UK INTRODUCES DIGITAL VISAS FOR NIGERIAN STUDENTS AND WORKERS
GREATRIBUNETVNEWS–THE British highCommission in Abuja has announced a significant change to the UK’s immigration process for Nigerians applying for study and work visas. Starting July 15, 2025, most applicants will receive digital eVisas instead of traditional visa stickers in their passports.
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Key Changes:
– Digital eVisa: A secure online record of immigration status, accessible through a UKVI account.
– No Physical Sticker: No visa vignette sticker will be issued for study and work visas.
– Biometric Requirement: Applicants still need to attend a Visa Application Centre to provide biometrics.
How to Apply:
– Online Application: Submit application through the official UK government website (gov.uk).
– Biometric Submission: Attend a Visa Application Centre to provide biometrics.
– UKVI Account: Create an account to access and manage eVisa.
Important Notes:
– Existing Applications: Applications submitted before July 15, 2025, will follow the current process.
– Dependant and Visitor Visas: These visa types will still receive physical stickers.
– Benefits: eVisas make the process more secure, efficient, and convenient for students, professionals, and families .
The statement read, “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.”
However, applicants must still attend a Visa Application Centre to provide biometric information.
The statement added 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.
The statement added, “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.”
British High Commission, Abuja, Chargé d’Affaires
Gill Obe, further explained, “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 however disclosed 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,” Obe added.
The British 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.
