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How we’re reforming Nigeria’s visa, residency processes – NIS - PREMIUM TIMES
NIS hopes that these reforms will enhance transparency, simplify access to immigration services and foster confidence amongst migrants, investors, development partners and the general public.
The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) on Monday hosted a stakeholders’ sensitisation workshop on the implementation of major innovations recently introduced by the service.
The workshop took place in Abuja to build stakeholders’ capacity and ensure a seamless transition to the updated processes implemented by the Nigeria Immigration Service.
The programme also marked the public presentation of a booklet, the Guide of Nigerian Immigration Processes 2025. The booklet captures the comprehensive reforms undertaken by the NIS.
The agency hopes that these reforms will enhance transparency, simplify access to immigration services and foster confidence amongst migrants, investors, development partners and the general public.
“The booklet provides detailed and user-friendly guidance on visa categories, application procedures, residency regulations, clearance protocols and the documentation required for various immigration services and facilities,” said the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Kemi Nandap.
But today’s event represents more than the unveiling of a document, Ms Nandap added.
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“It is a reflection of our collective efforts to reposition the Nigerian Immigration Service as a forward-looking institution committed to operational excellence, national security and facilitation of legitimate migration in line with international best practices.”
Some of the innovations are the introduction of a new visa regime under which the service is implementing e-Visa, the e-CERPAC Platform, Digitised Entry and Temporary Work Permits, and the Landing and Exit Card systems.
“All these innovations are complemented with the installation of the e-gates and, of course, our command and control here at the Service Headquarters,” Ms Nandap said.
The federal government recently launched its “Nigeria Visa Policy 2025”, which is crafted to boost Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), promote tourism, drive industrialisation, create employment opportunities and attract innovators globally.
In his speech, the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, called for strict enforcement of the 2025 Nigeria Visa Policy, stating that Nigeria is not a lawless country.
While the e-Visa system improves access, he emphasised that applicants must meet clear criteria and that as of 30 June 2025, over 14,000 e-visas have been approved. He noted that all technical glitches on the e-visa system will be rectified in a few days.
Mr Tunji-Ojo noted that the e-visa aligns with global best practices and is designed to improve the traveller experience while strengthening border control.
The barcode-enabled system aims to strengthen border control and data intelligence, the minister said.
He emphasised the importance of sustained inter-agency collaboration to ensure the seamless and effective implementation of the e-visa, landing, and exit card systems. He reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to a secure, efficient, and technology-driven immigration process.
Dozens of trafficked Ghanaians rescued in Nigeria - Ghana police - BUSINESS INSIDER
BY
Ghanaian authorities claim that over 70 of its citizens trafficked to Nigeria under the guise of an employment scheme have been rescued.
- Over 70 Ghanaian citizens trafficked to Nigeria under a fraudulent employment scheme have been rescued.
- Victims were promised football careers, job placements, or visa assistance, later facing exploitation and mistreatment.
- Rescue operations were conducted by Ghanaian authorities with help from Interpol and Nigerian law enforcement.
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The fraudulent job scheme promised overseas jobs in football with top foreign teams, job placements abroad, or visa assistance.
When the Ghanaian victims arrived, their phones and travel documents were confiscated, and they were kept in cramped and unconducive quarters, according to a statement from the police.
To obtain approximately $1,000 (£727) under the pretense of paying training or facilitation costs, the victims were forced to contact their relatives.
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As reported by the BBC, the police statement also revealed that the scammers conned the victims' friends and family by using their phone contact lists.
Lydia Yaako Donkor, head of Ghana's Criminal Investigation Department (CID), revealed that the rescue mission was conducted with the aid of Interpol and Nigerian law enforcement agencies.
The victims were rescued from numerous states in Nigeria, between May 19 and June 27 of this year, and they have not yet been sent back to Ghana to be with their relatives.
So far, around 7 Ghanaians have been arrested in connection with the scam.
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DON'T MISS THIS: Nearly 30.7% of Ghana's population lives in slums – Report
"The psychological and economic harm caused to these victims and their families is devastating," Ghana’s CID head stated, adding that in many cases, the victims are "so malnourished and psychologically affected" that they are unable to resume their normal lives.
