Bringing family members together is a deeply held desire for many Nigerians living permanently in the United Kingdom. Whether you wish to sponsor your spouse or partner to join you, or you’re exploring options for bringing elderly parents over for care, the UK’s family visa system provides pathways to make this happen. However, it’s essential to understand that the rules, particularly the financial requirements, are strict and underwent significant changes recently.

Who Can Be a Sponsor in the UK?

To sponsor a family member (like a spouse, partner, or potentially a parent under specific rules) to come and live in the UK, you (the sponsor) must generally be:

A British Citizen, OR

Settled in the UK, meaning you have Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, or right of abode, OR
Have refugee status or humanitarian protection in the UK.

You must also intend for your family member(s) to live with you permanently in the UK.

Bringing Your Spouse or Partner to the UK

This is the most common family reunification route. If you are settled in the UK or a British citizen and want your Nigerian spouse or partner to join you, they will typically apply for a ‘Family visa’ under Appendix FM of the Immigration Rules.

1. Relationship Requirements

You must prove your relationship is genuine and ongoing (‘genuine and subsisting’). This means demonstrating that:

You are legally married or in a civil partnership recognized in the UK, OR
You have been living together in a relationship akin to marriage for at least the last two years (unmarried partners).
Any previous relationships for either partner have permanently broken down.
You intend to live together permanently in the UK.
Both partners must be aged 18 or over.
Evidence: You’ll need strong proof like marriage/civil partnership certificates, documents showing shared address history (utility bills, bank statements, tenancy agreements) for unmarried partners, photos together over time, communication logs (messages, call history), travel itineraries from visits, statements from friends/family confirming the relationship.

2. The New Financial Hurdle (Critical 2025 Update)

This is where the rules changed significantly. To sponsor a spouse or partner, the UK-based sponsor must meet a Minimum Income Requirement (MIR).

The Threshold: As of April 11, 2024, the minimum income threshold was raised to £29,000 gross per year. This figure is expected to apply through 2025, but always check the official GOV.UK website for the absolute latest figure before applying, as further phased increases were initially planned.
Children: Importantly, under the rules effective from April 2024, this £29,000 threshold applies whether you are sponsoring just your partner, or your partner and dependent children applying at the same time. The previous system of adding extra income for each child for the initial visa application was removed. (Different calculations may apply later during visa extensions or settlement applications if income levels change).
How to Meet the £29,000: This can be met through various sources, primarily the sponsor’s income:
- Employment Income: Payslips (usually last 6 months for current job held >6 months, or 12 months if shorter/variable income), employer letter confirming details, corresponding bank statements.
- Self-Employment Income: Evidence from the last one or two full financial years (tax returns, business accounts, etc.). Rules are complex.
- Non-Employment Income: Regular income from sources like property rental or dividends (needs clear documentation).
- UK Pensions: State or private pensions can count.
- Cash Savings: This can be used alone or combined with income if income is below £29,000.
  - Savings Formula: The amount needed is £16,000 PLUS 2.5 times the difference between your annual income and the £29,000 threshold.
  - Example: If your sponsor’s income is £24,000 (a shortfall of £5,000), the savings needed are £16,000 + (2.5 x £5,000) = £16,000 + £12,500 = £28,500.
  - Savings Only: To meet the £29,000 requirement solely through savings, you need £88,500 (£16,000 + (2.5 x £29,000)).
  - Holding Period: Savings must generally have been held in an accessible account under your or your partner’s control for at least 6 months prior to application. The source of savings must be legitimate.
- Applicant’s Income: The applicant’s (Nigerian partner’s) income generally cannot be counted unless they are already in the UK with permission to work.

3. English Language Steps (A1 -> A2 -> B1)

The applicant (your Nigerian spouse/partner) must prove their English language ability. The required level increases over time:

Initial Visa (Entry Clearance): Minimum A1 level on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) in Speaking and Listening only.
Visa Extension (after 2.5 years): Minimum A2 level CEFR in Speaking and Listening.
Settlement (ILR) (after 5 years): Minimum B1 level CEFR in Speaking and Listening.

How to Prove: Usually by passing an approved Secure English Language Test (SELT) from a

Home Office listed provider (e.g., IELTS Life Skills at the required level, Pearson PTE Home, LanguageCert International ESOL SELT, Trinity College London GESE). Check the GOV.UK list for approved tests and test centres available in Nigeria. An exemption applies if they have a degree taught or researched in English recognized by UK ENIC, or are a national of a majority Englishspeaking country.

4. Accommodation Proof

You must show you have adequate accommodation for yourselves and any dependents, which you own or occupy exclusively, without needing access to public funds (like council housing). Evidence includes tenancy agreements, mortgage statements, land registry documents, and possibly a property inspection report.

5. Tuberculosis (TB) Test from Nigeria

Applicants applying from Nigeria for a visa longer than 6 months must provide a certificate showing they are free from active pulmonary tuberculosis. This test must be taken at a clinic in Nigeria approved by the UK Home Office. Find the list of approved clinics on the GOV.UK website. The certificate is valid for 6 months.

