Nigerian visa applicants to UK to now receive e-visas

Nigerians applying to the United Kingdom (UK) for study and work permits will now receive electronic visas, known as e-visas, starting from July 15, 2025.

This replaces the usual physical visa sticker in their passport.

According to an official statement from the High Commission, those granted UK visas will now be issued a secure online record of their immigration status.

This e-visa can be accessed and shared digitally, which will offer greater convenience and align with the UK’s wider push to modernise its border and immigration procedures.

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Gill Lever, Chargé d’Affaires at the British High Commission in Abuja, described the introduction of e-visas as a significant milestone in the UK’s ongoing digital transformation of its immigration system.

“This will make the process more secure, more efficient, and more convenient for students, professionals, and families,” Lever added.

“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.”

According to the statement, applicants must still attend a Visa Application Centre (VAC) to provide biometric data, namely fingerprints and a photograph. However, under the new arrangement, successful applicants will no longer receive a physical visa sticker in their passport for certain categories.

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Instead, after submitting their application and attending the VAC, applicants will receive an eVisa, which is a secure online record of their immigration status.

This shift follows the earlier transition from Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) to eVisas for those granted leave to remain in the UK for over six months.

A key advantage of the new system is that applicants whose visas do not require a vignette will be able to retain their passport after the VAC appointment.

Once a decision has been reached, successful applicants will receive an email notification outlining the outcome and providing instructions to set up a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account.

Through this, applicants will be able to access their eVisa and use the ‘View and Prove’ service, enabling them to securely share their immigration status with employers, landlords, educational institutions, or other authorised parties.

To apply, prospective travellers must first submit their application via the official UK government portal (www.gov.uk) and then attend a VAC to provide biometric data.

After a decision is made, applicants are advised to follow the instructions provided in their outcome email, including setting up and linking their UKVI account to their passport.

The High Commission emphasised that while visa stickers are being phased out for select categories, in-person biometric appointments remain mandatory for all applicants.