eVisa: Proof of Immigration Status in the UK going fully digital from 2025

In a significant move to modernize and streamline the UK immigration system, UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) has introduced a new digital system to replace physical documents to prove migrants’ immigration status in the UK with an online record of their immigration status. - This online record will be referred to as an 'eVisa'.

Which Immigration Documents are Being Replaced by an eVisa?

The physical documents the UKVI are replacing with an eVisa are:

• biometric residence permits (BRP)
• biometric residence cards (BRC) 
• passport endorsements, this may for example include an indefinite leave to enter wet ink stamp 
• vignette stickers in passports, such as entry clearance or visa vignette

How does an eVisa Work?

An eVisa is an online record of your immigration status and the conditions of your permission to enter or stay in the UK. In the future you will be able to use an eVisa to travel to/re-enter the UK. You will only need your current passport and no longer need to carry a separate physical document to prove your immigration status.

The published guidance lists the following benefits of the eVisa system:

• It is secure and cannot be lost, stolen or tampered with, unlike a physical document
• You will not need to wait for, or collect, a physical document after your application is decided – you might still need to provide biometric information in person, and you will be advised if you need to do this
• It will be quicker and easier to prove your status at the UK border, and share your status with third parties like employers and landlords

When will the eVisa System be going live?

The eVisa System is already available for registration now, but you must still use your physical document that proves your immigration status to travel to/re-enter the UK until 31 December 2024.

Updating your physical document to an eVisa does not affect your immigration status or the conditions of your permission to enter or stay in the UK.

If you and/or your family member have a biometric residence permit (BRP) that expires on 31 December 2024, you will be contacted by email to create a UKVI account and access your eVisa before the expiry date of your/their BRP. 

Applicants who are already in the UK and apply to extend their stay or switch to another visa category will be provided instructions to create their UKVI account in their decision notification. 

Anyone that has not yet been contacted about creating an account, will be able to create an account and access their eVisa later in 2024.

How do I access my eVisa?

In order to access your eVisa, as well as utilise the view and prove service to share information regarding your current immigration status and conditions, such as your permission to work or rent in the UK, you will first need to create a UKVI account. - You will be contacted by the UKVI when you will be able to do this and there is no charge to create an account.

You’ll already have a UKVI account if you have ever:

• applied to the EU Settlement Scheme
• used the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app to prove your identity when applying for a visa
• created one when applying for a visa (you’ll have received a UKVI account confirmation email)

Registering for a UKVI Account

Once you have created your UKVI account, you will be able to view your eVisa online, which will show type of permission you have to stay in the UK, when your leave expires and the conditions of your leave in the UK. 

You will be able to update your personal information in your UKVI account, such as your contact details and passport information.

Your Passport/Travel Document Information

Your eVisa is linked to the passport record held in your UKVI account. Therefore, you must keep your passport/National Identity card details up to date in your UKVI account and inform the UKVI about any changes, so that your immigration status can be easily found at the UK border. You will still be required to carry your current passport with you when entering/re-entering the UK. 

If you renew/replace your passport and have informed the UKVI of this, and you’re still waiting for confirmation that your UKVI account has been updated ,if possible, you should also carry your old passport with you, to avoid unnecessary delays at the border.

Using the View and Prove Service

You can also access the View and Prove Service to prove your immigration status information with third parties, such as employers or landlords. The Service will enable you to generate a share code, which will give the third-party time-limited access to your immigration status information. A new share code can be generated whenever you need one.