Going on a trip or settling in the United Kingdom in 2025 has never been simpler—at least when it comes to verifying your immigration status. The UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) department has transitioned from physical residence permits and visa documents to a fully digital system known as the e-Visa.
Since the rollout began in 2018 through programs like the EU Settlement Scheme, many individuals have already enrolled. But starting 15 July 2025, all visa holders are required to convert to the e-Visa format. Here’s everything you need to know.
Table of Contents
What Is the UK E-Visa?
The e-Visa is the UK government’s digital alternative to physical immigration documents, including:
- BRP (Biometric Residence Permit) cards
- Visa vignettes
- Wet-ink passport stamps
Instead of carrying a physical document, your immigration status is now stored online and linked to your passport. You will use a UKVI account to access and share your status with:
- Employers
- Landlords
- Airlines
- Public service providers (e.g., NHS)
What’s New Starting 15 July 2025
Beginning 15 July 2025:
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- All new UK visa holders will only receive an e-Visa
- No physical BRP or visa sticker will be issued
- Existing visa holders must create a UKVI account and link their visa before the final deadline
- Border systems will no longer accept physical visas
This marks a full transition to a digital immigration system, replacing all paper-based and card-based documentation.
Who Needs an E-Visa?
The e-Visa applies to nearly all UK visa holders, including:
- Temporary workers
- Skilled workers
- Innovator and global talent visa holders
- Students
- Dependents and family members
- Asylum recipients with leave to remain
- Long-term visitors with vignette stickers
- Health and care visa holders
If you currently hold a BRP or visa vignette, you must switch to an e-Visa.
Who Does Not Need an E-Visa?
Exempt categories include:
- Short-stay visitors who do not need a visa
- Travelers using the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)
- British and Irish citizens
How to Switch to a UK E-Visa: Step-by-Step
Here’s how to create your UKVI account and transition to the digital system:
1. Create Your UKVI Account
Go to: gov.uk/get-access-evisa
You’ll need:
- A valid email address
- Passport details
- Your current visa or BRP card
- Access to a mobile phone for security verification
2. Link Your Visa
Once your account is created:
- Enter your passport and visa details
- The system should retrieve your immigration status
- If not, you can manually link your visa
3. Keep It Updated
- Update your account when you get a new passport
- Update contact information and email address as needed
4. Share Your Immigration Status
You can generate a share code to prove your right to:
- Work
- Rent
- Access public services like the NHS
Use this tool: gov.uk/view-prove-immigration-status
Why the UK Is Going Digital
According to UKVI, the e-Visa system is part of a broader plan to:
- Digitize immigration services
- Increase border security
- Eliminate lost or expired physical documents
- Allow faster verification for employers and landlords
- Align with global systems used in Australia and Canada
Final Checklist Before the Deadline
- Create your UKVI account
- Link your passport and visa
- Keep all travel and contact details updated
- Use share codes when needed
- Complete the transition before 31 December 2025
The e-Visa system is now live. Whether you currently live in the UK or plan to arrive soon, take a few minutes to set up your account and avoid future disruptions.
