July 09, (THEWILL) — In a significant move toward a fully digital immigration system, the United Kingdom has announced that from Monday, July 15, 2025, Nigerian nationals applying for study or work visas will begin receiving digital eVisas in place of the traditional visa sticker, also known as a vignette, in their passports.
This major shift means that successful applicants for study and work-related visas will now be issued a secure online immigration status record rather than a physical sticker. The announcement was made by the British High Commission in Abuja on Tuesday, July 9, 2025.
The new system applies only to visa applications submitted on or after July 15, 2025. Those who submit applications before that date will continue with the existing process, which includes leaving their passport at the Visa Application Centre (VAC) and receiving a vignette.
Despite the removal of the physical sticker for study and work visa applicants, all applicants must still visit a VAC to provide biometric information such as fingerprints and photographs. However, in cases where a vignette is not required, applicants will be allowed to retain their passports on the same day.
Under the new procedure, once a visa application is approved, successful applicants will receive an email from UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) confirming the outcome. The email will also contain instructions on how to create a UKVI account, which will allow applicants to access and manage their digital eVisa.
Chargé d’Affaires at the British High Commission in Abuja, Gill Lever OBE, said the innovation would make the visa process faster, safer, and more convenient for Nigerian students and professionals.
“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,” Lever said.
She further clarified that the new eVisa arrangement will not immediately apply to all categories of visa applicants. “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.”
eVisas are not entirely new to the UK immigration system. The British Government has already phased out Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) and now issues eVisas to individuals granted leave to remain in the UK for more than six months. Holders of UKVI accounts can also use the “View and Prove” service to share their immigration status with third parties like landlords or employers.
To obtain an eVisa, Nigerian applicants are advised to apply through the official UK Government website at www.gov.uk. After filling out the application, they are to visit the designated Visa Application Centre to submit their biometric data. If the application qualifies for an eVisa and does not require a vignette, the passport will be returned the same day. After the visa is granted, applicants must follow the instructions in their decision notice, including setting up a UKVI account and linking it to their current passport.
With this new development, the UK reinforces its commitment to simplifying immigration procedures for Nigerians while embracing modern, digital solutions in global mobility.
Janefrances Ebere Chibuzor is a Tourism Writer at THEWILL
