Nigerians applying for UK study or work visas will no longer receive a physical visa sticker (vignette) in their passports.
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.
