₦airaland Forum

The British High Commission in Abuja on Wednesday announced a change to the United Kingdom’s immigration process for Nigerians applying for study and work visas.

Starting from 15 July 2025, most applicants in these categories will begin receiving digital eVisas instead of the traditional visa stickers in their passports, a statement from the BHC revealed.

The new policy will only apply to applications submitted on or after 15 July 2025. Those who submit their applications before this date will still follow the existing procedure, which includes submitting their passport at a Visa Application Centre and receiving a vignette.

According to the 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.

“This change applies only to study or work visa applications submitted on or after 15 July 2025. Applicants who apply before 15 July will continue with the current process, including leaving their passport at the Visa Application Centre and receiving a vignette. Visit visa applications will continue to receive the visa vignette sticker for the time being.”

Importantly, applicants must still attend a Visa Application Centre to provide biometric information.

The statement further stated that once their visa is approved, they will receive an email from UK Visas and Immigration with a decision and instructions to set up a UKVI account in order to access their eVisa.

“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.

The Chargé d’Affaires at the British High Commission in Abuja, Gill Obe, said, “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 noted that not all applicants would be affected by the new system 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,” she added.

The High Commission clarified that eVisas have already replaced Biometric Residence Permits for individuals granted leave for more than six months. Holders of a UKVI account can use the “View and Prove” service to share their immigration status with third parties, such as employers or landlords in England.

To obtain an eVisa, applicants must; Apply online via the official UK government website (gov.uk); Attend a Visa Application Centre to submit biometrics; Take their passport home the same day if a vignette is not required; Follow the decision letter instructions, including creating and linking a UKVI account if necessary.

Source: https://punchng.com/uk-introduces-evisas-for-nigerian-study-work-visa-applicants/

Oda bahun, make I see which one fit me, Japa lo sure just. Let's go there

Great100000:
Source: https://punchng.com/uk-introduces-evisas-for-nigerian-study-work-visa-applicants/

milk Nigerians to to cough out money now and forever

Why are Nigerians making this news seem like it's only Nigerians this is impacting

Its for every entry into UK. They are making their visa approvals e-visa. Thats just it.

We all know that in the next 10 to 15 years. Your international passport will disappear. You won't have to carry international passport anymore.

Finger print will replace passport for travels.

There won't be immigration officers. when you arrive you put your face and your finger and the gate will open. if it doesn't open, you go back to where you came from.

That's the scary future.

UK should grant my visa na. shuuu! i cant wait to leave this country.

This is a good one.
Another easy way of doing things

Okay. Hope it comes with less stringent processes

Great100000:
Source: https://punchng.com/uk-introduces-evisas-for-nigerian-study-work-visa-applicants/

Great move, more convenient and less stressful for all

Na today, make them give us visa free,.. no be them colonized us?

Cheapgadget:
Na today, make them give us visa free,.. no be them colonized us?

No mind them jor 😂
After them don make money from our land during colonialism

Cheapgadget:
Na today, make them give us visa free,.. no be them colonized us?

Visa free to United Kingdom, in this Tinubu's 2025?

Why not make it visa free for Nigerians as our colonial masters? Abeg ~my siggy~ read down.

It's interesting that many countries are adjusting their immigration policies just because of Nigerians

Nice move. Mynd44 na you wan japa to UK. Abeg take note.

Please do not post adverts in this section, to avoid being banned.

Great100000:
Source: https://punchng.com/uk-introduces-evisas-for-nigerian-study-work-visa-applicants/

Old newssssssssssssdddddddddddddddddddddd

Sister Kemi would be disappointed
She won’t be happy with this news
Omo Inu Ogba to Sisu yo.
How great are you O Lord
Just bless my way and the hands that like this comment.

Does it now mean that there won't be visa interviews again or what?

Cheapgadget:
Na today, make them give us visa free,.. no be them colonized us?

Giving Nigerians visa free entry to the UK would be like opening the gate of hell.

Another avenue to fleece Nigerians. They already know they’ll grant only 10 of those applications for the year 2025.

Built2last:
Why are Nigerians making this news seem like it's only Nigerians this is impacting

Its for every entry into UK. They are making their visa approvals e-visa. Thats just it.

We all know that in the next 10 to 15 years. Your international passport will disappear. You won't have to carry international passport anymore.

Finger print will replace passport for travels.

There won't be immigration officers. when you arrive you put your face and your finger and the gate will open. if it doesn't open, you go back to where you came from.

That's the scary future.

Mad oo I like how you say you will come back to were you are coming from lol.

UAE close... UK open... Na so life be....
E no go bad for Nigeria forever...
One day we will get it right

The real evisa is like signing up a social media account in a website and subscriptions; less stressful and direct but the visa is for short stay. This UK version is not that kind of evisa oo

Houseofglam7:
Another avenue to fleece Nigerians. They already know they’ll grant only 10 of those applications for the year 2025.

No be by force to go UK, there are other EU countries that will gladly take you.

Built2last:
Why are Nigerians making this news seem like it's only Nigerians this is impacting

Its for every entry into UK. They are making their visa approvals e-visa. Thats just it.

We all know that in the next 10 to 15 years. Your international passport will disappear. You won't have to carry international passport anymore.

Finger print will replace passport for travels.

There won't be immigration officers. when you arrive you put your face and your finger and the gate will open. if it doesn't open, you go back to where you came from.

That's the scary future.

😁😁😁😁😁

I don’t have any 40 characters!

I just wan laugh at the bolded.

Church agbasa. Now or never. UK here i come

Please take a moment to write a quality post with at least 40 characters.
This will make the forum more interesting for everyone.

Now, finally the UK has listened to Peter Obi's advice,

It’s a cost cutting strategy. The UK would save a lot of quids on printing and logistics of visa stickers.