds there. Even from the airport, i believe.....

Research shows that the worst place to change your dollars upon arriving UK is at the airport. You would actually find a changing point but at a very high loss compared to when you get into town off tourist area BDC.

"I really don't think they can't issue dollar since your are travelling to the United Kingdom". #UnverifiedClaim#

worry357:
Yes the very, very last thing that you want to do is to try to be clever or tell them the law.
That is a sure way to get a rejection.

Some people try to be smart but it always comes back and bites them.

But in truth its rule for tier4 visa PTA. so you won't be playing smart gentle reminding or educating someone on a rule especially when it is verifiable fro there superior.
Besides you are a customer..He/She cant afford to make you uncomfortable when they realise you know your left from right.

Its a bank Job remember !

chenn:
Good Friends in the House! I went for PTA today but unfortunately 3 of banks (gtb, zenith, & 1st bank) don't have pounds sterling to give to me (and I don't stay in Lag or abj); so pls I need ur candid advice: should I ask them to give me the $4000 dollars instead Can I EASILY trade dollars for GBP when arrive the UK

No way!
You would surely run at a greater loss of about £3-8/$100
Do a lil Google search on pounds exchange upon arrival you would get a better picture.

Lagos.
First bank branches for pounds Any account)
1. Obanikran Ikeja,
2.Akowonjo Egbeda,
3.Nitel House Marina or the Head Office branch same Marina.

GTB: Current account only.
Lagos
Adeniyi Jones Ikeja Lagos
Bank Anthony Ikeja Lagos.
Awolowo way Ikoyi Lagos.

Note: You can't get a PTA if you have an active MasterCard. Disable/Dehoist your MasterCard/Visa before applying.

Find your way to Lagos/Abj a day or two b4 departure...you would get it.

NJN:
Usually, you need a return ticket to buy PTA (In addition to visa, int"l passport and applicatn form). However, if a student is travelling out for studies, you don't need no return ticket as that is completely not applicable in this case[i][/i]. So, as suggested above, if the person attending to you doesn't know this, make him/her refer to his/her supervisor or contact their customer care if they both do not know...lol

Exactly!
infact tell the person this..in confident that's its a policy he/she might not be aware else they'll bounce you comfortably.

kennyone:
@Mrmarcus, what exchange rate did first bank use for you?

CBN going daily rate.
Its always displayed.

Petitediva14:
Thanks for your tips. Did first bank give you cash or the pta card? I asked one of their staff and he said they don't give cash anymore. But I am a bit skeptical about the card working in the atm machines in UK. I have never used their card outside Nigeria.

Not all banks/bank branch have the boldness to do PTA.

Everyone I met there was given cash. never heard of any card probably the person you met was trying to market his product.

Petitediva14:
Poor planning how? What happened?

*One paid but wasn't reflected on CAS and had just maintenance fund in account tho telex copy of payment was attached.
* The other was refused visa previously cos of insufficient home ties.

Kriptic:
@MrMarcus

Congrats. I agree with you, the VI centre is not even half as slow as people made it seem. Yours was even faster than mine. 9 working days? Wow! Congrats again, man.

Greetings well received!

Thanks my man.. Its often cool one takes some risk and responsibility having studied a situation.

For instance.. everybody would prefer going to Abj cos there is the gist that the visa is faster cos of lower usuage probably because of its location. however, what if over 90% of applicants goes there? ofcos other VAC becomes almost vacant hence less traffic.

Anyone applying showed prepare one's self early enough and work with 15 working days. Generally irrespective of your VAC it doesn't exceed that for tier4 visa.
Two people I met there where issued REFUSAL cos of poor planning.

bidosko:
congrats Mr Marcus. For the PTA must the flight ticket be a return ticket not one-way

Greetings!

Mine was one way.
However you might get that lucky like me though CBN policy says its a return ticket thing.

what I did; with a lot of smiles, I pleaded with the lady to call her boss and request since I met other criteria to which the man on the other end of the line told her to use my admission letter.
Thus it depends on who you met and the persons mood. its a flexible rule.

