The British High Commission in Abuja has announced a significant shift in the United Kingdom’s immigration process for Nigerians seeking study and work visas.
Effective from 15 July 2025, most applicants in these categories will begin receiving digital eVisas instead of physical visa stickers (vignettes) in their passports, according to a statement issued by the British High Commission (BHC) on Wednesday.
The change applies only to applications submitted on or after 15 July 2025. Those who apply before that date will continue with the current system, which involves submitting their passports at Visa Application Centres and receiving a physical vignette.
According to the BHC’s statement: “From 15 July 2025, most individuals applying to enter the UK on study or work-related visas will no longer receive a physical visa sticker (vignette) in their passport.
“Instead, successful applicants will be issued an eVisa, a secure, online record of their immigration status. This change marks a major step in the UK Government’s transition to a modern, digital immigration system.”
The embassy emphasized that visit visa applications will still receive physical vignette stickers for now.
Biometric data collection remains part of the process.
“Despite the removal of the vignette for study or work visas, all applicants must still attend a Visa Application Centre 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 with the outcome and instructions to create a UKVI account, to access their eVisa,” the statement added.
Gill Atkinson, Chargé d’Affaires at the British High Commission in Abuja, described the change as a move toward simplifying UK travel procedures for Nigerians.
“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.”
She also clarified that the transition will not affect every applicant immediately.
“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.”
The High Commission also explained that eVisas have already replaced Biometric Residence Permits for those granted leave exceeding six months. Through the “View and Prove” service, UKVI account holders can now share their immigration status with third parties such as employers or landlords in England.
To obtain an eVisa, applicants are required to:
Apply online via the official UK government website (gov.uk)
Attend a Visa Application Centre to submit biometric data
Keep their passport (if no vignette is required)
Follow instructions in the visa decision letter, including setting up and linking a UKVI account if needed
This change is part of the UK’s broader push toward a digital and streamlined immigration system.