UK Launches eVisas for Nigerian Study and Work Applicants

Post by Supreme International Magazine

Starting 15 July 2025, most study and work visas applicants will receive a digital eVisa instead of receiving a visa “vignette” or sticker in their passport

Applicants applying as dependants (e.g. spouse or child), and applicants for other visa types (e.g. standard visitor visas), will still receive a visa sticker in their passport

Abuja, 9th July 2025 – 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 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.

Chargé d’Affaires, Gill Lever OBE, British High Commission in Abuja said:

“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.

“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.”

Additional Information

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.