The British High Commission in Abuja on Wednesday noted a change in the UK’s immigration process for Nigerians seeking study and work visas.
From 15 July 2025, most Nigerians applying for these visa categories will start receiving digital eVisas instead of the usual physical visa stickers placed in their passports, according to a statement shared by the Commission.
The shift is part of the UK Government’s ongoing effort to build a fully digital immigration system that is easier and more secure.
The new system applies strictly to applications submitted on or after 15 July 2025. For those who apply before this date, the existing process remains in place. This means they must still visit a Visa Application Centre, hand over their passports, and wait for the familiar visa vignette sticker.
“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 (vignette) in their passport.
“Instead, successful applicants will be issued an eVisa, a secure, online record of their immigration status. This change marks a major step in the UK Government’s transition to a modern, digital immigration system.
“This change applies only to study or work visa applications submitted on or after 15 July 2025. Applicants who apply before 15 July will continue with the current process, including leaving their passport at the Visa Application Centre and receiving a vignette. Visit visa applications will continue to receive the visa vignette sticker for the time being.”
Even with this change, applicants must still attend a Visa Application Centre to give their biometric details. Once a decision is made, successful applicants will get an email from UK Visas and Immigration. This email will include instructions on how to create a UKVI account to access and manage their eVisa.
“Despite the removal of the vignette for study or work visas, all applicants must still attend a Visa Application Centre to provide their biometric information as part of the visa processing procedure.
“Once a decision is made on their visa application, applicants will receive an email from UK Visas and Immigration with the outcome and instructions to create a UKVI account, to access their eVisa,” the statement added.
Gill Obe, the Chargé d’Affaires at the British High Commission in Abuja, noted that this change aims to make travelling to the UK faster and simpler for Nigerians. “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 eVisa 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.”
She also noted that not everyone would be affected immediately. Dependants such as spouses or children of students and workers, as well as visitor visa applicants, will still get the traditional visa sticker for now.
The Commission further clarified that eVisas have already replaced Biometric Residence Permits for people who have been granted leave to stay in the UK for over six months. Through a UKVI account, holders can use the “View and Prove” service to share their status with employers or landlords in England.
To get an eVisa, applicants must apply online at gov.uk, visit a Visa Application Centre to submit biometrics, keep their passport if a vignette isn’t needed, and follow all instructions in the decision email, including setting up and linking a UKVI account if required.
