The United Kingdom will begin issuing electronic visas (e-visas) to most Nigerian nationals applying for study and work permits starting July 15, 2025.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the UK government announced that successful applicants will no longer receive physical visa vignette stickers in their passports. Instead, they will be granted a secure digital record of their immigration status, accessible and shareable online.
Gill Lever, Chargé d’Affaires at the British High Commission in Abuja, described the rollout of e-visas as a major milestone in the UK’s drive to digitise its immigration system.
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“This will make the process more secure, more efficient, and more convenient for students, professionals, and families,” she said.
However, the new system will not apply to all categories. Dependants—such as spouses or children of applicants—and individuals applying for visitor visas will continue to receive vignette stickers for the time being.
The e-visa initiative will apply to all eligible applications submitted on or after July 15.
Applicants will still be required to visit a UK visa application centre (VAC) to provide biometric data, including fingerprints and a photograph. However, successful applicants covered by the e-visa rollout will be allowed to retain their passports after the biometric appointment.
Once a visa decision has been made, applicants will receive an email with instructions to create a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account. This account will serve as a gateway to their e-visa and enable them to view and securely share their immigration status with third parties, including landlords, employers, and schools.
The announcement marks the latest in a series of reforms aimed at modernising the UK’s immigration system. The government had earlier phased out Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) for individuals granted leave for more than six months, replacing them with digital documentation.
To complete the application process, the UK government advised applicants to attend their VAC appointment, submit biometric information, and follow instructions for setting up a UKVI account linked to their passport.
