UK Introduces Digital e-Visas For Nigerian Study and Work Applicants.
The United Kingdom has unveiled a significant change to its immigration process, announcing that Nigerian applicants for study and work visas will soon receive digital e-Visas. From 15 July 2025, most successful applicants in these categories will no longer receive a physical visa sticker, known as a vignette, in their passports. Instead, they will be issued a secure, online record of their immigration status, marking a major step towards a fully digital UK immigration system.
The British High Commission in Abuja shared the news in a statement, highlighting the move as part of the UK government’s commitment to modernising its immigration procedures. The transition to e-Visas aims to make the process faster, more secure, and more convenient for Nigerian students and professionals. Applicants will still need to visit a Visa Application Centre (VAC) to provide biometric information, such as fingerprints and photographs. However, those whose applications do not require a vignette will be able to take their passports home on the same day.
Once a visa decision is made, successful applicants will receive an email from UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) with the outcome and instructions to create a UKVI account. This account will allow them to access their eVisa and use the “View and Prove” service to securely share their immigration status with third parties, such as employers or landlords in England. The British High Commission noted that eVisas have already replaced Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) for individuals granted leave to remain in the UK for more than six months.
Gill Lever OBE, Chargé d’Affaires at the British High Commission in Abuja, expressed enthusiasm about the change, stating, “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 e-Visa 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.”
The new policy applies only to study and work visa applications submitted on or after 15 July 2025. Those applying before this date will follow the existing process, which involves submitting their passport at a VAC and receiving a physical vignette. Additionally, the change does not yet extend to all visa categories. Dependants, such as spouses or children of students or workers, and those applying for standard visitor visas will continue to receive physical visa stickers for the time being.
To apply for an e-Visa, Nigerian applicants must submit their application through the official UK government website (gov.uk), attend a VAC to provide biometric data, and follow the instructions in their decision letter to set up a UKVI account. The British High Commission emphasised that this digital shift reflects the UK’s ongoing efforts to strengthen ties with Nigeria and streamline immigration processes for its citizens.
This development has been warmly received, with many viewing it as a positive step towards enhancing opportunities for Nigerian students and professionals seeking to study or work in the UK. The move underscores the UK’s commitment to fostering stronger partnerships with Nigeria through education and employment pathways.
