Nigerians Access UK eVisa: Guide to New Digital Immigration Status

• The UK has transitioned to an eVisa system, replacing physical immigration documents with digital records.
• Applicants must create a UKVI account, verify their identity using the UK Immigration: ID Check app, and link it to their eVisa.
• An eVisa provides a digital record of an individual's immigration status, including visa type and conditions.
• There is no fee to set up a UKVI account or access an eVisa, with access typically immediate or within 24 hours.
• eVisa holders can generate share codes to prove their immigration status for purposes like employment or housing, and for international travel.

This digital record serves as the official UK electronic immigration status, replacing traditional physical documents and offering a streamlined method for individuals to demonstrate their right to reside or work in the country.

The United Kingdom has initiated a significant shift in its immigration system, moving away from traditional physical documents towards a fully digital framework. This transformation introduces the eVisa, an electronic immigration status that serves as a comprehensive digital record of an individual's identity and their permission to be in the UK. This includes details such as the specific type of visa held, whether an individual has indefinite leave to remain (settlement), and any associated conditions of their status.

This new system means that eVisas are now the standard for individuals who successfully apply for a UK visa or any other form of permission to stay in the country, effectively replacing older physical immigration documents. The UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) department recently published detailed guidelines on its X account, outlining the necessary steps for visa holders to access and manage their new digital immigration status. These guidelines are crucial for understanding how Nigerians access UK eVisa and navigate the updated system.

The journey to obtaining and accessing a UK eVisa begins with the standard online application process through the official government website, GOV.UK. Depending on the specific application, individuals may also be required to provide biometric information and verify their identity at a designated Visa Application Centre. Once an application has been submitted, applicants will receive an email notification informing them of the decision, with UKVI advising them to check spam or junk folders to ensure this crucial communication is not missed.

Upon a successful visa application, the next critical step for individuals, including those from Nigeria, is the UKVI account creation. This is done via the official eVisa portal at gov.uk/evisa. Applicants must complete a series of online steps, after which the system will confirm the successful establishment of their account. This account is central to managing their UK electronic immigration status and is a fundamental part of the UK visa application process Nigeria.

After creating their UKVI account, applicants must sign in and proceed to confirm their identity. This identity verification process is facilitated through the dedicated 'UK Immigration: ID Check app'. Following successful identity confirmation, individuals are then required to link their UKVI accounts directly to their eVisas. This crucial step enables access to their complete digital immigration records, ensuring their UK electronic immigration status is readily available.

Once the eVisa is ready for viewing, applicants will receive another email notification. It is strongly advised that users meticulously review all information on their eVisa for accuracy before undertaking any travel. This digital record serves as the official UK electronic immigration status, replacing traditional physical documents and offering a streamlined method for individuals to demonstrate their right to reside or work in the country. eVisa holders can view their status and generate a 'share code' to prove their immigration status when required, such as for starting a new job or securing rental accommodation. Furthermore, for international travel, eVisa holders can utilize their digital status provided they have added their passport or travel document details to their UKVI accounts.

A significant benefit of the new system is that there is no fee associated with setting up a UKVI account or accessing an eVisa. While access to a linked eVisa is typically immediate, UK Visas and Immigration notes that the process could take up to 24 hours in some instances. This ensures that individuals, including those from Nigeria, can access UK eVisa information without additional financial burden.

While eVisas have largely superseded physical immigration documents, most biometric residence cards (BRCs) expired on 31 December 2024, and are generally no longer valid for travel as of June 2025. The immigration status they represented now continues digitally as an eVisa. Existing visa vignettes, which are the physical stickers placed in passports, remain valid until their stated expiry dates, but the Home Office ceased issuing new visa vignettes for most applicants from early to mid-2026.

Lawyers advising Nigerian clients on UK immigration must understand the new eVisa system, including the steps for account creation, identity verification, and linking eVisas, to ensure clients can correctly prove their immigration status for employment, housing, or travel purposes.

Source: Original reporting via PUNCH