Sponsoring Parents from Nigeria: The Adult Dependent Relative (ADR) Route

Bringing elderly or dependent parents from Nigeria to live permanently in the UK is extremely difficult under current immigration rules. The main pathway is the Adult Dependent Relative (ADR) visa, which has a very high refusal rate because the requirements are incredibly strict.

Core ADR Criteria:
- The parent applying must, because of age, illness, or disability, require long-term personal care to perform everyday tasks (like washing, dressing, cooking). This requires substantial medical evidence.
- They must be unable, even with the practical and financial help of the sponsor in the UK, to obtain the required level of care in Nigeria. This means proving the necessary care is either not available (there is no person or facility in Nigeria who could provide it) or not affordable. This is often the hardest part to prove, requiring detailed evidence about care options and costs in Nigeria.
- The UK-based sponsor must sign a declaration confirming they can and will adequately maintain, accommodate, and care for the parent in the UK for at least 5 years without relying on public funds. This involves providing detailed evidence of the sponsor’s financial capacity beyond the standard spouse visa MIR.
Who Applies? The parent applies from outside the UK.
Distinction: This is not the route for parents visiting or for parents applying based on rights relating to a child living in the UK (which involves different, complex rules usually under Appendix FM or Article 8 ECHR). The ADR route is specifically for parents needing long-term care from their UKbased child sponsor that cannot be met in Nigeria.

Given the difficulty, seeking specialist immigration advice is highly recommended before considering an ADR application.

The Application Process from Nigeria (Spouse/Partner Focus)

Gather Extensive Evidence: This is vital. Compile all documents proving:
- Sponsor’s status (UK passport, ILR proof etc.). o Applicant’s identity (Nigerian passport). o Genuine relationship (marriage cert, cohabitation proof, photos, messages, travel history).
- Financial requirement met (payslips, bank statements, employer letters, savings proof covering the £29,000+ threshold).
- Adequate accommodation (tenancy/mortgage, property details). o English language requirement met (SELT certificate at A1 level).
- TB test certificate from an approved clinic in Nigeria.
Complete the Online Application: Submit the application via the official GOV.UK website. Ensure you select the correct form (usually under ‘Family visas’ > ‘Apply as a partner or spouse’).
Pay ALL Fees (Updated 2025): Costs are substantial:
- Visa Application Fee: For a partner/spouse visa application made outside the UK, the fee is £1,938 (as of April 2025, verify on GOV.UK).
- Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): This is mandatory and allows access to the NHS. It costs £1,035 per person, per year of the visa. For the initial spouse visa (granted for approx. 2 years and 9 months), you pay the IHS upfront for the full duration (around £3,105 per person).
- Total Upfront Cost Example (Spouse only): £1,938 (visa fee) + ~£3,105 (IHS) = over £5,000.
Book and Attend Biometrics Appointment: After submitting the online form and paying fees, you’ll book an appointment at a UK Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Nigeria, operated by

TLS contact (locations typically in Lagos and Abuja). You’ll provide fingerprints and a photograph. Supporting documents are usually uploaded online beforehand or scanned at the VAC (may involve extra fees).

Wait for a Decision: Standard processing time for family visas submitted outside the UK can take up to 24 weeks (approx. 6 months). Priority services might be offered at the VAC for an additional fee (e.g., ~£500+) to potentially get a decision faster (e.g., within 30 working days), but this is not guaranteed.

Settling in the UK: The Path to ILR

Spouse/Partner Route: The initial visa is typically granted for around 33 months. Before it expires, you apply for an extension (Further Leave to Remain) for another 30 months. After completing a total of 5 years (60 months) continuous residence in the UK on the partner route, meeting all requirements at each stage (including progressing English to A2 then B1, meeting financial rules, living together), you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or settlement. To get ILR, you must also pass the Life in the UK Test. Continuous residence means not having absences from the UK exceeding 180 days in any 12-month period.
Parent (ADR) Route: If an ADR visa is granted, it often leads directly to ILR upon arrival, reflecting the permanent nature of the care need.

After holding ILR for usually 12 months, individuals can potentially apply for British Citizenship.

Key Advice for Nigerian Families

Plan Finances VERY Early: The £29,000 income requirement (or £88,500+ in savings) is a major hurdle. Sponsors need stable income/savings well documented for at least 6-12 months before applying.
Document Your Relationship Thoroughly: Don’t underestimate the evidence needed to prove your relationship is genuine and subsisting, especially for unmarried partners. Collect proof consistently over time.
Be Realistic About Parent Visas: Understand the ADR route is exceptionally difficult. Explore all care options available in Nigeria first, as this will be scrutinized.
Check GOV.UK Meticulously: Immigration rules, fees, financial thresholds, and processing times change. The official UK government website is the only reliable source for current information.
Consider Professional Advice: Given the complexity and cost, especially with the new financial rules, consulting a qualified UK immigration lawyer or advisor can be beneficial to ensure your application is prepared correctly.

Bringing Your Family Together

Reuniting with your spouse, partner, or parent in the UK is a significant life goal. While the pathways exist, the UK’s 2025 family immigration rules, particularly the heightened financial requirements, demand careful planning and robust evidence.