The British High Commission in Abuja has announced a significant change to the UK’s visa application process for Nigerians applying for study or work visas.
Starting July 15, 2025, most successful applicants in these categories will receive digital eVisas instead of the traditional physical visa stickers (vignettes) in their passports.
This new policy applies only to applications submitted on or after July 15, 2025.
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Those who apply before this date will continue with the current process, which involves submitting passports at Visa Application Centres and receiving physical visa stickers.
The move is part of the UK government’s broader effort to transition to a fully digital immigration system.
However, the British High Commission clarified that visit visa applications will still receive physical vignette stickers, as will dependents (such as spouses or children) of principal study and work visa applicants.
Despite the shift to digital visas, all applicants are still required to attend a Visa Application Centre to provide their biometric information (fingerprints and photographs).
Once a decision is made, UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) will email the applicant with the outcome and instructions on how to create and link a UKVI account to access their eVisa.
Gill Atkinson, Chargé d’Affaires at the British High Commission in Abuja, stated that this change aims to make the UK visa process faster, more secure, and more convenient for Nigerian students, professionals, and families.
She also noted that eVisas have already replaced Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) for those granted leave for over six months, and UKVI account holders can use the “View and Prove” service to share their immigration status with third parties like employers or landlords.
How to get an eVisa
To obtain an eVisa, applicants must:
- Apply online via the UK government website (gov.uk).
- Attend a Visa Application Centre to provide biometrics.
- Take their passport home the same day if no vignette is required.
- Follow the instructions in the visa decision email to set up and link a UKVI account.
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