Applying for a UK visa? Deputy Head of Mission Advises Nigerians Not to Move Money Before Interview

If you’re applying for a UK visa, there’s one mistake many people make that you really need to avoid, and that is moving large sums of money into your bank account just before your visa interview. According to the UK Deputy Head of Mission in Nigeria, this single action can raise red flags and seriously hurt your chances.

Simon Field, Deputy Head of Mission at the UK Deputy High Commission in Lagos, recently issued this warning while speaking on Let’s Talk, a morning programme on Nigeria Info FM. He stated that this is important to avoid unnecessary visa refusals.

Why Moving Money Before a Visa Interview Is a Bad Idea

Many visa applicants believe they must show a “big balance” to impress visa officers. But Mr. Field says this thinking is not only wrong but also risky. He explained that when clearance officers see sudden, unusual deposits just before an interview, it immediately creates suspicion.

“One of the things that we always see with visas, which scares visa clearance officers, is people who think you have to have a certain amount of money in their accounts. And overnight, they suddenly transfer lots of money into their account; don’t do that,” he said.

In simple terms, if your account history doesn’t match the money sitting there, it can look like you’re trying to stage-manage your finances. And that can feel, in his words, like “shooting yourself in the leg” during a visa interview.

What Visa Officers Really Want to See

If you’re applying for a UK visa, the focus is not on how much money you suddenly have; it’s on consistency and credibility.

Mr. Field advised applicants to:

•         Present a long-term bank history, not last-minute deposits
•         Clearly explain how you earn your income
•         Show that your finances naturally support your travel plans

Visa officers are trained to look at patterns, not just balances. A steady income over time tells a much better story than a rushed transfer made days before an interview.

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Is There a Minimum Amount Required for a UK Visa?

One of the most common questions Nigerians ask when applying for a UK visa is whether there’s a fixed amount of money they must have in their account. According to Mr. Field, the answer is a firm no.

“There’s no benchmark for how much money you have. You just need to be able to show that you have enough money to cover your expenses while you’re in the UK,” he explained.

That means your funds should realistically match your accommodation plans, length of stay, and daily living expenses. There’s no official “magic number.” What matters is whether your plans make financial sense, he further emphasized.

Examples of Red Flags That Can Lead to Visa Denial

To clarify, the Deputy Head of Mission gave a practical example. “If an applicant has very little money in their account but claims they’ll be staying in a luxury hotel like The Ritz, that mismatch will likely raise concerns. “How are you going to pay for your hotel?” he asked, highlighting the kind of questions visa officers consider.

On the other hand, having sufficient funds to cover your expenses and showing proof of salary or a consistent income stream makes the decision much easier for clearance officers.

The UK Still Welcomes Nigerian Visitors

Despite concerns around the UK’s new immigration policy introduced in May, Mr. Field emphasized that the UK remains open and welcoming to Nigerians. “Most visas are issued for the UK, and we’re welcoming. We really want Nigerians to come to the UK and explore London and the whole of the United Kingdom,” he said.

This reassurance is essential, especially for Nigerians who worry that policies alone may limit their chances. According to him, genuine applications still succeed every day.

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If you’re applying for a UK visa, don’t panic, transfer money into your account, be honest and transparent, and let your financial history speak for you. Visa interviews aren’t about perfection; they are about showing how credible you are. Showing a clear, consistent financial story can go a long way toward securing approval.