The British High Commission in Abuja has announced a major shift in the United Kingdom’s visa application process for Nigerians seeking study or work visas.
Effective July 15, 2025, most successful applicants in these categories will begin receiving digital eVisas instead of the traditional visa stickers (vignettes) in their passports.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the High Commission explained that the new policy applies only to applications submitted on or after July 15, 2025.
Applicants who apply before that date will continue with the existing procedure, which includes submitting their passports at Visa Application Centres and receiving physical visa stickers.
“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 in their passport,” the statement read.
“Instead, successful applicants will be issued an eVisa, a secure, online record of their immigration status.”
The move was part of the UK government’s transition to a fully digital immigration system. However, the British High Commission noted that visa applications for visit will continue to receive vignette stickers.
Despite the shift to digital visas, all applicants must still attend a Visa Application Centre to provide biometric information.
Once a visa decision is made, applicants will receive an email from UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) with the outcome and instructions on creating and linking a UKVI account to access their eVisa.
Regarding the development, Chargé d’Affaires at the British High Commission in Abuja, Gill Atkinson, said the change aims to make the UK visa process faster, more secure, and more convenient for Nigerians.
“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,” she said.
“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 added that dependents, such as spouses or children of principal and visitor visa applicants, would still receive physical visa stickers.
The High Commission also noted that eVisas have already replaced Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) for those granted leave for more than six months. UKVI account holders can use the “View and Prove” service to share their immigration status with employers, landlords, or schools.
How to get an eVisa:
Applicants must:
* Apply online via the UK government website (gov.uk)
* Attend a Visa Application Centre to provide biometrics.
* Take their passport home the same day if no vignette is required
* Follow the visa decision email to set up and link a UKVI account
