UK to Roll Out E-Visas for Nigerian Study and Work Applicants from July 15, Marking Major Immigration Shift

 

A major transformation is coming to the UK’s visa processing system for Nigerians, as the British government has announced it will begin issuing electronic visas (e-visas) to most applicants seeking work and study permits starting July 15, 2025.

This shift signals a decisive step toward fully digitising the UK's immigration framework. Rather than receiving a physical visa sticker in their passports, successful Nigerian applicants will now be granted a secure online record of their immigration status. This digital approach is intended to offer greater efficiency, security, and flexibility for both applicants and authorities.

According to a statement from the UK government released on Wednesday, the transition will initially affect Nigerians applying for study and work visas, excluding dependants and visitor visa applicants who will continue to receive the traditional visa vignette sticker for now.

Gill Lever, the chargé d’affaires at the British High Commission in Abuja, praised the upcoming system as a pivotal innovation in the UK’s immigration process. She described it as a step toward a more user-friendly and technologically advanced system.

“This will make the process more secure, more efficient, and more convenient for students, professionals, and families,” Lever said in the statement.

Under the new framework, eligible Nigerian applicants will still be required to attend a Visa Application Centre (VAC) to provide their biometric information, including fingerprints and a facial photograph. However, unlike before, they will no longer have to part with their passports during this stage. After the biometrics are collected, the applicants will retain their passports and await a decision via email.

Once a decision is made, successful applicants will be instructed to create a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account. This account will be key to accessing the e-visa, which will reflect their approved immigration status. The system will allow them to share their immigration details securely with relevant third parties such as landlords, employers, educational institutions, and border officials.

The British government has been gradually moving away from physical immigration documentation. Previously, biometric residence permits (BRPs), which were issued to individuals staying in the UK for over six months, were phased out in favour of digital e-visas. The rollout of digital visas to Nigerian applicants is seen as a continuation of this broader policy agenda.

Those applying as dependants, such as spouses and children of primary applicants, or those seeking visitor visas, are not yet included in the digital transition. These individuals will continue to receive the familiar vignette sticker in their passports, at least for the foreseeable future.

The application process remains largely unchanged at the beginning. Applicants are still expected to book an appointment at a VAC to submit biometric data. What changes significantly is the conclusion of the process, where e-visas replace physical documentation, and the email notification becomes the bridge to accessing immigration status.

This digital system offers additional conveniences beyond travel. Individuals will be able to access their UKVI account from anywhere, on any internet-connected device, making it easier to update personal details or check visa status. The UK government has also ensured that the system is designed with privacy and security in mind, offering a controlled method to share information with employers or institutions without compromising sensitive data.

Officials believe that this new method will reduce the risk of lost or damaged documents and speed up the verification process for visa holders. By digitising the entire process, the UK aims to eliminate unnecessary paperwork, physical logistics, and long wait times associated with retrieving passports post-application.

Nigerians have been among the highest recipients of UK study and work visas in recent years. The rollout of e-visas is expected to affect thousands of applicants annually. The UK government continues to advise all applicants to follow detailed guidance provided at the time of application to ensure smooth processing.

As of July 15, all eligible Nigerian applicants who submit their visa applications will fall under the new e-visa scheme. Those who apply before that date will still receive a traditional vignette, regardless of when a decision is made.

This development is one of several reforms aimed at simplifying and modernising how the UK handles immigration and is likely to serve as a model for future expansions of the e-visa system to other countries and visa categories.