Abuja: The UK Government has announced the introduction of digital eVisas for most Nigerian nationals applying for study or work visas starting from July 15, 2025. This development was revealed in a statement by the British High Commission in Abuja, signed by Onyinye Madu, and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the new system will enable successful applicants to receive a secure online eVisa instead of a traditional physical visa sticker in their passport. However, applicants will still be required to visit a Visa Application Centre to provide biometric information. If a vignette is not necessary, they will be able to obtain their passport on the same day.
The High Commission highlighted that this transition marks a significant step towards a modern, digital immigration system in the UK. From July 15, 2025, most study and work visa applicants will receive a digital eVisa, moving away from the conventional visa vignette or sticker in their passport. Nonetheless, applicants for other visa categories, such as standard visitor visas or dependents like spouses or children, will continue to receive a visa sticker.
Applicants who applied before the July 15 date will follow the existing process, which includes submitting their passports at the Visa Application Centre and receiving a vignette. Once a decision is reached on their visa application, these applicants will receive an email from UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) with the outcome and instructions for creating a UKVI account to access their eVisa.
The statement also quoted Gill Lever, the Charg© d’Affaires, emphasizing that the initiative is designed to make travel to the UK easier and faster for Nigerians. The move towards a fully digital UK immigration system aims to enhance security, efficiency, and convenience for students, professionals, and families. It was noted that eVisas have already replaced Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) for individuals granted leave for over six months.
While the change currently applies only to study and work visa applications, the statement clarified that dependents and visitor visa applicants would maintain the existing system of receiving a visa vignette. Additionally, those 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.