The international lifestyle and wellness marketing firm QNET, which was allegedly associated with the recruitment scam, has been prohibited from doing business in Ghana since 2022 due to allegations that it operated a Ponzi scheme.
On several occasions, the company has refuted any role in the conspiracy.
The police disclosed that they are working to find the culprits involved in the scam, as Lydia Donkor warns families to confirm offers of high-paying jobs and overseas schooling before accepting them.
FG clears 14,000 e-visas, targets overstayers in renewed crackdown - PUNCH
The Federal Government has set August 1, 2025, as the deadline to begin issuing stiff penalties to foreigners who have overstayed their visas.
However, it opened an online immigration amnesty portal in July to allow affected individuals to regularise their stay before the penalties take effect.
“Once the amnesty period is over, we will implement the law 100 per cent and, of course, there will be a penalty for overstaying in Nigeria,” Interior Minister, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, said on Monday.
He disclosed this at a stakeholders’ sensitisation on major Nigeria Immigration Service innovations in international passenger travel, at the Service headquarters in Abuja.
He also said the recently launched electronic visa regime has processed over 14,000 applications within its first six weeks.
He told members of the diplomatic corps, “Please tell your people to take advantage of the amnesty,” adding that once the grace period lapsed, the law would be enforced 100 per cent.
“I plead with you, we are opening the immigration amnesty portal in July, I think within the next one or two days. Please, for the benefit of our diplomatic corps, encourage your people to take advantage of it.
“Once the amnesty period is over, we will implement the law 100 per cent, and of course, there will be a penalty for overstaying in Nigeria.
“Our laws are not meant to be abused.
Our laws are meant to be respected. And wherever you are from, once you are in Nigeria, you must respect the laws of Nigeria,” he affirmed.
The amnesty is part of a broader reform package first unveiled in April and due to take effect in two phases. From May 1, the Interior Ministry introduced a $15 daily surcharge for each day a visitor remains in the country beyond the date stamped in their passport.
However, it simultaneously offered a three-month moratorium—stretching to July 31—to allow people to regularise their papers without paying the fine.
Beginning August 1, anyone still out of status faces not only the accrued surcharge but a five-year re-entry ban for overstays of six months and a 10-year ban for those who remain a year or more, according to the implementation guidelines published by the Nigeria Immigration Service.
The new portal enables holders of expired visa-on-arrival permits, lapsed single-entry visas, or overdue expatriate residence cards to apply online for a stay permit, upload supporting documents, and receive clearance without needing to visit an immigration office.
Tunji-Ojo also announced that the Federal Government saved nearly N1bn annually after scrapping a contract for the physical archiving of passport and visa documents in late 2023.
He said, “We cancelled the physical presentation [and] manual archiving that was costing us almost a billion a year.
“It gives us the opportunity to verify those documents ahead of time, so the integrity of our foundational data is better enhanced…saving us almost a billion naira every year,” he said.
The e-passport automation drive formally began on January 8, 2024, when the interior ministry ordered the NIS to phase out paper files and middlemen, and route all new or renewal requests through a revamped web portal.
Applicants at home and abroad now complete an online form, pay electronically and upload birth certificates, proof of address and passport photos.
The portal’s back-end conducts preliminary security checks, allowing immigration officers to flag anomalies long before an applicant appears at the capture centre, the service said.
A public advisory circulated to Nigerian missions abroad urged would-be travellers to “check requirements, test photos and book appointments” entirely online, eliminating the queues and ad hoc fees that once plagued the process.
In late 2024, the ministry cleared a backlog of 204,000 passports and set an April 2025 deadline for “contactless” renewals that require only a selfie-style facial scan instead of fingerprint pads.
By May 2025, officials stated that 99 per cent of passport issuance was end-to-end digital, with the remaining tasks—biometric capture and booklet pick-up—compressed into 20-minute slots.
Tunji-Ojo said the passport automation drive has “cured the madness of scarcity” and, with it, the petty graft once fuelled by desperate applicants.
“Years ago, people waited months and paid touts N200,000, sometimes N500,000, for a N100,000 booklet,” he recalled, adding, “If you want to kill corruption, kill scarcity.”