Thanks.

dannyabba:
Congrats. And thank you so much for this info. I was/am seriously considering Priority service at VI. So did you actually use the priority service, or just regular application fee?

Greetings!
I never paid for any priority visa considering my calculations, it takes max. 15working days so I was on course as my counting shows first/early second week of August duration for max. stipulated working days.

Thanks.

VISA ISSUED!!!
Thanks to all for the wise counsel.

THE THINGS I learnt.

*Submitted application online on 20/07/15 (Salah public holiday) V.I VAC (church gate)
*Booked interview date on 21/07/15 (The next working day).
*Visa Received in Sheffield 22/07/15 via mail confirmation of receipt.
*Decision mail sent on Sunday 02/08/15 (which obviously isn't a working day so I assume decision was actually made on Friday 31/07/15)
*Total number of working days application lasted *9days*

Findings!!!
Ikeja fast visa processing to me is just a fluke.
if everyone thinks its fast and moves there just to get it fast V.I VAC thus becomes scanty with less application. would UK Sheffield abandon all applications just for Ikeja Centre ?? BIG NO. rather they only give priority to priority visa applications as stated on there web.

**My advice, pay for priority visa application if truly you want it faster rather than think that applying at Ikeja VAC would guarantee that cos it surely don't.

Reason: Teleperformance don't have any proven influence on visa application, submission or decision they are only a medium for applications and collection. "A legal UK VISA Agent"

For Example. I got mail of my visa being received at Sheffield from Sheffield Centre but teleperformance informed me after 24hours.
Decision mail was sent by teleperformance after I already received it from Sheffield UK 3days earlier. Thus, They only have information probably after the applicant had received such.

ON FOREX.
I bring Good news.
The CBN has relaxed its restrictions on issuance of PTA (Pocket Travel Allowance) hence you don't need to buy your foriegn currency from BDC at least for $4,000 equivalent.
However , don't bother using GTB as you would be disappointed as I was when I visited there overall head office in V.I Lagos.
I finally used FirstBank Marina Lagos.

REQUIREMENT: visa page of passport and flight ticket (return).. sometimes admission letter for tier4 visa.

FLIGHT BOOKINGS:
WAKANOW.COM: They did a good job in placing my bookings tho the customer care finished my airtime before attending to my call. However press 2 which is for reservations rather than 7 which is enquiry (That way they know its biznes) or transferring to an agent just like calling 180 on MTN.

I saved #210,000 with my idea of getting to London first then to Aberdeen via sleeper train...Tho sleeper train is same cost with flight £80. but for my luggage.

I hope someone finds this tips helpful.

Thanks.

igwejay67:
Go online and check megabus operates this service tried it once and it was an amazing experience and it costs a fraction of flight costs, for domestic flights you are only allowed one bag and i assumed you will be coming with a lot of luggages so you have to factor excess luggage charges as well but with train or the sleeper service your luggages are free. Bottom line every penny saved counts ...

Please I have been looking up online for the most optimal options for transportation enroute Aberdeen. I booked via Qatar Airways for $540 (#110,000) to London. I am yet to conclude the booking via the sleeper train from either London Bridge or Euston. I would be leaving London Friday 4th Sept. to arrive Aberdeen in the early hours of Saturday 5th.

Please can you help me with the site I am to use for the booking as am a lil confused as to whether is just a day time train or night I've been seeing from my search online. www.sleeper.scot and www.thetrainline.com I opted for the sleeper train experience. I saw £40, £80 and £160 on various time schedule.
Kindly help look up for bookings on the said date and guide me pls.

I don't mind if the cost is more compared to flight from London to Aberdeen as I seek a new adventure via the sleeper train idea and considering I can take any Kg of luggage FOC.

Thanks a lot.

drunkenmaster:
Thank you for your reply. Please what Bank did you use? I just left GTB now and I was told that I need to get an invoice or bill from the school.

if you can't get an invoice from your school, then what you can actually do is print any page containing the details of your school and amount to be paid.
CBN rules wants to know that the money is actually meant for schooling issues that's the reasoning.

