₦airaland Forum

Babbyad:
You are eligible. Your endeavor will help to guide your petition. You will need to have a good presentation to have your petition approved.

Thanks. If I may ask which are you referring to please? EB1 or EB2 NIW? Thanks

Hi All,

Please, I need your advice to assess my EB1/EB2 visa preparation. I have a BSc in Nigeria and an MSc in the UK, both in a business-related field. Worked as a teacher for 7 years and then switched to Digital Marketing/ IT Project Management roles since 2021 to date.

I have co-authored two peer-reviewed papers that were recently approved for publication and one speaking engagement at an international conference. I may have one more paper published and possibly another speaking engagement before the end of the year. I plan to apply for either EB1 or EB2 NIW from the UK by November/December.

1. With this profile, do I stand a chance?

2. If no, what would you recommend to boost my chances between now and November

3. Would you advise I pursue EB1 or EB2?

4. From experience, what's the average total cost I should prepare for?

5. Any other additional advice would be appreciated

Thanks

jedisco:
Alot has been said about AI and how it'd render many jobless. I absolutely agree its revolutionary however history has shown us we tend to overestimate the impact of a new tech advancement in the short-term (leading to market frenzies) but underestimate its longterm effects. Same story led to the internet boom of 2000. Many people made postulations in 1998 of how the internet wuld render postal workers useless e.t.c. While certain changes took place, we still have postmen today. Very few would have envisaged how large Internet based companies would grow, or jobs and future tech they'd create and even AI we have tethered to it today. Another good example is electricity, the printing press even crypt0 - brilliant tech, early hype but still yet to find a widely accepted everyday use case (yes, I'm 'invested')


I work with lots of AI models and have found them to be mind-blowing at times. Healthcare is heavily targeted with AI as funding is government backed, services need to cater to millions and our systems move slowly. So as a tech coy, once you get some buy-in you're almost sure you have lifetime customers. I use an AI scribe that helps write up my notes, write referrals e.t.c. Its good- can it replace a practice secretary? Not yet but time would tell. Some have said it might replace healthcare professionals- again, time would tell. I have recently used AI to analyse a 30 page contract I'm previewing. The intriguing thing about AI is that the version used today is likely to be the least advanced version one would ever use. All said, I think it'd be a feature to enable us improve productivity as a stop gap for our declining demography. Only downside, is that it can't consume- it may need electricity and a few chips but its not getting groceries, eating out, going to dinner e.t.c. It can't produce the demand capitalism feeds off.


With AI, I'm taking it a step at a time, avoiding the excess hype but being abrest with it.

Great point! I also always think about the impact of AI on NHS both negatively and positively, especially given its status as the biggest employer in the UK and how the entire nation relies on it for their medical needs. I want to believe its adoption at any capacity would be thoroughly and thoughtfully assessed as any wrong step could have damning consequences. At the same time, not proactively embracing it could also impact/limit operational efficiency and medical breakthroughs. I work in charity, and I can tell you that the industry is risk-aversed when it comes to AI. But being an outsider to NHS, I know my estimation might be off track. But you, as an insider, what do you think are the top benefits and risks of AI to the NHS?

I need your advice, guys. 

Can my uncle use my address for his UK visit visa even though he will not be staying with me when he comes? He will be staying in a hotel during his stay. But he doesn't want to book yet and is hoping he can use my address just for the application. He is sponsoring himself and shouldn't have a problem proving his financial capabilities. We only need to find out if using my address can work. By the way, I stay in a two-bedroom flat with a friend, and I am on a Graduate Visa with almost 2 years of validity. 
Thanks

Hi All,

Is it true that I can use Air France or KLM from London to Lagos as a UK BRP and Nigerian passport holder without a transit visa? Please advise before booking the flight.

Thanks

For those that have holidayed in Albania or Montenegro, which affordable cities and tourist attractions would you suggest please? I would also appreciate some tips on how to make the most of the one-week break and get the best value for my time and money. I really need to take some days off soon and I won't have enough time to start Schengen visa process wahala. Thanks

hayesconcept:
No, You need to update your visa

Thanks for answering this. However the UCAS link someone shared above clarifies everything that one only needs to ensure it's not a permanent role. So fixed term is allowed based on the information. Thanks all the same. Much appreciated

MichaelUde:
Yes, you can. Fixed-term employment is allowed in between when your course end date has passed and before your student visa expires.

https://www.ukcisa.org.uk/information--advice/working/working-after-studies#layer-7044

Thank you so much for the link. I t gave me the answer I've been looking for.

