By John Moses
The United Kingdom has unveiled a digital eVisa system for those applying to study or work in the country, set to come into effect from 15 July.
Mrs Gill Lever, the British Deputy High Commissioner in Abuja, announced the development in a statement released on Wednesday, describing it as a key step in modernising the UK’s immigration system.
The new eVisa will replace the traditional visa vignette or physical sticker in passports for successful applicants, aiming to create a more secure, efficient and convenient process for students, skilled professionals and their families.
“We are making it easier and faster for Nigerians to travel to the UK,” Lever said.
However, she clarified that those applying for other visa categories, including standard visitor visas or as dependants, will still receive the usual visa sticker in their passports.
Visa applicants will continue to attend visa application centres to provide biometric data as part of standard processing. Once a decision is made, they will receive an email from UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) with the outcome and guidance on creating a UKVI account to view and manage their eVisa.
Lever also noted that the digital system has already replaced Biometric Residence Permits for individuals granted permission to stay in the UK for more than six months.
With a UKVI account, customers can securely share their immigration status with third parties, such as employers and landlords, through the government’s ‘view and prove’ service.
The move is part of a broader shift towards a fully digital immigration process by the UK government.