He revealed that the electronic Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card and the electronic Temporary Work Permit would go live within the next week.
“I can tell you that within the first six weeks of the e-visa, we were able to process over 14,000 visa applications. Within six weeks.
“So, by any standard in the world, that is a pass mark. It is a huge one and, of course, those little hitches, I tell you, within the next one to two weeks, will be history. We will correct them,” Tunji-Ojo said.
The former lawmaker gave a glimpse of the backstage work: “We are already working. Even yesterday in my house, the CGIS was there. Technological partners were at my house. The DCG visa was in my house. All of us were in my house.
“We worked for hours yesterday, Sunday, even in my conference room at home. We were working because we understand that when you are in the process of innovation, there is no room, there is no opportunity for you to close your eyes. You must make sure it works. We are ready for the challenge.”
The minister explained that the e-visa system would spur economic growth.
“To me, when somebody needs a visa to Nigeria, and all he is looking for is who knows the minister, who knows the CG Immigration, who knows the permanent secretary, that is not how to grow a country. That is the truth.
“You must make it easy while not compromising national security. There must be a strategy. So, the e-visa, I want to assure you, by the grace of God, is here to stay,” he stated.
Regarding the upcoming e-CERPAC and TWP, the minister declared an end to the previous misuse of the TWP system.
“That era when people will come on TWP almost for free, keep renewing over and over, just to evade the law, is gone. So, for us, TWP is automated just like CERPAC is already automated,” he stated.
The Comptroller General of Immigration Service, Kemi Nandap, said the new visa regime introduced several innovative services, including the e-Visa Application Channel, e-CERPAC, Landing and Exit Cards, and Temporary Work Permits.
“The already installed e-Gates at our major airports and commissioned command and control centre are positioned to house and harness these technologies.
“These digital solutions leverage technology to streamline processes, enhance security, and improve the overall experience for travellers and stakeholders,” she said.
According to Nandap, “The e-Visa system allows for seamless online applications, eliminating the need for physical visits to immigration offices.”
She further added, “The e-CERPAC integrates residence permits into a digital document, simplifying processes for foreign nationals residing in Nigeria.
“Our Temporary Work Permit has also been digitised, reducing processing times and increasing efficiency.”
Italy to issue half million non-EU work visas over next three years - FRANCE24
Italy will issue nearly 500,000 new work visas for non-EU nationals from 2026 to 2028, a cabinet statement said on Monday, as part of a strategy to expand legal immigration channels in response to labour shortages.
Enugu Air to connect Nigeria to the world – Mbah
Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah has declared that Enugu Air, the newly launched state-owned airline, will serve as a strategic hub to connect countries beyond its base in the state capital.
The Governor made this ambitious announcement during the inauguration of the airline’s maiden flight at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, on Monday.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mbah emphasised that Enugu Air is not just a domestic airline but part of a broader vision to position Enugu as a central aviation gateway to the South-East and a bridge between Nigeria and the rest of the world.
“Our goal is to make Enugu a connecting hub for travellers across Africa and internationally. Enugu Air will not only facilitate domestic travel but also serve as a critical link that connects countries to our base here in Enugu, boosting tourism, trade, and economic growth,” Mbah said.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, who officially flagged off the maiden flight, praised the initiative as a trailblazing move that reflects the power of sub-national vision.
Accompanied by top officials from the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria, and the Nigeria Airspace Management Authority, the Minister commended the Enugu State Government for investing in critical infrastructure that promotes economic integration and positions Nigeria as an emerging aviation hub.
He said, “This launch is more than symbolic. It shows how a state government can lead with vision and build the kind of infrastructure that connects Nigeria internally and externally.”
The airline, which will be operated by Xejet, begins with domestic routes, but the Governor plans to rapidly expand to regional and international destinations.
The PUNCH gathered that the airline’s operations are backed by a public-private partnership aimed at delivering safety, quality service, and long-term viability.
Although details of the partnership were still shrouded in secrecy at the time of filing this report, the Federal Ministry of Aviation reaffirmed its support for the venture, promising a regulatory environment that meets global standards and encourages innovation in the sector.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority has approved the commencement of domestic flight of the airline through a temporary partnership with XEJET, pending the conclusion of its Air Operator Certificate process.
