UK Announces New Visa for Nigerians Relocating for Work, Study
- The UK has made changes to its visa policy for Nigerians looking to travel to the UK for study and work
- Under the new system, visa applicants will no longer receive a physical vignette in their passport upon approval of their visa application
- There is an expectation that with the new approach, Nigerians could apply and receive a decision on their visa application the same day
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The United Kingdom has implemented a change in its visa application process, introducing eVisas for both student and skilled worker categories.
Source: Getty Images
The new system, which commenced on July 15, 2025, means that Nigerians will no longer receive a physical vignette in their passport when applying for a work or study visa.
Physical vignettes traditionally served as stickers in passports indicating permission to enter and reside in the UK.
How the UK eVisa will work?
Visa applicants can now process their applications online, allowing them to submit biometrics and collect their passports on the same day.
This new change also removes the need for applicants to return to the Visa Application Centre.
According to information from the UK government website, while applicants for work or study visas will use the eVisa system, dependents and applicants for other visa types may still receive a vignette in their passport.
Also, applicants will receive decisions on their applications via email within the standard UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) processing timelines.
The UK govt said:
"You can usually access an eVisa if you have permission to be in the UK (England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland) for more than 6 months.
"You can also access an eVisa if you have permission to be in the UK for 6 months or less for some types of work or study visa.
"All UK immigrants with biometric residency permits (BRPs) are required to open a UKVI account to manage their eVisa, ensuring a smooth transition to the digital immigration system."
Source: Getty Images
How to set up UKVI account?
Here are the steps to follow to create an account:
- Applicants will need a phone number and email address that they can use each time they sign in.
- Must also have a valid passport and either their visa application number, which could be a Global Web Form (GWF) number or Unique Application Number (UAN) or their Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) number.
- If their BRP card has expired, they can still use it for up to 18 months after the expiry date printed on the card.
After creating their UKVI account, applicants will be asked to confirm their identity and link their account to their eVisa.
"You will need access to a smartphone so you can install an app to confirm your identity. You’ll be able to confirm your identity another way if you either:
"Do not have a valid passport or an expired BRP card cannot access a smartphone or use the app."
Challenges of getting UK work visas
Nigerians attempting to secure UK work visas face numerous challenges that hinder the process. One of the primary obstacles is the stringent documentation and financial requirements.
Applicants are often required to prove they have sufficient funds to support themselves and meet the minimum salary thresholds, which can be difficult for many due to economic constraints.
The complex application procedures and long waiting times further complicate the process, leaving many applicants in uncertainty.
In addition, visa fees have risen sharply in recent years, adding another financial burden on potential migrants.
Another significant challenge is the limited availability of work permits in certain sectors, creating intense competition among applicants.
Furthermore, the rise in immigration policies aimed at limiting the influx of migrants has made it increasingly difficult for Nigerians to secure sponsorships, as employers may be discouraged from hiring foreign workers.
These barriers create an overwhelming and often discouraging experience for aspiring migrants.
What happens to dependants when things go wrong?
A visa advisor and consultant, Mobolaji Ogundairo, has clarified that a dependant spouse’s immigration status can be affected if the relationship ends before they obtain permanent residency.
He told Legit.ng:
"For a spousal or partner visa (K1, for instance), the primary applicant is always the person who has the card. If you've never gotten your permanent card, like the green card, and you have a breakout, your (temporary) visa alone does not stand. The dependant is always at the mercy of the main applicant. If and whenever the partners break up, the dependant no longer has a right under the law to still be in the country."
UK releases occupations eligible for work visa
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that the United Kingdom has increased its skilled worker visa scheme to include over 70 additional mid-level occupations, offering new work opportunities.
The new list includes fashion designers, IT specialists, and lab technicians with a lower threshold
Applicants still need a job offer from a licensed sponsor and must meet qualification and job code requirements
This article has been updated by the head of business desk, Victor Enengedi, with additional information.
Editorial assistant Ololade Olatimehin provided exclusive commentary from a visa consultant for this report.
Proofreading by James Ojo, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
