In a bid to modernize its immigration process, the British High Commission in Abuja has announced that Nigerian students and workers applying for UK visas will soon receive digital eVisas instead of traditional visa stickers in their passports.
Starting from July 15, 2025, most applicants for study and work visas will be issued with eVisas, a secure online record of their immigration status. This move marks a significant step towards a fully digital UK immigration system, aiming to make the process more efficient, secure, and convenient for applicants.
According to the British High Commission, applicants will no longer need to submit their passports to receive a physical visa sticker. Instead, they will receive an email from UK Visas and Immigration with a decision on their application and instructions on how to set up a UKVI account to access their eVisa.
The Chargé d'Affaires at the British High Commission in Abuja, Gill Obe, said, "We're making it easier and faster for Nigerians to travel to the UK. From July 15, 2025, most people applying for study or work visas will get a digital eVisa instead of a visa sticker in their passport."
The new policy will apply to most study and work visa applications submitted on or after July 15, 2025. However, applicants who submit their applications before this date will still follow the existing procedure, which includes submitting their passport at a Visa Application Centre and receiving a vignette.
Not all applicants will be affected by the new system immediately. Those applying for visitor visas or as dependants of someone studying or working in the UK will continue to receive visa vignette stickers in their passports.
The digital immigration system offers several benefits, including:
- A more secure and efficient process
- Easier sharing of immigration status with third parties, such as employers or landlords
- Reduced need for physical documentation
How to apply for an eVisa
To obtain an eVisa, applicants will need to:
- Apply online via the official UK government website
- Attend a Visa Application Centre to submit biometrics
- Take their passport home the same day if a vignette is not required
- Follow the decision letter instructions, including creating and linking a UKVI account if necessary
The British High Commission has assured that the new system will make the process more convenient for applicants, while also enhancing the security and efficiency of the immigration process.
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