e-Visas
The UK is developing a digital immigration system. All physical immigration documents (such as BRPs) are being replaced with an online record of your immigration status, called an eVisa.
If you'd like to know more about the introduction of eVisas, these pages have lots of useful information:
We've included the answers to some frequently asked questions below.
What does this mean for me?
How you'll be affected by the introduction of eVisas will depend on the type of immigration document you currently have:
If you hold a BRP card:
If you have a BRP card that expired on 31/12/2024, you now need to get access to your eVisa as soon as possible if you have not already done so.
If you have a BRP that expires later than this, UKVI still recommend that you access your eVisa as soon as possible to avoid potential problems proving your status in the future.
If you have an eVisa:
If you already have an eVisa, there is nothing further you need to do. If you can successfully use this service to generate a share code, then you already have an eVisa.
Please make sure that you are generating a ‘View and Prove’ share code and not a right to work or right to rent share code – only accessing a ‘View and Prove’ share code guarantees that you have an eVisa
If you have a different form of immigration document:
If your current visa is not in the form of either a BRP or an eVisa (i.e. if you have a vignette, wet ink stamp, or ILR in an expired passport) then you need to make a no-time limit application before you can access your eVisa.
Once your NTL application is decided, you will receive an eVisa. You will be told how to access your eVisa in your decision email or letter.
Common troubleshooting queries
If you already have an eVisa, there is nothing you need to do. If you can successfully use this service to generate a share code, then you already have an eVisa.
Please make sure that you are generating a ‘View and Prove’ share code and not a right to work or right to rent share code – only accessing a ‘View and Prove’ share code guarantees that you have an eVisa.
UKVI have created a video that guides you through the process of setting up your account. You can access it on this GOV.UK page.
If you are still having difficulties after watching this video, you can contact UKVI’s eVisa assistance service.
Yes, UKVI have advised that you should keep your most recent BRP. Even if you already have your eVisa, you should keep your BRP with you when entering the UK until the end of March 2025 (or when your visa expires, whichever is earlier).
You may also need it for creating or accessing your UKVI account if your passport does not have a biometric chip.
UKVI have now stopped producing new BRP cards, so it no longer possible to apply for a replacement.
You still need to report the loss to the Home Office. You can be fined up to £1,000 and made to the leave the UK if you do not report the loss of your BRP card.
As it is no longer possible to apply for a replacement, you will need to prove your immigration status in a different way when required.
How can I prove my immigration status with an eVisa?
You'll usually be expected to use a share code to prove your immigration status.
There are different share codes for different purposes - we've linked to ways to apply for the most common below:
How do I use my eVisa to enter the UK?
Your eVisa must be linked to your current passport if you wish to use it to enter the UK. Therefore, you should make sure your up-to-date passport details are held in your UKVI account before travelling.
You can update your UKVI account details on this page.
If the details in your UKVI account are accurate, then your valid passport should be all you need to enter the UK.
For general guidance on what to expect at the UK border, please use the following links:
- Border Force – Entering the UK
- Border Force – Student Arrival 10 Top Tips
- UKCISA – Immigration on Arrival
REMEMBER: you must continue to carry your physical immigration documents (such as BRP or vignette) when entering the UK until the end of March 2025, even if you already have your eVisa.
Contact us
You can contact the Immigration Advice Service in any of the following ways:
- Call: +44 (0)1225 875645
- Email: immigrationadvice@bathspa.ac.uk
- Join one of our online drop-in sessions
- Meet us in person on campus on Tuesdays. These sessions are run by the Immigration Advice Service and Immigration Compliance Team.