Nigerians travelling to the United Kingdom or living there on a valid immigration status can access their electronic visas by creating a UK Visas and Immigration account, verifying their identity and linking the account to their digital immigration records.
The UK government has outlined the process as part of its transition from physical immigration documents to electronic records known as eVisas.
UK Visas and Immigration shared the guidelines in a pictorial posted on its X account on Monday, explaining how successful visa applicants can set up their accounts and view their immigration status online.
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An eVisa is a digital record containing a person's identity and immigration status, including “the type of visa you have or if you have indefinite leave to remain (settlement) in the UK” and “the conditions of your status”, according to the UK government.
Here are five steps to apply for and access a UK eVisa:
Apply for a UK visa
Applicants must first submit their visa applications online through the official UK government website, GOV.UK.
Depending on the type of application, they may also be required to provide biometric information and prove their identity at a Visa Application Centre.
Wait for the application decision
After submitting an application, applicants should wait for an email from UK Visas and Immigration informing them that a decision has been made.
The agency advised applicants to check their junk or spam folders to ensure they do not miss the notification.
Create a UKVI account
Applicants whose visa applications are successful should create a UK Visas and Immigration account through the official eVisa portal at gov.uk/evisa.
They are required to follow the online instructions until the system confirms that their accounts have been successfully created.
Verify your identity and link your eVisa
After creating an account, applicants should sign in and verify their identity using the UK Immigration: ID Check app.
They must also link their UKVI accounts to their eVisas to gain access to their digital immigration records.
View your eVisa and check the details
Once the eVisa is ready, applicants will receive an email notification informing them that it can be viewed online.
UK Visas and Immigration advised users to check that all the information displayed on their eVisas is accurate before travelling.
Is there a fee to access a UK eVisa?
The UK government said applicants and visa holders do not have to pay to create a UKVI account or access their eVisas.
“You do not need to pay to set up a UKVI account or access your eVisa,” the government stated.
It added that people who have linked their eVisas to their UKVI accounts would “usually be able to access your eVisa straight away”, although the process could take up to 24 hours.
How can eVisa holders use their digital status?
The digital immigration record allows holders to view their visa details and generate a share code when they need to prove their immigration status.
According to the UK government, share codes can be used when starting a new job or renting accommodation.
Travellers can also use their eVisas when travelling, provided they have added their passport or travel document details to their UKVI accounts.
The government said eVisas had replaced physical immigration documents, although some holders of biometric residence cards might still be able to use them in certain situations.
It also clarified that existing visa vignettes, which are visa stickers placed in passports, remain valid until their expiry dates.
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