The UK Government has announced that from 15 July 2025, most Nigerian nationals applying for study or work visas will receive digital eVisas instead of physical visa stickers.
This was stated in a press release by the British High Commission in Abuja, signed by Onyinye Madu, on Wednesday.
Under the new system, successful applicants will be issued a secure online eVisa rather than a vignette in their passport. However, applicants will still be required to visit a Visa Application Centre to provide biometric data. If no vignette is necessary, passports will be returned on the same day.
“This represents a significant milestone in the UK Government’s move towards a modern, digital immigration system.
From 15 July 2025, the majority of study and work visa applicants will receive digital eVisas, replacing the traditional visa vignette or sticker.
Applicants applying as dependents (such as spouses or children), or for other visa categories (including standard visitor visas), will continue to receive visa stickers in their passports,” the statement explained.
It further clarified that applicants who submit their applications before 15 July 2025 will follow the existing process, which involves leaving their passports at the Visa Application Centre to receive a vignette.
Once a decision is made, applicants will be notified via email by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), with instructions on how to create a UKVI account to access their eVisa.
“We are making it easier and faster for Nigerians to travel to the UK. From 15 July 2025, most study and work visa applicants will receive digital eVisas rather than visa stickers.
This is a significant step towards a fully digital UK immigration system, improving security, efficiency, and convenience for students, professionals, and families alike.
eVisas have already replaced Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) for those granted leave longer than six months,” said Gill Lever, Chargé d’Affaires.
While this change currently applies only to study and work visas, dependents and visitor visa applicants will continue to receive visa vignettes.
“Dependents applying alongside those studying or working in the UK, as well as visitor visa applicants, will for now continue to receive physical visa stickers.
Applicants 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 conclude.