Also you can request a letter from your school tell them to reflect your name, details and exact amount to be paid. it may be addressed to whom it may concern. but on your school logo.
Tell them its part of your countries forex monetary policy.

igwejay67:
Go online and check megabus operates this service tried it once and it was an amazing experience and it costs a fraction of flight costs, for domestic flights you are only allowed one bag and i assumed you will be coming with a lot of luggages so you have to factor excess luggage charges as well but with train or the sleeper service your luggages are free. Bottom line every penny saved counts ...

Thanks a lot bro..
I almost forgot the luggage aspect.
I guess flying from London to Aberdeen is off the options..cos as expected I have more than just one luggage.

Sleeper couch I would love to try out..a new adventure indeed.
Please what's the time duration for the sleeper couch and train??
The train is locomotive or speed train?

Thanks.

igwejay67:
Hi I've been a silent follower on this forum because I'm helping my little brother to apply for uni in Glasgow. For those of you going to Aberdeen or Edinburgh I've seen folks paying up to 280k for a direct flight why don't you take a flight to London and get a train for about £80-100 or better still get a sleeper coach for £35. You will go in and get a bed and wake up on your destination it's a brilliant service with charging ports and wifi, you get to see London and a bit of the country when you arrive and above all save your money. Hope this helps I've been in Scotland for almost 10 years if anyone needs clarification I'm happy to help. God bless

Exactly!!!

I previously suggested this route considering the very high cost of direct flights when even the said direct flight would connect from another airport before arriving Aberdeen.

Pls I would like to hear from you on the sleeper couch it sounds cool though I initially opted for flight from London to Aberdeen £80.

PweedyB:
its a procfessional exam for those in finance. Chartered Financial Analyst.

Thanks.
I googled it up tho and saw it.

PweedyB:
this is quite helpful did you book directly with them.

Not at all.. Your flight bookings/schedule is your personal arrangement. However, you can do that via various reputable online flight booking site.

*Search out various flights for your preferred date and choose one most suitable for you in terms of pricing, number of stoppages and flight duration. wakanow.com can help or u Google other ones.

*Don't book with this agents as agent fee would apply..
*When you have chosen your preferred flight then go to the website of the choice flight and make your bookings. You can contact them via there phone numbers on the web or go visit there office.

*Every flight you book online from Nigeria to Aberdeen has a connecting point (No Direct Flight). e.g Emirates connects @Abu Dhabi most times, British Airways and Virgin Atlantic connects from London, KLM connects from Netherlands and Lufthansa connects from Germany.

My Idea**
Since these flights are not direct flights after all while not take a direct flight to London. Then connect (yourself) from London to Aberdeen. Note: There are several flights to London from Nigeria.

*London to Aberdeen via British Airways is £80 (#25,000)
Most flights e.g AirMaroc Nigeria to London ranges from #118,000-130,000

But booking directly for Aberdeen from Nigeria with BA British Airways and KLM is btw #340,000-500,000 naira.

**I really think that balance from the flight bookings would come handy specially with the annoying exchange rate.

Tho I would be going to Stamford bridge 'Fulham road' (London) with the lil change from flight bookings to watch a Chelsea Match before moving to Aberdeen.

#Besides no harm in having a feel of London!

PweedyB:
pld did you choose the CFA1 option?

Pls what's CFA1 option ?

Kriptic:
Great. See you both in the granite city.


Yeah, I uploaded my photo about 2 weeks ago. I'll be studying Finance and Investment Management (MSc). You?

Thanks for the flight tip. As soon as I book my flight, I'll sign up for the airport pick-up.

Have you been able to register for classes yet?

Petroleum Engr. (MSc).
Registrations are generally done during the first week I.e from 8th sept.-11th. I intend to do so then.

I would be staying at wavell House Hill head are you using University residence?

Kriptic:
3rd July: Submitted my application at Churchgate, VI.
7th July: Application received in Sheffield, UK.
21st July: Decision made on application.
27th July: Visa picked up at Churchgate, VI.

Thanks to everyone who contributed to this thread. I followed every letter, every word, every advice posted. So many things I didn't know, I learned from here. You guys are nothing short of amazing, all of you!

