GovWire

Guidance: Online immigration status (eVisa)

Uk Visas Immigration

October 30
10:00 2023

UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) are developing a digital immigration system. This means we are replacing physical documents with an online record of your immigration status. This is known as an eVisa.

The documents being replaced are:

Since 2018, millions of customers have received an eVisa online, for example through the EU Settlement Scheme.

What is an eVisa?

An eVisa is an online record of your immigration status and the conditions of your permission to enter or stay in the UK. You need to register for a UKVI account to view and share relevant information about your status securely with third parties, such as employers or landlords.

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.

In the future youll be able to use an eVisa to travel to the UK you will not need to carry a physical document, except for your current passport, which must be registered to your UKVI account. Until then you will need to continue to carry your physical document if you have one.

The benefits of eVisas include:

  • 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 you might still need to provide biometric information in person, and we will tell you if you need to do this
  • it will be quicker and easier to prove your status at the UK border

Why do I need a UKVI account?

You need to register for a UKVI account to access the view and prove service and see your eVisa, as well as share information about your immigration status and conditions, such as your right to work or rent in the UK. You can also update personal details through your UKVI account, such as your contact details or your current passport details. You do not have to pay to register for a UKVI account.

You must keep your passport details up to date in your UKVI account and tell us about any changes, so that your immigration status can be easily identified at the UK border. If youve told us you have a new passport and youre still waiting for confirmation that your UKVI account has been updated, you should also carry your old document with you, if possible, to avoid unnecessary delays at the border.

How will I use my UKVI account?

You can use your UKVI account details to log in to the view and prove service to see your eVisa. You can also share your immigration status information with third parties, such as employers or landlords.

You can do this by generating a share code in the view and prove service, which will give them time-limited access to your immigration status information. You can get a new share code whenever you need one you do not have to remember a single unique code to be able to prove your status.

Well continue to share relevant information about your immigration status automatically with some government departments and other public authorities. This will reduce the need for you to interact with online services when proving your immigration status.

How do I get an eVisa and a UKVI account?

If you currently have permission to stay in the UK and have either a BRP, a BRC or other physical documents to prove your immigration status, you do not have to take any action now.

Throughout 2024, well provide updates on when you need to register for a UKVI account, and what you need to do.

If you need to make a new application for permission to stay in the UK, you should follow the usual application process. There will be information and guidance provided during your application process if you need to create a UKVI account.

There will be updates to this page setting out available support if you need help to register for a UKVI account.

If you have permission to stay in the UK, once youve completed your UKVI account registration youll be able to see your eVisa in the view and prove service.

Published 30 October 2023

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