The British High Commission in Abuja has announced a significant overhaul of the immigration process for Nigerians applying for study and work visas in the United Kingdom. Starting from July 15, 2025, most applicants in these categories will receive digital eVisas instead of the traditional visa stickers that are currently issued in passports.
This change marks a pivotal step in the UK government’s efforts to modernize its immigration system, transitioning toward a more secure and efficient digital framework. According to the statement released by the High Commission, the new eVisa policy will only apply to applications submitted on or after July 15, 2025. Those who submit their applications prior to this date will continue to follow the existing process, which includes submitting their passport at a Visa Application Centre and receiving a vignette sticker.
“From July 15, 2025, most individuals applying to enter the UK on study or work-related visas will no longer receive a physical visa sticker (vignette) in their passport. Instead, successful applicants will be issued an eVisa, a secure, online record of their immigration status,” the statement detailed.
It is important to note that applicants must still attend a Visa Application Centre to provide their biometric information as part of the visa processing procedure. Once their visa application is approved, they will receive an email from UK Visas and Immigration containing the decision and instructions on how to set up a UKVI account to access their eVisa.
Gill Obe, Chargé d’Affaires at the British High Commission in Abuja, stated, “We’re making it easier and faster for Nigerians to travel to the UK. This is a further significant step towards a fully digital UK immigration system, making the process more secure, efficient, and convenient for students, professionals, and families.”
Obe clarified that not all applicants would be affected by the new eVisa system immediately. For instance, dependants, such as spouses or children of individuals studying or working in the UK, along with visitor visa applicants, will continue to receive the traditional vignette sticker in their passports for the time being.
The High Commission also highlighted that eVisas have already replaced Biometric Residence Permits for individuals granted leave for more than six months. Holders with a UKVI account can use the “View and Prove” service to share their immigration status with third parties, including employers or landlords in England.
To obtain an eVisa, applicants must follow a series of steps:
1. Apply online via the official UK government website (gov.uk).
2. Attend a Visa Application Centre to submit biometric information.
3. Take their passport home the same day if a vignette is not required.
4. Follow the instructions provided in the decision letter, which may include creating and linking a UKVI account.
This initiative is expected to streamline the application process for Nigerians looking to study or work in the UK, marking a significant advancement in the UK’s digital immigration strategy.