The regulatory nod aligns with the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development’s 5-Point Agenda, which prioritises the growth of indigenous airlines, as well as the Director-General of Civil Aviation’s commitment to enhancing ease of doing business and deepening sectoral reforms.
In a statement issued by Achimugu, he said, “Enugu Air has designated XEJET as its operational partner pending the conclusion of its Air Operator Certificate process.
“XEJET has completed a full variation process to integrate the EMB 170 aircraft into its Operations Specifications, following NCAA’s rigorous five-phase certification procedure.
“As such, XEJET is duly authorised to operate scheduled commercial flights on behalf of Enugu Air under current NCAA guidelines.”
During this interim phase, passengers can book Enugu Air flights through the XEJET platform, which can be accessed via a redirect on Enugu Air’s official website.
Reaffirming its commitment to the aviation sector, the NCAA noted, “The NCAA remains committed to enabling a supportive regulatory environment for indigenous carriers, ensuring fair competition, and upholding the highest standards of safety, security, and consumer protection in Nigeria’s air transport industry.”
Enugu Air was launched by Governor Peter Mbah in July 2025 as part of a broader state-driven transport strategy aimed at positioning Enugu as a regional aviation hub. Starting with three Embraer aircraft on the Enugu–Abuja–Lagos “golden triangle,” the carrier intends to spur job creation, boost tourism, and improve connectivity for the diaspora and business community.
Governor Mbah said it would offer “simpler, more dignified access to home” and become “a giant leap for Enugu State; a gold standard for government and private partnership.”
Recognising that obtaining an AOC can take up to two years, Governor Mbah partnered with XEJET to accelerate launching operations.
Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo urged the state government and residents to run Enugu Air professionally, warning against political interference, bureaucracy, and the culture of free tickets.
He also promised to support the growth of the airline by facilitating the acquisition of additional aircraft.
Director-General of the NCAA, Chris Najomo, described the collaboration between XE Jet and Enugu Air as a seamless way for the state to enter the aviation sector.
He noted that the airline’s launch aligns with the NCAA’s dedication to promoting ease of doing business while upholding strict regulatory standards.
Delta unveils new Lagos-US aircraft, revamps lounges - PUNCH
Delta Air Lines has announced the introduction of the A350-900 and Airbus A330-900neo on routes connecting Lagos to major U.S. cities as part of its plans to enhance services for passengers travelling between both countries.
According to a Tuesday release made available to The PUNCH, the airline will begin operating both aircraft on select flights starting in October 2025, being part of improvements aimed at elevating the overall travel experience and reaffirming the airline’s long-term commitment to West Africa.
Delta is also investing in infrastructure on the ground, as it also promised a refurbished premium lounge at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos that will offer travellers more comfort and convenience ahead of their flights.
Delta’s Senior Vice President for Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and India, Matteo Curcio, emphasised the significance of these changes, which he said reflect the company’s dedication to providing exceptional service to Nigerian travellers.
He explained, “With the launch of our new premium lounge in Lagos and the deployment of our newest aircraft, we are reaffirming Delta’s commitment to Nigerian travellers. This is more than an upgrade; it’s an investment in the future.
“The new Lagos lounge will feature modern Nigerian-inspired interiors, high-speed Wi-Fi, private relaxation spaces, and premium refreshments. It is designed to serve Delta One customers and high-value clients in the oil and gas sector.”
This revamped facility is aimed at providing an elevated pre-flight experience and reinforcing Delta’s reputation as a leader in premium transatlantic travel from West Africa.
Starting from October, Delta stressed that it will operate its flagship Airbus A350-900 on its Lagos–Atlanta route.
During the peak holiday season from December 2 to January 16, the Lagos–New York route will be served by the Airbus A330-900neo, another advanced aircraft in Delta’s fleet.
Also, the General Manager for Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and India of the airline, Joseph Young, noted that the A350-900 will replace the A330-200 and provide a 35 per cent increase in seat capacity for the Atlanta route.
He added that “The A350-900 and A330-900neo both offer quieter cabins, better fuel efficiency, and improved in-flight comfort. Passengers can enjoy wider seats, better air pressure and humidity, and a more pleasant onboard environment.”
