Instead, successful applicants will be issued a digital eVisa—a secure, online record of their immigration status. 

This new system takes effect from July 15, 2025 and applies only to study or work visa applications submitted on or after the date. 

Those who apply before then will still receive the traditional vignette sticker and follow the current process, including passport submission at the Visa Application Centre (VAC). Visit visa applications will continue to receive the visa vignette sticker for the time being.

This change marks a major step in the UK Government’s transition to a modern, digital immigration system.

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

The UK eVisas for Nigerians 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.

The post UK Launches eVisas for Nigerian Study, Work Applicants appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

As one of the UK’s largest visa markets, Nigeria remains pivotal to the UKVI’s global operations.

During his visit, Marc Owen engaged with key stakeholders in Abuja and Lagos and reiterated the UKVI’s dedication to fostering strong relationships and ensuring efficient, customer-focused visa services.

In Abuja, he met with Ambassador Asari Allotey, director for Legal, Migration and Consular Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs where he highlighted important UK visa developments including the global eVisa rollout and how to maintain the integrity of the UK’s immigration system.

He also met the Vital Registration and Digitisation Lead at the National Population Commission (NPC), Mr. Makama Taala as well as Dr. Penelope Miremba, Migration Health Officer at the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) where he emphasised the benefits to both UK and Nigeria of digitising records such as birth and death certificates and TB test certificates respectively, enhancing how records are stored, transmitted, and verified.

At the British Council office, the UKVI delegation toured the English language test centre, and engaged with a range of student councillors and UK university agents.

In Lagos, he met with stakeholders from the UK Joint Border Task Force (JBTF) and key business leaders. He also visited the newly inaugurated UK Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Ikeja, operated through the UK’s new commercial partner, VFS Global, to engage with teams on service delivery to ensure our services meet the highest standards of convenience and efficiency.

Throughout his time in Nigeria Marc also addressed the challenges posed by visa fraud and fake travel agents and cautioned visa applicants to be vigilant and reiterated the importance of using only official UKVI channels when applying for UK visas.

This step is vital to safeguarding applicants and maintaining trust in the visa process.

His visit marks a new chapter in UK-Nigeria collaboration, with promises of greater engagement and impactful outcomes.

The post UK-Nigeria Relations: UKVI Global Director’s Official Visit to Nigeria appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.