E Visa

An eVisa, or electronic visa, is a digital representation of your immigration status and the terms governing your entry or residence in the UK. To access your eVisa, you must establish a UKVI account.

Transitioning from a physical document to an eVisa does not alter your immigration standing or the terms of your entry or residency in the UK.

In the future, an eVisa will serve as your authorization for travel to the UK, eliminating the necessity to carry a physical document aside from your current passport, which must be linked to your UKVI account. Until the conclusion of 2024, it remains necessary to carry your physical document during travel if you possess one.

Key advantages of eVisas include:

• Enhanced security, as they are impervious to loss, theft, or tampering, unlike physical documents.
• Elimination of the need to await or retrieve a physical document post-application decision, although providing biometric data in person may still be required, with notification provided accordingly.
• Expedited and simplified verification of your status at UK border checkpoints, as well as streamlined sharing of your status with third parties such as employers and landlords.

The benefits of eVisas extend beyond convenience. They offer enhanced security features, making them immune to risks such as loss, theft, or forgery, which can sometimes be associated with physical documents. Additionally, the transition to eVisas streamlines the application process, eliminating the need to wait for physical documents to be issued and delivered. While applicants may still need to provide biometric information in person, this requirement is communicated clearly through the UKVI system.

One of the most significant advantages of eVisas is the efficiency they bring to border control procedures. At UK border checkpoints, travelers with eVisas will experience expedited verification processes, reducing wait times and enhancing overall travel experiences. Moreover, eVisas facilitate seamless sharing of immigration status with relevant third parties, such as employers and landlords, simplifying administrative procedures for visa holders.

In summary, the introduction of eVisas represents a forward-thinking approach to immigration management, combining enhanced security measures with streamlined processes to meet the evolving needs of travelers and immigration authorities alike.

Why do I need a UKVI account?

Introduction to UKVI Account Necessity:

UKVI, in its transition from physical to digital documentation for immigration status, mandates the creation of a UKVI account for efficient management of online records.

Benefits of Creating a UKVI Account:

Access to eVisa is streamlined, allowing individuals to obtain and manage their electronic visas conveniently through the online platform. Furthermore, the innovative View and Prove Service enables users to share crucial information regarding their immigration status, such as rights to work and rent in the UK, with ease. This feature simplifies administrative processes, eliminating the need for cumbersome paperwork.

Cost-Free Registration:

Registration for a UKVI account incurs no charges, ensuring accessibility for all individuals without financial constraints.

Enhanced Efficiency and Transparency:

Embracing the digital solution provided by UKVI enhances efficiency and transparency in navigating immigration regulations. This digital infrastructure facilitates smoother interactions with UK immigration processes, benefiting all stakeholders involved.

How will I use my UKVI account?

Utilizing Your UKVI Account

Upon creating your UKVI account, you gain access to a suite of functionalities designed to streamline your immigration experience in the UK.

1. Accessing Visa Details Online

Once logged in, your UKVI account provides a convenient platform to view essential information about your eVisa. This includes details such as your permission type, expiry date, and the conditions associated with your stay in the UK.

2. Updating Personal Information

Your UKVI account empowers you to keep your personal information current. Whether it’s a change in contact details or any other pertinent data, you can easily update it within the account interface.

3. Linking eVisa to Your Passport

Your eVisa is seamlessly linked to your passport within your UKVI account. It’s imperative to maintain the accuracy of your passport or ID card details within the account to ensure swift identification of your immigration status at UK borders. Remember, carrying your current passport remains a necessity.

4. Handling Passport Updates

In the event of acquiring a new passport, promptly update the details in your UKVI account. While awaiting confirmation, it’s advisable to carry both your new and old documents to prevent delays at border crossings.

5. Sharing Immigration Status Information

Your UKVI account facilitates the sharing of immigration status with third parties, such as employers or landlords, through a secure process. By generating a share code via the view and prove service, you grant time-limited access to pertinent information, eliminating the need for a single, permanent code.

6. Automatic Information Sharing

To further streamline processes, relevant immigration status information is automatically shared with select government departments and public authorities. This proactive sharing mechanism minimizes the necessity for manual interactions when proving your immigration status.

Additional Features

In addition to the outlined functionalities, future updates and enhancements to the UKVI account may introduce further conveniences, ensuring a seamless and efficient immigration process for all users. Stay informed for the latest developments.

How do I get an eVisa and a UKVI account?

To obtain an eVisa and establish a UKVI account, follow these steps based on your current immigration status:

Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) Holders:

If your BRP expires on or before December 31, 2024, instructions will be provided to create a UKVI account and access your eVisa before your BRP expires.

If you’ve received communication prompting you to create an account, proceed with the provided instructions.

If you haven’t received any communication yet, anticipate creating your account and accessing your eVisa later in 2024. Stay updated by signing up for notifications on the relevant webpage.

Other Physical Document Holders:

If you possess indefinite leave to enter or remain and prove your rights with a different physical document (like a stamp or vignette), apply for a ‘no time limit’ (NTL) application.

Upon successful application, you’ll receive a BRP. Carry this along with your passport when traveling internationally. After obtaining your BRP, you can create a UKVI account to access your eVisa later in the year.

Biometric Residence Card (BRC) Holders:

If you hold a BRC and have been granted status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you already possess an eVisa. Refer to your grant letter or email for instructions on accessing and utilizing your eVisa. Continue carrying your BRC for international travel.

If you have a BRC but haven’t been granted EU Settlement Scheme status, obtained another form of immigration leave, or become a British citizen, your BRC is invalid. Apply for immigration status promptly and avoid international travel until your status is confirmed.

British or Irish Citizens:

British or Irish citizens with respective passports do not require an eVisa or a UKVI account. Continue using your passport to verify your status in the UK.

If you’re a British citizen and hold nationality in another country or have the right of abode without a British passport, monitor updates for any future actions required, which will be provided on this page.