Moving to the next phase of eVisas – what you need to be aware of

Posted Monday 17th November 2025

UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) are moving to a fully digital immigration system.  They are replacing physical documents with a digital record of your identity and immigration status in a phased approach. Since 2018, millions of people have received an eVisa

As part of the next phase for the eVisa rollout, if you or any of your dependants make successful out of country applications for certain work, study and family visas, or for indefinite leave to enter (settlement) on any route, you may not receive a vignette (a sticker in your passport).

Instead, you will need to access your eVisa through your UKVI account to see the permission you have been granted before you travel to the UK.  You will be told how to access your eVisa and whether you’ll get a vignette.

What is an eVisa

An eVisa is an electronic visa, which replaces your existing physical document.  It does not affect your immigration status or the conditions of your permission to enter or stay in the UK.

Benefits of an eVisa:

• they are 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
• 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.

How to create your UKVI account to access your eVisa

To create an account, you’ll need a phone number and email address that you can use each time you sign in.

You’ll also need one of the following, if you have them:

• a valid passport and your visa application number – this is a global web form (GWF) number or unique application number (UAN)
• a valid passport and your BRP number
• your expired BRP card – you can use it for 18 months after the expiry date printed on the card.

After you create your account, you will be asked to confirm your identity and link your account to your eVisa.

You’ll need access to a smartphone so you can install an app to confirm your identity. The Home Office will email or write to you if you either:

• do not have a valid passport or an expired BRP card
• cannot access a smartphone or use the app.

You cannot access your eVisa until you have linked it to your UKVI account.

Update your details in your UKVI account

You should keep your personal details and passport or travel document information up to date so that:

• the details are correct when you view your eVisa and get a share code to prove your immigration status
• you can travel with your current passport or travel document
• UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) can contact you, for example if you’re waiting for a visa decision or to have your documents returned.

If your UKVI account is not up to date you might experience delays when you travel or when waiting for a visa decision.

It is critical to  update your UKVI account if you change any of the following details:

• passport or travel document
• name
• mobile phone number
• email address
• home address
• postal address
• correct your date of birth
• add or change a nationality, for example if you have dual nationality
• add another passport or travel document
• change your photo, for example if your appearance has changed and you cannot be recognised from your current photo.

You can only use this service to update your UKVI account details. You cannot update any immigration details, for example a visa or a citizenship application.

Report an error with your eVisa

You should report an error via the “report an error” option on the Home Office eVisa Information page if:

• your eVisa details are wrong – for example it’s showing the wrong date of birth or immigration status
• you can view your eVisa but you cannot use it to get a share code
• you cannot view your eVisa because of a technical error when you’re signed into your UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account
• the Home Office set up your UKVI account and you’ve never been able to sign in to it.

You’ll need to give an email or UK postal address that UKVI can use to contact you and your name, date of birth and nationality.

Need Assistance?

We recognise that adapting to digital changes can be challenging. Whether your migrant workforce need support setting up or updating their UKVI account, we are here to help. Assistance is also available for those without internet access or the necessary digital tools.

Joelson can also provide your business with training and advice on any of the issues described above.

If you have any questions relating to the recent changes, UK visa applications or any other immigration law matters, please get in touch with Neelam Rani, Senior Associate in the Employment and Immigration team.

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This article is for reference purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. Specific legal advice about your specific circumstances should always be sought separately before taking or deciding not to take any action.

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