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UK Offers Fresh Opportunities for African Teachers with New Work Visa
The UK gov has some exciting news for teachers from African countries.
If you’re a teacher from Nigeria or similar, here’s what you need to know.
The UK government has just announced a new work visa program aimed at offering a gateway of opportunities to teachers from African countries such as Nigeria, Ghana, and others.
This program offers a wide range of possibilities for individuals who want to work and teach in the UK.
Below are guidelines and requirements to follow before being eligible to apply.
Requirements to Apply for UK Work Visa for Nigerian Teachers:
- You need to have a bachelor’s degree to work in the UK for up to 2 years
- You’ll require a skilled worker visa from your employer
- A sponsor, either a school, local authority, or academy trust, will be needed with an employer license
Visa Categories:
- The Graduate Visa and High Potential Visa categories are open to Nigerians
- International students who complete their degree can apply for Graduate Visa with a sponsor from an eligible Home Office licensed student sponsor
- Up to 2 years of work or job searching in the UK after studies
- 3 years for PhD students without a sponsor
- The possibility of switching to other visa types, like skilled worker visas, if requirements are met
High Potential Visa:
- Open to teachers with Bachelor’s, Master’s or PhD degrees from a global university
- Degree must be more than 5 years old
- Good English skills required
Requirements for Teachers:
- Personal funds of 1,270 pounds
- Offer for a teaching job
- Can stay in the UK for up to 2 years without a Bachelor’s and 3 years with a PhD
Eligible Countries and Criterion for Award of QTS
From February next year, teachers from eligible countries, such as Nigeria, can apply to the Teaching Regulation Agency and show that they have met the set criterion for the award of Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
The UK government has stated that over time, the teaching route will be opened to qualified teachers from countries outside the UK. The eligible countries are Ghana, Hong Kong, India, Jamaica, Nigeria, Singapore, South Africa, Ukraine, and Zimbabwe.
Starting February This Year:
- Qualified teachers from eligible countries can apply to the Teaching Regulation Agency
- Must show that criteria for award of QTS have been met
- The UK gov says over time, the teaching route will open up to teachers from outside the UK
UK Implements New Visa Rules for Nigeria
The UK government has announced plans to implement new visa rules for Nigeria as 10 students bring at least 9 dependants, the highest in the country. With this new visa program, the UK hopes to attract talented teachers from around the world and provide them with the opportunity to work and teach in the UK.
Note: 10 students from Nigeria bring an average of 9 dependants, the highest in the country, leading to new visa rules in the future.
