Digital immigration status: eVisa

UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) is developing a digital immigration system which will replace physical immigration documents with digital proof of your immigration status called an eVisa. 

You must take action before 31 December 2024 to create a UKVI account and access your eVisa.

What is an eVisa?

An eVisa is an online record of your immigration status or visa and will replace the following physical immigration documents:

  • Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) 
  • Biometric Residence Card (BRC) 
  • Indefinite Leave to Remain issued as a wet-ink stamp, vignette or FAV in your non-UK passport 

Moving from a physical document to an eVisa will not change the start or end date of your existing immigration permission or visa conditions. 

In the future you will be able to travel to the UK with only your eVisa and passport registered to your UKVI account. Until the end of 2024, you should continue to travel with your physical immigration document.

Watch the Home Office video and read the Government guidance.

How do I access my eVisa?

You must access your eVisa before 31 December 2024 to avoid serious issues proving your status and travelling into the UK.

You will need to: 

  • create a UKVI account
  • confirm your identity using the 'UK Immigration ID Check' app on your smartphone
  • if you scan your BRP in the ID Check app, you must add your passport to your UKVI account when your eVisa is available 

Once you have a UKVI account, you can use the ‘view and prove’ service to evidence your eVisa or digital immigration status. If your eVisa is not be viewable immediately, UKVI will email you when your eVisa is accessible in your account. You must keep your UKVI account up to date with your current passport, personal and contact details.

Indefinite leave to remain

If you currently prove your 'settlement' or Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) status via a wet-ink stamp or vignette in your passport, you must make a 'no time limit' (NTL) application. If successful, you will receive a BRP and must create a UKVI account to access your eVisa before 31 December 2024.

Help and guidance

Read our FAQ document

eVisa roll out FAQ - August 2024.pdf

PDF document, 149.86KB

Guidance about the rollout of eVisas is subject to change at short notice. Keep up to date with the latest information about eVisas on GOV.UK.

Get help to access your eVisa from UK Visas and Immigration.

Watch UKVI eVisa videos.

Information sessions

Student Advice Service is running 30-minute information sessions for SOAS students. You do not have to book a place in advance.

Location: Careers seminar room (SL57) on the Lower ground floor Paul Webley Wing. 

  • 26 November 2024 at 3pm 
  • 10 December 2024 at 3pm 

Location: Online

  • 14 November 2024 at 12pm 
  • 28 November 2024 at 12pm