Hello guys,

Can a student visa holder take on a fixed-term contract role immediately after they complete their study and have been cleared by the school to work full time?

bigtt76:
Exactly. Most times in addition to requesting references, your employer or you may be asked for your past payslip. They also go as far as checking up the employer to see if they exist.

To avoid all these dramas, if a UK reference isn't mandatory for a job, would it be okay to just use a personal tutor or dissertation supervisor (for those on student visas) plus a Naija reference instead?

kwakudtraveller:
Do you own a credit card? If yes then find a way to withdraw the balance £1k through PayPal and then pay back the CC company in instalments on a monthly basis albeit with interest similar or lesser than taking a loan. Stay committed and pay back the 1k in a few months at no risk to your credit score. This is the fastest method to resolving your issue.

No I don't have a credit card.

Thewritingnerd:
Does this include the remote work that started in Nigeria and is paid to my Fidelity dollar account too? (Client is UK-based).

I need to be clear if this covers freelancing that’s done within UK territory or prior freelancing with Nigerian residential details that serves clients from other countries.

I was in your shoes last year researching on the same topic. I have an Upwork account of 5 years old with over $20K total earnings and lots of clients. I abandoned it in 2020 and wanted to resume using it for side hustle when planning my UK journey last year. But all my findings indicated that doing so is against my student visa rule as freelancing/self-employment isn't allowed. And your UK-based client might want to do their findings to be sure they aren't breaking the law by maintaining a freelancer-client work relationship with you when you are already in the UK on a student visa. I might be wrong, though, but the last time I checked, my understanding was that it has to be an "employment" not a contract or freelance role.

lavida001:
Try to pay up even if it’s to take a loan. But I think some school will allow you write exams but you won’t be awarded certificate until you pay up.

Hmnn, I would have loved that. But are there ways international students can access a loan in the UK?

Chreze:
Cool. But I will do the other way round. I mean write them for a payment plan and then start payment. Trust me, the person with 1k payment completed it 6months after the program. Them just write am as debt for him record with the school. One thing with this UK I have found out is, not everyone working in an office have perfect understanding of the policy. Sometime when calling, call like 3 different times (speaking to 3 different people) to proceed. You will be shocked someone else will give you a slightly different part of the policy that favors you.

Request for payment plan sighting forex difficulty from your home country. They will set up a plan for you, then you start paying from your 1400. You can request for 6months. Try speaking to someone on phone to help out. Keep calling till you speak to someone who understands your situation.

Wow! This is why I'll always be grateful to Nairaland and this thread. I would never have considered all these possibilities on my own. I will follow the advice diligently starting this week. Thank you so much once again.

hustla:
Would be better to pay what you have and then call them up to explain the situation


£1400 leaves you with some small balance and that's easier to explain to them and buy time with

Thanks hustla
I'll do so and then keep engaging them.

jedisco:
On paper, a good chunk can be done while in Nigeria but most professional pathways are easier when the person is already in the UK.

It's still relatively new and I've not encountered anyone who has gone thru successfully. The wider house could help

Hmnn I see.
Thank you. I'll advise the person accordingly.

Chreze:
Some universities carry on with just little balance left. My school then allowed someone with 1k balance graduate and get certificate. But the person with 2k was not allowed to graduate until amount was paid.

I believe there is a fraction debt that can be accepted. I have a feeling less than 5% balance can be accepted. I may be wrong as that was the core covid period and the considerations/flexibility from organization were high.

You can write your school to set up a payment plan for the 2500. These can be broken into 3 or 6 months. That will leave you some time to strategize the balance while you pay from your 1400 to the installment set up. No over stress yourself, you need your composure to pass and start work.

Thank you very much for the detailed advice. I will make the payment and then write them on payment plan. Though I'd done that already to which they replied they can't allow beyond December (end of course). But with the situation now I doubt either of us has much choice. I'll keep engaging them and try not to worry about it too much. Many thanks!

Guys

I'm in a dilemma regarding my tuition and will need your advice please.

I'm in the last semester of my master's and have about £2500 outstanding. The problem is I've been changing naira to pounds to pay to this stage since Form A became unreliable. I'm left with the hope of 2m which is just around £1400 at the current black market rate.

I've told the school that I'm working on it but they won't stop sending reminders. With the look of things I can't pay up until I finish and resume full time employment. I once sent them an email explaining the situation of things how the sudden FX hike has almost tripled the fee from the anticipated amount.

