Nigerian Students Brace For Impact As UK Prepares To Announce Family Visa Ban

Dependent Visa and its Advantages

A Dependent Visa offers several advantages. The possibility of working and a huge variety of Nigerian Students studying in the UK is one of these benefits (children can attend private or state schools). The holders of UK Dependent Visas may also apply for permanent residency after a period of time.

Having a UK Dependent Visa will allow you to be together with your family, which is the most important benefit. Because of draconian Home Office policies, many families can only communicate via Skype.

Biggest News for Nigerian Students

Nigerian students and other nationalities studying in the UK may no longer be allowed to bring their families over following new restrictions announced by the UK.

The Sun UK exclusively reports that this crackdown will take place this week. Master’s students and many other postgraduates will be forbidden from bringing family members.

Unlike Ph.D. students, who normally take 3 to 5 years to earn their degrees and are very skilled, the ban won’t apply to Ph.D. students.

According to reports, net migration into the UK has shot up to one million, prompting Tories to ask the Prime Minister to “take action against the rocketing numbers.”

Re-Entry Ban

UK re-entry bans prohibit individuals from returning after being banned from entering the country for a specified period of time. Depending on the reason for the ban, a re-entry ban lasts different lengths of time. If migrants violate immigration rules or use deception in their application for immigration, they will be issued these documents. If your visa application is refused to enter the UK, you will be refused a new visa application at the Home Office, and you will be turned away at the UK border if you travel here.

Some Key Factors

• Nigerian students studying in the UK will be restricted from obtaining family visas.
• Master’s and postgraduate students are primarily targets; Ph.D. students are exempt.
• There are concerns over how international education may affect cultural exchange and familial support.

Those who study in the United Kingdom may soon face new restrictions on family visas as part of a recent move that has sent shockwaves through the African student community. The policy change will affect students from a number of African nations, including Nigeria, sparking concern and debate.

The Sun UK reports that postgraduate students who enrol in programs lasting three to five years and require a high level of specialization will not be able to bring their families. Ph.D. students, who typically take up to five years to complete, will be exempt from these restrictions.

Major Decisions

The government’s decision has resulted in a staggering one million people moving abroad. In a letter to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Conservative Party MPs called for immediate action. These concerns are likely to be addressed by him, emphasizing that the numbers are based on data for December 2022, two months after he took over. Student visas have been used by family members to accompany students more than double in recent years.

How Nigerian Students Get Affected by This Decision

Among the largest contributors to the UK’s international student community are Nigerian students, whose impact is particularly significant. Nigerian culture reflects strong familial bonds and support, with 59,053 students bringing over 60,923 relatives in just last year.

In Light of the Impending Restrictions

African students are discussing possible alternatives and consequences. Others argue that the ban may hinder the academic and personal growth of students without a family’s support, causing a disruption to the sense of unity and cultural exchange that has long characterized international education.

Student communities and stakeholders in African higher education are closely monitoring the situation as the official announcement draws near. While urging policymakers to consider the broader impact of these restrictions, they also urge them to explore opportunities to maintain ties between students and their families during their overseas education.

A comprehensive dialogue between African nations and the UK is essential to foster educational exchanges while addressing concerns about migration and security, as emphasized by the proposed ban. Individual interests and national aspirations can only be balanced through open and constructive engagement.

Nigerian students, as well as those from other countries has not been deterred by this policy change.

Here are the Main Steps you need to take to obtain a British Student Visa

If you are a Nigerian student and want to study in the United Kingdom, please follow these steps: On the designated online platform, you can apply for the visa and upload the required documents. To submit your biometrics and supporting evidence, schedule an appointment with the TLScontact visa application center in Nigeria. For assessment and processing, your application will be transferred to UK Visas and Immigration by the TLS contact center.

Visa Requirements

When applying for a visa, Nigerian students must provide biometrics. In essence, biometrics are extra identification methods (such as fingerprints and pictures) used by countries to ensure security.

You may need to attend an interview during the application process for a visa. The United Kingdom requires students to have a Student Visa for one month. You may need to renew your visa every year if you intend to continue your degree program throughout the year. The immigration office requires you to renew your visa after you have completed your degree.

Assignment Masters Edinburgh can assist you with writing a strong visa application and guiding you on the documents and processes before applying for a visa from any country. Prior to applying to another country, make sure you have everything you need.