The British High Commission in Abuja has announced a major change to the United Kingdom’s visa process for Nigerians, introducing digital eVisas for most individuals applying for study and work visas beginning July 15, 2025.

In a statement released on Wednesday, the Commission revealed that successful applicants in these categories will receive secure, online records of their immigration status—known as eVisas—instead of the traditional visa vignette stickers in their passports.

“This change marks a major step in the UK Government’s transition to a modern, digital immigration system,” the statement noted. “It will apply only to study or work visa applications submitted on or after July 15, 2025.”

Applications submitted before that date will continue under the existing system, which includes submitting passports at a Visa Application Centre and receiving a physical visa sticker.

Despite the transition to digital documentation, applicants will still be required to attend a Visa Application Centre to provide biometric data as part of the standard visa application procedure. Once approved, applicants will receive a decision letter via email from UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), along with instructions to set up a UKVI account to access their eVisa.

Gill Atkinson Obe, Chargé d’Affaires at the British High Commission in Abuja, described the move as part of efforts to make travel to the UK easier and more efficient for Nigerians.

“We’re making it easier and faster for Nigerians to travel to the UK. From July 15, most people applying for study or work visas will get a digital eVisa instead of a visa sticker in their passport,” she said. “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, the High Commission clarified that not all applicants will be affected by the new process immediately. Dependants such as spouses and children, as well as those applying for visitor visas, will continue to receive visa stickers for the time being.

eVisas have already replaced Biometric Residence Permits for individuals granted leave for more than six months. UKVI account holders can use the “View and Prove” service to share their immigration status digitally with employers, landlords, and other relevant entities in the UK.

To obtain an eVisa, applicants must:

  • Apply online via the UK government website (gov.uk),
  • Attend a Visa Application Centre to provide biometric information,
  • Retain their passports the same day if a vignette is not required,
  • Follow instructions in their decision letter, including creating and linking a UKVI account.

The change is expected to improve the speed, security, and user experience of the UK’s immigration system for Nigerian applicants.