The UK Government will launch digital eVisas for most Nigerian nationals applying for study or work visas from 15 July 2025. This marks a significant step in the UK’s transition to a modern, fully digital immigration system.
Under the new system, successful applicants will be issued an eVisa, a secure, online record of their immigration status instead of a physical visa sticker (vignette) in their passport.
Applicants will still need to attend a Visa Application Centre to provide biometric information, but if a vignette is not required, they can retain their passport the same day.
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 visas applications will continue to receive the visa vignette sticker for the time being.
Despite the removal of the vignette for study or work visas, all applicants must still attend a Visa Application Centre (VAC) 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 (UKVI) with the outcome and instructions to create a UKVI account, to access their eVisa.
“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,” said Gill Lever OBE, Chargé d’Affaires at the British High Commission in Abuja.
“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.
“However, if you’re applying as a dependant, like a spouse or child, of someone who is studying or working in the UK or if you are applying for a visitor visa, you’ll still receive a visa vignette sticker in your passport for the time being.”
What you need to know about the new UK eVisa
eVisas have already replaced Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) for individuals granted leave for over six months. Customers with a UKVI account can use the View and Prove service to securely share their immigration status with third parties, such as employers or landlords (in England).
What Applicants Need to Do
- Apply online and submit application through the official website via gov.uk
- Attend a Visa Application Centre (VAC) to submit your passport and biometrics information.
- If your visa does not require a visa vignette sticker, you can take your passport home the same day
- After your visa is granted, follow the instructions in your decision notification. If advised create a UKVI account and link it to your current passport.