I don't know if anyone else is having or has had the same experience. How are you going about it please? I'll appreciate any advice I can get as the frequent emails and threat of potential withdrawal from the school has started affecting my wellbeing. I don't like being in debt. It makes me worry and lose concentration. Thanks

jedisco:
There is a route for teachers which is still fairly new. Might be worth exploring that before it becomes oversaturated. Initially coming over as a carer or for masters should make eventually getting on the teacher route easier.

Oh thank you so much. In other words, it's not so realistic to process it from Nigeria, right?

Hi guys

Please what's the process of obtaining a Tier 2 worker Visa as a teacher from Nigeria? A friend with extensive years of experience as a teacher in Nigeria is considering the option. Please how does he start the process?

I did some research and found that one must have a job offer first. Please has anyone successfully gotten an offer from Naija as a teacher? Will appreciate any information I can get on this. Thanks

Schoolhike:
In addition, I would like to know how to scale through civil service interview executive office (eo role ). Already have 3 interviews and I would like to figure out what could be wrong in my approach.

Hi Schoolhike,

I just sent you a DM. I have an interview in two weeks for a civil service AO role. I will really appreciate some insights on what to expect and tips to prepare and perform well. Thanks

bigtt76:
Lol ...ideally your utilisation rate shouldn't be more than 20-25% of the limit granted you by the CC company for you to remain in good credit score range.

What this mean is that if you have a CC limit of £2000, spending all would make you look desperate and too dependent on credit facility for survival.

To avoid this, use just 25% of £2000 which is £500 each month and pay back the minimum amount payable.

On your part, to avoid matters that touches, try not to spend all of that 25% if you can't afford to pay back monthly the minimum or in the nearest future the entire balance. Always utilise what you would normally pay out of pocket without strain. So assuming you have £40 for a pair of trainers, instead of paying cash or through your debit card, use your CC and pay the £40 back to the CC. This way you are creating for your self, credit history using your CC for purchases.

What oga Lexusgs430 was trying to tell you about the hot soup is that ...don't go and start balling at the Dorchester or Marriott hotels when you get a CC of £5000 credit limit you can't afford to pay back timely Na olopa dem go use con carray you. oo

Thanks for the detailed explanation Bro. I'll keep in mind. Yea, I understand what Oga Lexus was talking about, I was only catching cruise jare.

bigtt76:
Over indulgence in credits you can't afford to pay back

Haha that's village people pro max

bigtt76:
List your address twice if you have no other one in the UK or if it gives you an option to list an address outside UK, then put in your Nigeria address.

Okay, thanks Bro.

bigtt76:
Why would you want to put in your Nigerian address? Don't you have an address here in the UK?

Amex eligibility checker required additional address for being in the UK for less than 3 years.

Lexusgs430:
Be prepared for a charred tongue.... 👅👅👅👅👅

My tongue is made of iron, so no shaking haha

Lexusgs430:
Don't conflict things....... Credit score is different from credit report........

My credit report could be 660, and AMEX approves my application. But rejects your credit score of 872 .......

Be patient...... You no wan rush lick hot soup ......😂😜

Thanks Boss for the advice, I will take things slow and steady.

At your last line - what is I like my soup hot hot

BouharryArtikou:
Calm. Down.
Why do you badly need a credit card?
Scroll through the thread. You will see links of comparison sites that allow you to enter your details and check your eligibility. These sites can actually show you the cards that you have been pre-approved for. Apply for one of those pre-approved ones. Then begin the journey. Small small.
For now, you may want to ignore people dropping their referral links (I mean, ignore the referral links, not the people). Trust me, those referral links are for their own interests, not yours (in the first instance).

Thanks bro for the suggestion, I may check out those suggested ones. Though far from being desperate actually, I only wanted to know.

@ bigtt76 & Solumtoya,
Please guys, with Experian score of 872 will I be approved for Amex? I tried to check my eligibility on Amex site but it didn't allow me input my Nigerian address. I have been here for 5 months. On the electoral register already but no DD for any expenses yet.

rinzylee:
Why didn't she report the incident?

Why didn't she document?


Let her pray o

She actually documented the refusal.

Phayie:
I don't think CQC will do anything to her because you can't force a resident to go to bed, but the only mistake she made was that she ought to have notified her shift leader

Thank you very much. I'll let her know.

Hey guys, kindly advise on this situation. A friend that works as a Domiciliary carer with a care company was supposed to put a client to bed but the client refused all her effort and persuasion, the client also refused her putting the light on. After some hours, the carer got a call that the client fell,was taken to the hospital and she got some injuries (broken bones).... Now the carer is being disciplined for not notifying the office when the client declined going to bed. I will like to know if any legal action will be taken against the carer by Care quality commission. Should she be worried because she is really bothered.