Full List: UAE imposes fresh travel conditions on Nigerians, bans transit visa, others - PUNCH
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has introduced more stringent entry restrictions for Nigerians, including a ban on transit visa applications and new limitations on tourist visas.
The latest directives communicated to Nigerian travel agents on Tuesday as confirmed by Daily Trust sparked concern within the travel and tourism sector.
In a major policy shift expected to significantly reduce travel from Nigeria to Dubai—one of the UAE’s top destinations for business and leisure—the authorities now restrict Nigerians between the ages of 18 and 45 from obtaining tourist visas unless they are accompanied.
This development comes nearly a year after the UAE lifted a two-year visa ban on Nigerians, a move that was initially welcomed but accompanied by tight entry conditions.
Travel agents who spoke with Daily Trust confirmed that the situation is worsening with the latest visa process review.
According to the notification from Dubai immigration shared with travel agencies, transit visa applications will no longer be processed for Nigerian nationals.
The directive further stated, “For Nigeria nationals, please bear in mind that an applicant aged 18 to 45 years travelling alone is not eligible for TOURIST VISA CATEGORY.”
“An applicant who is 45yrs or above must provide a Single Nigerian personal bank statement for a period of last six months, with each month’s end balance reflecting a minimum ending balance of USD 10,000 or its naira equivalent.
“Kindly note that the above points must be taken into consideration before sending your applications with other existing documents such as hotel reservation, data page, etc.”
New UAE Visa Conditions for Nigerians
- Transit visa applications are no longer allowed for Nigerian nationals.
- Nigerians aged 18 to 45 years are ineligible for tourist visas if traveling alone.
- Applicants aged 45 years and above must provide:
- A personal bank statement from a Nigerian bank for the last six months.
- Each month’s statement must show an ending balance of at least $10,000 or its naira equivalent.
- All existing requirements such as hotel reservations and passport data pages must still be submitted with applications.
US cuts visa validity for most Nigerian applicants - BBC
BY Chiamaka Enendu & Mansur Abubakar
The United States has announced sweeping changes to its non-immigrant visa policy for Nigeria, cutting the duration and conditions under which most Nigerian travellers can enter the country.
From 8 July, the US Department of State says nearly all non-immigrant and non-diplomatic visas issued to Nigerian citizens will now be single-entry and valid for only three months.
It says this is part of a global reciprocity realignment, a sharp shift from previous visa terms, which often allowed for multiple entries over two years or more.
Nigeria also offers single-entry visas valid for three months only for those planning to visit the country from the US.
The Nigerian government has not yet commented.
The State Department says visa policies remain "subject to ongoing review" and may change depending on evolving diplomatic, security, and immigration benchmarks.
In a statement, the US government said it was working closely with Nigerian authorities to ensure the country meets key international standards.
These include:
issuing secure travel documents
managing visa overstays
sharing security or criminal data for public safety purposes
The US also ordered that the social media accounts of all foreigners applying for visas, including from Nigeria, would be vetted for "any indications of hostility toward the citizens, culture, government, institutions, or founding principles of the United States".
Nigeria was the seventh largest source of international students to the US, and the highest in Africa, according to the 2024 Open Doors report on international education exchanges.
The report published by the US department of state, bureau of educational and cultural affairs showed a 13.5% increase from 2023.
An aide to former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari said he believed the US was not reciprocating but showing its displeasure with Nigeria.
Bashir Ahmad posted on X that President Bola Tinubu‘s recent visit to Brazil for the Brics gathering was behind the move.
“This is not solely about reciprocity. Rather, it appears to reflect growing US discomfort with Nigeria's increasing global realignment, particularly the warm reception we are receiving from the Brics,” he wrote.
Immigration lawyer Godwin Oke thinks differently and told the BBC: "This is a classic case of visa reciprocity under international diplomatic practice. Countries often align their visa terms to reflect mutual treatment.
"The US had been issuing Nigerians five-year multiple-entry visas, while Nigeria only offered Americans short-term, single-entry visas. From a policy standpoint, it was only a matter of time before the imbalance was addressed."
