UK introduces eVisas for Nigerian study, work visa applicants

The British High Commission (BHC) in Abuja has announced a major update to the United Kingdom’s immigration process for Nigerian applicants seeking study and work visas.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the BHC revealed that, beginning 15 July 2025, most Nigerians applying for visas in these categories will start receiving digital eVisas instead of the traditional visa stickers (vignettes) placed in passports.

The new digital system aims to streamline the visa issuance process, making it faster, more secure, and easier to access. With the eVisa, approved applicants will no longer need to wait for a physical visa sticker to be inserted into their passports.

However, the policy only applies to applications submitted on or after 15 July 2025. Applicants who submit their forms before that date will still be required to follow the existing process, which includes submitting their passports at a Visa Application Centre and receiving the traditional visa vignette.

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According to the statement, “From 15 July 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. This change marks a major step in the UK Government’s transition to a modern, digital immigration system.

“This change applies only to study or work visa applications submitted on or after 15 July 2025. Applicants who apply before 15 July will continue with the current process, including leaving their passport at the Visa Application Centre and receiving a vignette. Visit visa applications will continue to receive the visa vignette sticker for the time being.”

Importantly, applicants must still attend a Visa Application Centre to provide biometric information.

The statement further stated that once their visa is approved, they will receive an email from UK Visas and Immigration with a decision and instructions to set up a UKVI account in order to access their eVisa.

“Despite the removal of the vignette for study or work visas, all applicants must still attend a Visa Application Centre to provide their biometric information as part of the visa processing procedure.
“Once a decision is made on their visa application, applicants will receive an email from UK Visas and Immigration with the outcome and instructions to create a UKVI account, to access their eVisa,” the statement added.

The Chargé d’Affaires at the British High Commission in Abuja, Gill Obe, said, “We’re making it easier and faster for Nigerians to travel to the UK. From 15 July 2025, most people applying for study or work visas will get a digital eVisa instead of a visa sticker in their passport.

“This is a further big step to a fully digital UK immigration system, making the process more secure, more efficient, and more convenient for students, professionals, and families.”

She also noted that not all applicants would be affected by the new system immediately.

“However, if you’re applying as a dependant, like a spouse or child, of someone who is studying or working in the UK or if you are applying for a visitor visa, you’ll still receive a visa vignette sticker in your passport for the time being,” she added.

The High Commission clarified that eVisas have already replaced Biometric Residence Permits for individuals granted leave for more than six months. Holders of a UKVI account can use the “View and Prove” service to share their immigration status with third parties, such as employers or landlords in England.

To obtain an eVisa, applicants must; Apply online via the official UK government website (gov.uk); Attend a Visa Application Centre to submit biometrics; Take their passport home the same day if a vignette is not required; Follow the decision letter instructions, including creating and linking a UKVI account if necessary.