By Ghazali Ibrahim
The United Kingdom is set to introduce a digital visa system for Nigerian nationals applying for study and work visas, starting July 15, 2025, according to a statement from the British High Commission in Abuja.
Under the new policy, most successful applicants in these categories will begin receiving eVisas, a secure, online record of immigration status.
This transition marks a major milestone in the UK’s move toward a fully digital immigration system.
The change, however, only applies to applications submitted on or after July 15.
Applicants who file their documents before that date will continue to follow the existing procedure, which includes passport submission at a Visa Application Centre and issuance of a physical visa sticker.
“We’re making it easier and faster for Nigerians to travel to the UK,” said Gill Atkinson, Chargé d’Affaires at the British High Commission.
“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.”
Despite the switch to digital, all applicants are still required to visit a Visa Application Centre to provide their biometric information.
Once a visa is approved, applicants will receive an email from UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) with instructions to create a UKVI account, which they’ll use to access their eVisa.
The High Commission emphasized that visitor visa applicants and dependants of students or workers such as spouses or children will still receive traditional vignette stickers for the time being.
The eVisa system has already been in use for replacing Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) for individuals granted UK stay for longer than six months.
With a UKVI account, successful applicants will be able to use the “View and Prove” online service to securely share their immigration status with employers, landlords, and universities.