In March this year, the US mission in Nigeria issued a stern warning, saying overstaying a visa could lead to a permanent travel ban and potential criminal prosecution.
There is no official data showing the number of Nigerian travellers to the US who overstay their visas.
But Nigerians are worried that the number who get visas will fall under President Donald Trump's tough immigration policies.
Many young Nigerians would like to leave the country in what is called Japa (Japa means escape in the Yoruba language) and the US remains one of the most desirable destinations.
Nigerians face new US visitor visa restrictions - DW
BY Roshni Majumdar with Reuters
57 minutes ago
The US State Department has said it is going to issue single-entry three-month visas for Nigerians in non-immigrant and non-diplomatic categories, rolling back five-year multiple-entry visas.
The US State Department has announced new visa rules for Nigerians wishing to travel to the US in the non-immigrant and non-diplomat categories.
The US embassy in Nigeria posted to its website
on July 8 that the US would issue single-entry visas with a three-month validity period.
That rolls back the previous five-year multiple-entry visas that Nigerians enjoyed when it came to traveling to the US.
US President Donald Trump has signed a directive banning the citizens of 12 countries, seven in Africa, from entering the US.
A State Department memo from June indicated the US was considering a travel ban on 36 other countries, including Nigeria. That proposed, expanded, ban has not yet been officially announced.
"We wish to underscore that as is standard globally, visa reciprocity is a continuous process and is subject to review and change at any time, such as increasing or decreasing permitted entries and duration of validity," the statement said.
A Nigerian foreign ministry official told local media that Nigeria had no similar policy toward US citizens, according to Reuters news agency.
Nigeria received nearly one-fifth of the non-immigrant visas issued by the US government in 2024 in Africa, according to the State Department.
UK rolls out digital eVisas for Nigerian study, work applicants starting July 15 - BUSINESSDAY
The United Kingdom has announced that from July 15, 2025, most Nigerians applying for study or work visas will receive electronic visas (eVisas) instead of the traditional physical visa vignette stickers.
This development, according to the British High Commission in Abuja, is part of the UK Government’s wider transition to a fully digital immigration process designed to make international travel more efficient, secure, and user-friendly.
Under the new system, successful applicants will be issued a digital eVisa, a secure, online record of their immigration status, rather than having a visa label pasted in their passport.
According to the Commission, the change applies specifically to study and work visa applications submitted on or after July 15.
It noted that individuals who submit their applications before that date will still undergo the existing process, which includes submitting their passport at the Visa Application Centre (VAC) and receiving a vignette.
“Similarly, applicants travelling as dependants, such as spouses or children, as well as those applying for standard visitor visas, will continue to receive visa vignette stickers in their passports for the time being.
“Despite the removal of the physical visa for most categories, all applicants are still required to attend a VAC to provide biometric information, including fingerprints and photographs, as part of the application procedure. Once a decision is reached, successful applicants will receive an email from UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) informing them of the outcome and guiding them to create a UKVI account through which they can access and manage their eVisa”, the Commission stated.
Speaking on the launch of the digital visa process, Gill Lever OBE, Chargé d’Affaires at the British High Commission in Abuja, described the transition as a positive step for Nigerians wishing to travel to the UK.
“We’re making it easier and faster for Nigerians to travel to the UK. From 15 July 2025, most people applying for study or work visas will get a digital eVisa instead of a visa sticker in their passport.
“This is a further big step to a fully digital UK immigration system, making the process more secure, more efficient, and more convenient for students, professionals, and families”, She stated.
She also noted that the digital visa platform is already in use in some aspects of the UK immigration system. eVisas have replaced Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) for individuals granted permission to stay in the UK for over six months.
“Those with eVisas and UKVI accounts can use the “View and Prove” online service to securely share their immigration status with third parties, including landlords and employers in England.
“Applicants are expected to begin their application online via the official UK government website.
“They must still visit a VAC to submit biometric details, but if the visa being applied for falls under the new eVisa system, their passport will not be held and can be taken home the same day”, the Commission added.
It also mentioned that once a visa decision has been made, applicants will receive detailed instructions in their notification on how to create and use their UKVI account, which must be linked to their current passport.