The British High Commission (BHC) has announced that from 15 July 2025, most individuals applying to enter the United Kingdom (UK) on study or work-related visas will no longer receive a physical visa sticker (vignette) in their passport.
A statement by BHC revealed that Instead successful applicants will be issued an eVisa, a secure, online record of their immigration status, noting that this change marks a major step in the UK Government’s transition to a modern, digital immigration system.
According to the statement, 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.
The statement noted that visit visas applications will continue to receive the visa vignette sticker for the time being, adding that despite the removal of the vignette for study or work visas, all applicants must still attend a Visa Application Centre (VAC) to provide their biometric information as part of the visa processing procedure.
It further said that once a decision is made on their visa application, applicants will receive an email from UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) with the outcome and instructions to create a UKVI account, to access their eVisa.
Speaking on the new rule, the Chargé d’Affaires, British High Commission, Gill Lever 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.
“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.”
Additional Information
The statement further revealed that eVisas have already replaced Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) 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 (in England).
It advised applicants to apply online and submit application through the official website via gov.uk; attend a Visa Application Centre (VAC) to submit passport and biometrics information; if visa does not require a visa vignette sticker, he can take your passport home the same day; after visa is granted, follow the instructions in his decision notification, and if advised create a UKVI account and link it to his current passport.
