UK introduces eVisa for study, work applicants

The United Kingdom (UK) Government has announced the introduction of a digital eVisa for study and work visa applicants, effective July 15, 2025.

The British Deputy High Commissioner, Gill Lever, made this known in a statement on Wednesday, July 9.

Lever said the move was part of the UK’s transition to a modern and digital immigration system.

She stated that the eVisa would replace the traditional visa vignette or sticker in passports for successful applicants.

Lever noted that the change would make the process more secure, efficient, and convenient for students, professionals, and families.

Lever said: “We are making it easier and faster for Nigerians to travel to the UK.

“However, applicants applying as dependants or for other visa types, such as standard visitor visas, will still receive a visa sticker in their passport.”

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She noted that applicants must still go to a visa application centre to provide their biometric information as part of the visa processing procedure.

According to Lever, 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.

She added that the eVisa system had already replaced Biometric Residence Permits for individuals granted leave for over six months.

“Customers with a UKVI account can use the view and prove service to securely share their immigration status with third parties, such as employers or landlords,” Lever noted.

The Star