The United Kingdom (UK) has announced a major shift in its immigration process for Nigerians applying for study and work visas. Beginning 15 July 2025, most applicants in these categories will begin receiving digital eVisas instead of the traditional visa vignette stickers in their passports.
This new policy, confirmed by the British High Commission in Abuja, marks a significant step in the UK’s transition to a fully digital immigration system, designed to improve speed, convenience, and security.
Key Highlights of the UK eVisa Update for Nigerians:
Effective Date: The new digital visa process applies to applications submitted on or after July 15, 2025.
eVisa Introduction: Successful applicants for UK study visas or UK work visas will now receive an eVisa, a secure online record of their immigration status, rather than a physical visa sticker in their passport.
Biometric Requirement: All applicants must still attend a UK Visa Application Centre to provide biometric data (fingerprints and photo).
Passport Submission: Applicants will no longer need to leave their passports at the Visa Application Centre if a vignette is not required. They can take their passports home the same day.
Email Notification & UKVI Account: Once the visa decision is made, applicants will receive an email from UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) with instructions to create a UKVI account to access and manage their eVisa.
Who Is Affected?
This update applies primarily to:
- Nigerians applying for UK student visas.
- Nigerians applying for UK work-related visas.
- However, not all visa categories will be affected immediately:
Dependants (such as spouses and children) and those applying for a UK visitor visa will continue to receive the traditional vignette visa sticker in their passports for now.
Why This Change?
According to Gill Atkinson, Chargé d’Affaires at the British High Commission in Nigeria, this move aims to make the visa process faster, more secure, and more convenient for Nigerian students, professionals, and families.
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“We’re making it easier and faster for Nigerians to travel to the UK,” she said. “This is a further big step toward a fully digital UK immigration system.”
How to Apply for the New UK eVisa:
- Apply online via the UK Government’s official visa website: gov.uk
- Attend a Visa Application Centre to submit biometric data.
- Keep your passport if no physical vignette is required.
- Create a UKVI account following the instructions in your approval email to access your eVisa online.
Additional Note:
eVisas have already replaced Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) for individuals granted leave to remain in the UK for more than six months. UKVI account holders can use the “View and Prove” service to securely share their immigration status with UK employers, schools, or landlords.
Stay updated on the latest UK immigration news for Nigerians by following Naija Blog Daily. Share this update with friends and family planning to study or work in the UK from July 2025.
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