From July 15, 2025, the United Kingdom officially shifted to a digital eVisa system for most Nigerians applying for study or work visas. This represents a pivotal turn in the UK’s immigration policy, part of a broader modernization drive intended to enhance security, streamline the application process, and reduce reliance on physical documentation (The Times of India, Vanguard News, Nairametrics).
What’s Changing?
1. No More Passport Stickers for Study and Work Visas
Prior to mid-July 2025, Nigerians applying for study and work visas had to submit their passports at Visa Application Centres (VACs) and wait for a physical visa vignette sticker. As of July 15, 2025, eligible applicants will instead receive a digital eVisa, accessible online via their UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account (Vanguard News, Nairametrics, The Guardian Nigeria, Businessday NG).
2. Who Is Affected (and Who Is Not)?
- Affected: Most applicants for student and work visas, including skilled workers and visiting academics, will now get digital eVisas.
- Not (yet) affected: Applications as dependents (spouses and children) and those for visitor visas will still receive traditional passport stickers for now (Vanguard News, Nairametrics, The Guardian Nigeria).
3. Biometrics Still Required—But Faster Passport Return
Applicants must still visit a VAC to submit biometric data. However, if a vignette isn’t required, they can retain their passport and take it home the same day, avoiding any waiting period (Vanguard News, Nairametrics, The Guardian Nigeria).
4. Accessing and Using the eVisa
Once the visa is approved, applicants receive an email with instructions to create or log in to their UKVI account. Through that account, they can view, download, and securely share their immigration status using the “View and Prove” service ideal for landlords, schools, or employers (Vanguard News, Nairametrics, Businessday NG, The Guardian Nigeria).
Why the UK Is Going Digital
Modernizing Immigration
The eVisa rollout is part of the UK government’s broader plan to move toward a fully digital immigration system, one that’s more secure, efficient, and user-friendly (Vanguard News, Nairametrics, The Guardian Nigeria).
Faster, Safer Travel
Digital eVisas reduce risks associated with lost, stolen, or damaged passport stickers. They offer faster access and easier tracking through the UKVI portal (IEIS, Nairametrics).
Gill Lever, Chargé d’Affaires at the British High Commission in Abuja, described the change as making travel “faster and easier” for students, professionals, and families, giving a substantial boost to convenience and security (Vanguard News, Nairametrics).
Challenges and Concerns
Early Technical Hiccups and Broader Rollout Issues
The UK’s digital visa rollout has seen significant technical issues. Earlier attempts to roll out eVisas (especially replacing Biometric Residence Permits or BRPs) were plagued by IT glitches, causing widespread concern and even travel disruptions (The Times, The Guardian).
By May 2025:
- 700,000 individuals were still unregistered for eVisas just before the June 1 deadline.
- The system suffered from IT failures in March and May, leading to denied boarding, unlinked accounts, and even homelessness for some affected migrants (The Guardian).
However, the UK government ultimately made the digital transition for Nigerians effective on July 15, 2025, signaling improved readiness for the new system, at least for study and work visa categories (The Times of India, Vanguard News, Nairametrics).
Summary Table
| Applicant Type | Pre-July 15, 2025 | Post-July 15, 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Study & Work Visas | Physical vignette; passport held | Digital eVisa; passport returned same day |
| Visitor & Dependent Visas | Physical vignette; passport held | Still vignette (no change yet) |
Conclusion
The UK’s switch to digital eVisas marks a major modernization milestone in its immigration policy especially pertinent for Nigerians seeking study or work in the UK. While the transition brings speed, security, and convenience, applicants must ensure they follow the new steps closely, register promptly, and stay alert for official guidance.
For Nigerian students, this means a smoother pathway from application to travel, with better access to your visa status online. For visitor visa applicants, the traditional route remains for now but digital expansion may include you in future phases.
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