Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. You can use your parent's or guardian's account. You'll need:

• Their bank statements showing 28 consecutive days of funds
• Your birth certificate showing their names
• A consent letter from them authorizing you to use the funds

The consent letter can be a simple typed or handwritten letter - no court involvement needed.

No. Your funds can sit completely untouched for 28 days - no transactions required. UKVI will contact your bank to verify the funds are still available when they process your application.

You have two options:

• Wait for the rate to improve (risky if you have deadlines)
• Pay additional amount toward your tuition fees to cover the shortfall

The second option is often faster. Always add a 5-10% buffer to your POF calculation.

No. UKVI only accepts funds from regulated Nigerian bank accounts. Fintech apps like Grey, Wise, Chipper, etc. are NOT accepted as of 2025. Use traditional banks only.

UKVI uses OANDA rates on the day of your application, not black market rates. If your conversion lost money, you may not have enough. Budget carefully and consider paying extra toward tuition to make up the difference.

The TB test certificate is valid for 6 months from the date of the X-ray (not the appointment date). Plan carefully:

• Too early = it might expire before your visa decision
• Best timing = 3-4 months before your visa application

Not absolutely. If you have your degree certificate, WAEC results, and NYSC certificate, those usually suffice. If UKVI asks for a transcript, you can provide your university's transcript department email so they can contact them directly.

Yes. It's acceptable to merge all passport pages into one PDF file. Use CamScanner or similar apps - as long as the resulting PDF is clear and legible (at least 300 DPI).

It means your application requires further checks or verification. This is NOT a refusal - it just means you'll wait longer than the standard 15-21 days. They could be verifying employment, education, TB test, or funds. Stay patient.

About 50/50 chance. UKVI may verify employment by contacting your employer using publicly verifiable email addresses or LinkedIn - not necessarily the email on your reference letter. Give your HR department a heads-up that UKVI might contact them.

Likely. They may contact your university to verify your CAS is real, your course dates, and your academic standing. This happens quietly without notifying you.

NSF means "Non-Straightforward" - it does NOT mean refusal:

• Empty NSF: They received your documents but need more time
• NSF requesting documents: They need specific clarification

Most common triggers: work history gaps, study gaps, employment verification needed. Respond promptly if they ask for documents.

Previous refusals don't automatically disqualify you. Real cases from Dec 2025:

• Applicant with 5-year study gap + 2 previous UK refusals: APPROVED
• Applicant with 4 previous refusals (3 US + 1 Canada): APPROVED in 11 days

Key factors: Declare ALL refusals honestly, provide comprehensive documentation, explain what's changed since then.

Explain what you were doing: NYSC service, self-employment, family responsibilities, health issues, etc. Provide documentation if possible:

• NYSC certificate
• Employment letters
• Business registration
• Professional certifications obtained during the gap

Honesty is key - UKVI prefers truth over excuses.

Options for work reference:

• Satisfied client: Someone you did business with regularly can write a letter describing your work
• Business association: If registered with traders/transporters association, get their letter
• Bank reference: Statement showing regular business activity

Include your NYSC certificate if you have gaps. If you have CAC registration, FIRS documents, or tax returns - include them.

Request a copy immediately. This is critical because:

• YOU are legally responsible for everything submitted, even if an agent submitted it
• People have received 10-year bans due to false information agents submitted without their knowledge
• The agent may disappear or claim they "misunderstood" - you still face the ban

If you suspect false information was submitted, contact UKVI immediately with evidence and request correction.

Yes. Your spouse can apply separately after you're in the UK. They'll need:

• Your BRP or visa evidence
• Your application number (GWF/UAN)
• Marriage certificate
• Bank statements covering their living costs
• Relationship evidence: family photos, WhatsApp chats, emails

No. From January 2024, taught Master's (MSc) students cannot bring dependants. Only research-based programmes (MRes, PhD) may allow dependants - but this is university-specific. Always verify directly with your university.

During term time: Maximum 20 hours per week (or 10 hours if specified on your visa).

During vacations: Full-time work allowed (no hour limit).

After course ends: Full-time work allowed for the remaining 4 months of your visa.

Keep records of your working hours - the Home Office may investigate if you earn more than ~£15,000/year.

On a Student visa you cannot:

• Be self-employed or run a business
• Work as a professional sportsperson or coach
• Take a permanent full-time job
• Work for an agency to do temp work (unless through your university)

You can start work before getting your NI number, but apply as soon as you arrive. Your employer needs it for tax purposes. Apply online at gov.uk or call the National Insurance application line.

No - this requirement was abolished in August 2022.

Even if your visa says you must register with police, you no longer need to. The Home Office removed this requirement because it was redundant with biometric permits and online address reporting.

If you registered before August 2022, you don't need to take any action - just keep your certificate in case it's ever requested.