For those expecting their visa, you will receive it. IJN!

University of Aberdeen, here I come.

CONGRATULATIONS.

what course are you to study?
Have you uploaded ur pics for student I.D?
There will be pick up sessions from the Airport @Aberdeen on 5th Sept. filled out the arrival/pick up forms on the new student web page.
Also you can book a flight to London first then book another flight from Heathrow to Aberdeen. You would be saving over 70k on the cheapest flight and over 100k from KLM and British Airways using such route.

Thanks.

See you in Aberdeen!

justwise:
She was banned for spamming Food section, got nothing to do with this section.

Please my bro.. Can one's visa applications been judged in line with his/her postings/comments on Social Media?? Facebook et al?

Have you had of any such scenario/case??

I am a lil worried cos av always attacked every govt. ill policies and other pressing issues especially in playing my role as an opposition in the current administration.

Thanks.

NJN:
Glory to God! Got my Visa today.

Applied on 10th July in Abuja, decision was made on 21st (5th working day, considering weekends and public holidays), docs returned to Teleperformance on 22nd and received via courier at my location today, 23rd...

@justwise, SpikeC, vicjustice and all who made contributions to my questions and all who do contribute on this forum, thank you all.

God bless!!!

CONGRATS!

chenn:
@ SpikeC and JustWise!

Please I need your candid advice here, I used one of my school education agent (consultant) for my MSc visa application & counseling and I got my Visa! They sent me a mail that I shld scanned my visa page and send it to them and also come a pick a free UK sim card, that I will be using when I arrived the UK.
I had been hesitating to send them the scanned copy of my visa page, Please I want to know if it is in my best interest to do that?


Advice Please Guys

Please don't send!
You already got your VISA.
Your bizness with them is over.
Get your own sim when you get to the UK.

it possibly can't be in your best interest !

Petitediva14:
Good morning guys, please who knows what the specification for the passport photograph is? Is it the normal visa type or normal passport photograph? I have both but I want to know if I need to take another one.

It's actually the normal passport size we all know. (forget about the hype).

*Ensure its on a white background.
*Let your face be very bold covering at least over 70% of the area.
*Your two ears must be visible
*No smiles just a neutral look.
*Passport size 35X45

Note:
If you choose to snap in front of UKVI Teleperformance office Church gate, you would be charged between #1000-2000 for a normal 2mins passport of #300.

However, you can snap same passport for #300-#500 just after GTB bank I.e sky bank street if you alight at Law School bus top instead of going towards law school/UKVI office walk straight "Adeyemo Alakija Street" (walk past Muri Okunola Park) towards GTB area lots of passport vendors there its 2mins walk.

I hope this helps!

Joyousbabe:
Hello everyone, please does anyone know the current amount iom collect for TB TEST for the month of july?

Call them when ever you are ready to pay. There rates change on daily basis so they will tell you what to pay when you call.

kokegbe:
again, ask questions, i have lived in owerri, and firstbank is not the only bank there. GTbank do form A on current account only.

That's not true!
SAVINGS ACCOUNTS DO form A with GTBank Owerri that's if they agrees to do Form A transactions as they have there reservations to that transactions at GTBank Ikenegbu Owerri.

So please don't say CURRENT ACCOUNT ONLY!
Get your facts right pls.

kokegbe:
again, ask questions, i have lived in owerri, and firstbank is not the only bank there. GTbank do form A on current account only.

Pls don't take it personal, GTBank Aminu KANU Crescent wuse II Abuja Just after EMAB Plaza did Form A for my cousin on a savings account wen he went for his T.B test at Buchanan close. Abj

Like I said earlier, GTBank Owerri is clueless with form A, there story being that the Form A guy did it for someone and after almost four weeks it never reflected in the school's account so the guy in charge upstairs (the General Office immediately you get upstairs 3rd table by the left) basically gives you restrictions that would make you look else where. I was not the only one that was turned down anyways I had to get FORM A from another bank yet no show. and you probably want me to recommend him to someone else ?? BIG NO.