Thread by @kxesca

I've been following #Japa and I think I should loan my voice to the conversation. I wish those in the UK "Japa boat" well as they start their course next week. I also hope many have given a thought to #Japa the student Visa route gives you limited time to live in the UK #Thread

as a matter of fact, 1yr Master's + 2yrs graduate Visa does not count toward settlement in the UK. So stay humble and focused to achieve whatever your goal is for leaving our beloved in Nigeria at this time. I have a thing or two to share for those who are willing to learn...

In 2020, the UK brought back the 2years post-study work (PSW) which they renamed Graduate Visa. In 2010, Former PM, Theresa May and Home Secretary at the time put an end to PSW visas. When I arrived in the UK in 2011, the PSW Visa was no longer in place...

but we met the last batch of people who had 2 years to look for a sponsored Tier 2 visa. So, I know the pressure and anxiety that comes with the 2-year PSW visa,it passes quickly. I will share what may likely happen to thousands of "Japarians" excitedly leaving Nigeria for the UK

IMHO, Immigration has become some kind of product for UK Universities,School Agents,Banks, and all other parts of the student visa value chain. Int'l Students are cash cows, the product is designed such that you can meet the initial requirement, come in, and pay small-small.

So for most people coming here, you are simply coming to work and pay school fees with the hope that you will secure a permanent job that will give you a Tier2 sponsorship visa. After 5 yrs of working on a Tier2 visa,you're eligible for Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK (ILR)

So in short, for most "Japarians", the goal is ILR. The ILR is permanent residence status. With over 90% visa success rate, the UK is now home to thousands of immigrants with a similar goal of switching from the 2-year graduate visa to a tier 2 that leads to ILR after 5 years.

BTW, 1 yr after getting your ILR, you can apply for British Citizenship. It sounds easy but it does not come easy. In 2012, those who got the 2yrs PSW visa had to do mass return to Nigeria. Others who went before them also did their mass return in Batches. Some cried.

They felt depressed to return to same Nigeria they have called names. It will happen again,that's why I am sounding this note of warning to all those who think they have arrived. Stay humble&focused, and resist the urge to ridicule everything Naija!You may return to Naija in 3yrs

Most people returned to Nigeria in 2012 after 2 years PSW visa expired. It will happen again but the number may not be as high as what we experienced 10 years ago because, since BREXIT, the UK now has other visa routes to attract and retain "top talents" in some areas.

So depending on your skills and experience, and setting your priorities right, you may not be among those hustling for a Tier 2 Visa. I will come back to these routes when I have some time to share or I just continue my "unsolicited" advice to people within my reach

10 yrs ago, some people who came for their masters were very strategic, some had Plan A,B,C,D, and a combinatio A+B, B+C, etc. I will share the trend. Some people started applying for graduate roles in companies like the Big 4 and multinationals that offer sponsorship. #Japa

The process is long so by the time they are done with their master they have a job waiting.Those with experience in Naija create time to apply for experienced roles with sponsorship,few got roles while on PSW and switched to Tier2. Others wrote IELT and applied for Canadian PR.

and left for Canada when they didn't get Tier 2 sponsorship.
Another group became perpetual students, after two years they apply for a second master's to buy time and then do a Ph.D. so they can apply for ILR on the 10years route #Japa #JapaSeries #Thread

In the past, you could easily do a 2nd Master,but the home office has put restrictions on that, you need to justify why you are doing another master's. Most UK universities won't even offer you a second Master. So some will do a PhD after the 2yrs graduate visa just to buy time.

It is not cheap, you will simply spend 10 years of your life working to pay fees. I think it is easier for married people to do the "long" study route. So the wife starts a Master's, the husband becomes dependant, works to pay school fees, and they both get on 2yrs graduate visa.

At the end of Grad Visa, husband starts a master's,the wife becomes dependant, then one ends up with a PD to complete the 10yrs ILR route. In some cases, husband&wife will take turns doing PhD. so they can qualify for ILR in 10 yrs. Some are lucky to get PhD f to ease the burden.

Another group of people are singles trying to remain with Spousal visa. Some strategically date people with UK citizenship. Pls avoid getting into marriage just for right to remain in the UK. Often it doesn't end well. The UK has put in a system to make the spousal visa difficult

first, you need to prove your relationship is genuine and subsisting. Those who go on a spousal visa get 2.5 years, if the marriage fails during that period, the visa can be canceled or not extended. Before BREXIT, some just married Europeans to get the right to live in the UK,

thankfully it put an end to many disgraceful sham marriages. Now there are other visa routes, and the healthcare visa is now a consolation for many people who come in as students and immediately switch to the healthcare visa after a few months in the UK.

Some people who will keep an option of going back to Nigeria, or other countries in EMEA, I tell you the truth, this is a good plan. Don't get yourself worked up about getting a Tier 2 visa or going to Canada, make your plans and explore routes that offer growth prospects...#Japa

By the way, Tier 2 visa does not guarantee that your employer won't have a change of plan. If your employer terminates your contract, you may be left hanging, if you can look for routes that are not dependent on employer sponsorship, that's a better plan. #Japa

For those still planning to Japa, I think many people are misguided about the courses on offer. When I have some time I will share my thoughts on misinformation around some courses and unfulfilled promises made by some Universities just to attract students, it is insane! #Japa

I am sorry but many of you will be disappointed especially those doing Business courses. Some schools charge over £20K for internships and end up not offering it, this is misleading. You see all those courses they call "international this and that"...

Be mindful of Courses with bogus titles,most marketing department of Universities just coin fancy course titles just to attract students,today is not the day to "break that table". In the mean time enjoy the bubble of your "new dispensation". #Japa
Welcome to the United Kingdom😁