Digitalizing the UK Immigration System: eVisas

At a Glance

• An eVisa account gives you direct access to your visa details, including your rights and conditions for living, working or studying in the UK. The platform is available to most visa holders issued a digital visa, including those who applied through the EU Settlement Scheme, Skilled Worker routes and other visa categories. 
• Keep your contact details up to date in your account, and if you are a sponsored worker (e.g., Skilled Worker or Senior or Specialist worker), ensure your employer has your most up-to-date contact information.

The UK government is in the process of digitalizing the UK Immigration System. All individuals currently holding a UK Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) are being invited to create a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) eVisa account. Originally, the UK government intended to abolish the use of BRPs as an acceptable method of proving UK immigration status from January 1, 2025; however, due to technical difficulties arising from the transition from physical to digital documents, the UK has delayed the implementation of this rule until at least March 31, 2025. 

As part of the process to transition to the digital system, the Home Office has been issuing BRPs with an expiry date of 31 December 2024, even for individuals whose immigration permissions extend beyond this date. This action was taken in anticipation of the implementation of the eVisa, which will display the actual expiry date of the person’s immigration permission. BRP holders who are unable to access their eVisa accounts will be permitted to use their expired BRPs to reenter the UK until at least March 31, 2025. 

What Is a UKVI eVisa Account?

A UKVI eVisa account is an online portal that allows visa holders to securely access and manage their immigration status digitally. Rather than relying on physical documents like a BRP, the eVisa account gives you direct access to your visa details, including your rights and conditions for living, working or studying in the UK.

The platform is available to most visa holders issued a digital visa, including those who applied through the EU Settlement Scheme, Skilled Worker routes and other visa categories.

How to Set Up Your UKVI eVisa Account

Please follow these instructions to set up your UKVI eVisa account:

1. Gather your information: You’ll need your email address, and passport or biometric residence permit number.
2. Visit the UKVI’s online service portal at www.gov.uk/view-prove-immigration-status.
3. Sign up if it’s your first time and create an account using the same email address you provided during your visa application. If you already have an account, simply log in.
4. Follow the prompts to verify your identity. This may include entering your application reference number or personal details.
5. Access your account once verified and you also will have access to your visa details. 

Tips for Managing Your eVisa Account

• Keep your contact details up to date: If your email address or phone number changes, update these in your account to ensure continued access. If you are a sponsored worker (e.g., Skilled Worker or Senior or Specialist worker), ensure your employer has your most up-to-date contact information. 
• While your eVisa account is secure, we also recommend keeping copies of your visa approval letter or email and other important documents.

If you have questions about your visa status or need assistance navigating the eVisa platform, please contact one of the UKVI helplines.