UK launches eVisas for Nigerian study and work applicants

*Gill Lever, OBE, Chargé d’Affaires at the British High Commission, in Abuja, announces the UK Government has said most Nigerians applying to enter into the country on study or work-related visas will no longer receive a physical visa sticker (vignette) in their passports effective from July 15, 2025

Gbenga Kayode | ConsumerConnect

Effective from July 15, 2025, most Nigerians applying to enter the United Kingdom (UK) on study or work-related visas will no longer receive a physical visa sticker (vignette) in their passports.

The UK Government said instead, successful applicants would be issued an eVisa, a secure, online record of their immigration status.

Onyinye Madu of the British High Commission (BHC) Communications Office, in Abuja, FCT, who disclosed this development in a statement Wednesday, July 9, said this latest change marked a major step in the UK Government’s transition to a modern, digital immigration system.

The statement also noted: “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 visas applications will continue to receive the visa vignette sticker for the time being.”

The BHC Communications Office further explained despite the removal of the vignette for study or work visas, “all applicants must still attend a Visa Application Centre (VAC) to provide their biometric information as part of the visa processing procedure.”

It is stated that once a decision is made on their visa application, applicants will receive an e-mail from UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) with the outcome and instructions to create a UKVI account, to access their eVisa.

Gill Lever, OBE, Chargé d’Affaires at the British High Commission, in Abuja, 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 passports.”

Lever stated: “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.

“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.”

Besides, the BHC said eVisas had already replaced Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) for individuals granted leave for over six months.

“Customers with a UKVI account can use the View and Prove service to securely share their immigration status with third parties, such as employers or landlords (in England),” the statement noted.

What applicants need to do

eVisa applicants are urged to apply online and submit applications through the official website via gov.uk.

They are also encouraged to attend a Visa Application Centre (VAC) to submit your passport and biometrics information.

“If your visa does not require a visa vignette sticker, you can take your passport home the same day.

“After your visa is granted, follow the instructions in your decision notification. If advised create a UKVI account and link it to your current passport,” the BHC Communications Office added.