United Kingdom Relocation & Immigration Hub

Yes. Bank statements from regulated commercial banks licensed by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) are accepted by the UK Home Office and IRCC. However, funds must be held in cash savings accounts for the required duration (28 consecutive days for the UK; 6 months rolling for Canada Express Entry). Statements from microfinance banks or fintech apps that lack full banking licenses are frequently questioned or rejected.

To qualify for the Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte), you must demonstrate either German language skills at level A1 or English language skills at level B2 (CEFR framework). If your university degree was taught entirely in English, you will still typically need a certified English proficiency test (such as IELTS Academic/General or TOEFL) or formal university letter meeting embassy specifications.

Do not immediately re-apply with the identical document set. Carefully read every paragraph of the refusal notice, noting the specific paragraph under the Immigration Rules cited. Determine whether the refusal was due to missing documentary evidence, verification issues with your employer or bank, or an allegation of deception (e.g. UK Section 320/V4.2). If a factual caseworker error occurred, submit an Administrative Review within the statutory deadline (usually 28 days for overseas applications).