What the new UK eVisa System Means for International Students Starting September 2025

What the new UK eVisa System Means for International Students

Let’s face it—planning to study in the UK already comes with a lot to think about. And just when you’re getting excited about your offer, you start hearing about things like visa timelines, passport submissions, and biometric appointments. But here’s the good news: the UK is making things easier. Starting July 15, 2025, the visa process for International students from countries like Nigeria and Ghana is going digital. That means no more visa stickers in your passport, no long waits to get your documents back, and far less stress overall.

Effective July 15th, 2025 — A Digital Shift Begins

The British High Commission in Abuja has announced that, starting July 15, 2025, most Nigerians applying for study and work visas to the UK will now be under the new UK evisa system. They  will start receiving UK eVisas rather than the physical visa stickers (vignettes) previously stamped into their passports. And this isn’t just for Nigeria—Ghana and several other countries are also on track for this global transition.

🚫 No More Waiting for Passport Stickers

If you’ve ever paused your travel plans because your passport was “still at the VAC,” this change will feel like a gift. With the new system:

• You keep your passport after biometrics.
• Once approved, your visa becomes digitally linked to your passport.
• You get notified by email.
• You can use the UKVI portal to view, prove, or share your immigration status online.

No paper. No stamps. No back-and-forth waiting.

Why the UK Switched to an eVisa System 

The UK Home Office is moving toward a fully digital immigration system by 2025. The goal? More security, better accessibility, and fewer logistical hiccups—especially for international students and professionals who travel often. For students from Ghana or Nigeria—who already face long wait times, varying processing speeds, and unpredictable embassy queues—this is a clear win.

Who Needs to Know about the new UK eVisa System?

Let’s break this down by scenario—because depending on when you apply and what type of visa you’re going for, your experience will differ.

1. You applied before July 15, 2025

If your visa application (for study or work) was submitted before July 15, you will still follow the traditional process:

• You’ll receive a physical visa vignette (a sticker in your passport).
• You must submit your passport at the Visa Application Centre (VAC) after biometrics.
• Your visa will be issued and returned to you with the vignette attached.

No digital eVisa will be issued for these applications—even if your travel date is after July 15. You’re locked into the old system.

2. You apply on or after July 15, 2025

This is where things change. If you’re applying for a study or work visa from July 15 onwards:

• You will no longer receive a physical visa sticker.
• Your visa will be issued digitally, and you’ll keep your passport after biometrics.
• Once approved, your visa will be linked to your passport electronically in your UKVI account.
• You’ll receive an email confirming your eVisa has been granted, along with instructions.

This applies to applicants from Nigeria, Ghana, and several other countries now included in the UK’s global eVisa rollout.

3. You’re a visitor, dependant, or short-term applicant

If you’re applying as a:

• Visitor (Tourist)
• Short-term student
• Dependant of a main applicant

…then you will still receive a vignette. These categories are not yet part of the eVisa system. However, the UK Home Office has stated that the plan is to fully transition all visa types to digital by 2025. So this may change soon.

Before You Fly: Key Checklist for International Students

Even though you won’t have a visa sticker in your passport, you still need to be properly prepared to travel to the UK. Here’s how to make sure everything is in place:

1. Set up your UKVI account

• You’ll be invited to create a UKVI account during the application process.
• This is where your eVisa will be stored.
• Make sure the passport number in your account is correct and matches the passport you’ll travel with. Any error—even a digit off—can delay your entry at the UK border.

Tip: If you renew your passport after receiving your eVisa, you must update your UKVI account with the new passport details.

2. Check your email frequently

• Once your application is approved, you’ll receive an email from UKVI with:
  • Confirmation of your visa grant.
  • A “share code” you can use to show proof of your visa.
  • Instructions for accessing your eVisa online.

• Save this email, print a copy if possible, and keep it handy when you travel.

3. Confirm your travel eligibility with the airline

• Most airlines are now familiar with the eVisa system, but some may still ask for evidence that you’ve been granted a UK visa.

• You can show your:
  • Share code
  • eVisa confirmation email
  • Or a screenshot of your digital visa from your UKVI account

For Nigerian and Ghanaian students especially, double-checking with your airline (e.g., British Airways, EgyptAir, Turkish Airlines) before your travel date is smart—it avoids last-minute issues at the airport.

4. Use the “View and Prove” Tool

The UK has created a digital tool called “View and Prove Your Immigration Status”. This allows you to:

• Access your visa details anytime.
• Share your immigration status with your university, accommodation provider, or future employer.
• Print or save a digital record of your visa if needed.

 

CONCLUSION 

This update might seem like just another policy change—but it’s much more than that. For African students dreaming of the UK, it’s a step toward ease, autonomy, and digital convenience. A less stressful journey. One less thing to worry about as you prepare to start a new chapter in a new country. So if you’re reading this and planning to study in the UK soon—breathe easy and let us assist you to ensure your study process is seamless.