UK unveils digital study, work visas for Nigerians
By Mark Longyen
The UK Government has announced that it will unveil digital eVisas for most Nigerian nationals applying for study or work visas from July 15.
This is contained in a statement by the British High Commission, Abuja, signed by Onyinye Madu, and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday.
It explained that under the new system, successful applicants will receive a secure online eVisa instead of a physical visa sticker in their passport.
The statement said that applicants would still need to visit a Visa Application Centre to provide biometric information, adding that if a vignette is not required, they would obtain their passport same day.
“This marks a significant step in the UK Government’s transition to a modern, digital immigration system.
“Starting from July 15, 2025, most study and work visa applicants will receive a digital eVisa instead of receiving a visa `vignette’ or sticker in their passport.
“Applicants applying as dependents (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,” the statement said.
It further explained that, under the new dispensation, 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.
According to the High Commission, applicants who applied before July 15 will continue with the current process, including leaving their passports at the Visa Application Centre and receiving a vignette.
It added that 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.
“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.
“eVisas have already replaced Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) for individuals granted leave for over six months,” the statement quoted Gill Lever, the Chargé d’Affaires, as saying.
It said that while the change applied only to study and work visa applications for the time being, dependents (spouses or children) and visitor visa applicants will continue to receive a visa vignette.
“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.
“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),” the statement added. (NAN)
(Edited by Emmanuel Yashim)
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- Agriculture and Environment Desk Controller/Website Content Manager.
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