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From Visa Stickers to Digital Passes: UK Changes the Game for Nigerian Applicants

Published by Olatunji Yusuf on July 9th, 2025.

From Visa Stickers to Digital Passes: UK Changes the Game for Nigerian Applicants

In a major shake-up to its immigration system, the United Kingdom is saying goodbye to visa stickers — at least for most Nigerians applying for work and study visas. Starting July 15, 2025, a new era begins: eVisas are in, physical stickers are out.

Announced by the British High Commission in Abuja, this change means that most Nigerians applying to study or work in the UK will now receive a digital visa (eVisa) instead of the old vignette sticker pasted in their passports.

But don’t toss your passport just yet.

While the sticker might be going away, biometric appointments remain mandatory. Applicants must still visit a Visa Application Centre to submit their fingerprints and photos. After that, they’ll head home with their passports in hand, waiting for an email from UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) with further steps.

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Who This Affects

Nigerians applying for work or study visas on or after July 15, 2025.

Applicants who apply before that date will still get the regular vignette sticker.

Those applying for visitor visas or dependants (spouses, children) will still get physical stickers — for now.

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How the New eVisa Works

1. Apply online at gov.uk.

2. Go to the Visa Centre, submit biometrics, and take your passport home (no need to leave it).

3. Wait for approval via email.

4. Create a UKVI account (if needed) to access your secure online visa.

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Why This Matters

This move is part of the UK’s plan to go fully digital with its immigration processes — promising faster decisions, better security, and easier travel experiences.

> “We’re making it easier and faster for Nigerians to travel to the UK,” said Gill Atkinson OBE, Chargé d’Affaires at the British High Commission.

She emphasized the convenience the system offers, especially for students and professionals who often worry about their passports being held during processing.

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Already Rolling Out

This isn’t just a future idea — the UK has already started using eVisas to replace Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) for people staying over six months. Those who already have UKVI accounts can use the ‘View and Prove’ tool to show their immigration status to employers or landlords.

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Bottom Line? If you’re planning to study or work in the UK after July 15, 2025, you’re stepping into a digital process. The lines might still be there for biometrics, but your visa won’t be stuck in your passport anymore — it’ll be just a few clicks away.