Starting June 15, 2025, the United Kingdom has officially begun issuing eVisas—digital visas that replace the traditional physical visa vignette stickers—for non-European skilled workers and students. This move marks a major step in the UK’s broader immigration digitisation agenda.
What Is an eVisa?
An eVisa is a secure digital record of a person’s immigration status in the UK. It replaces:
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Physical visa stickers in passports
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Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs)
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Biometric Residence Cards (BRCs)
All visa holders will now manage their immigration status through a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account, which must be linked to a valid passport.
Who Is Affected?
This first rollout phase applies to non-European nationals under key immigration categories such as:
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Skilled Worker Visa (including Health and Care Workers)
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Student Visa
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Global Talent Visa
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Temporary Worker & Youth Mobility Scheme
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International Sportsperson Visa
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Global Business Mobility Visa
These applicants no longer need to submit their passports to visa application centres, eliminating courier-related delays and streamlining the application process.
✈️ How Does the eVisa System Work?
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Once approved, eVisa holders can view their status and share access securely with employers, landlords, or schools using temporary share codes.
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Travelers must link the eVisa to a valid passport before travel. At the UK border, travelers will present that passport along with a share code.
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Expired BRPs or old visa stickers will no longer be accepted for immigration or re-entry.
Special Cases to Note
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Children under 18 must also have their own UKVI accounts, managed by parents or guardians.
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Individuals with Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or Indefinite Leave to Enter (ILE) are advised to update to an NTL (No Time Limit) eVisa.
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Those under the Windrush or EU Settlement Scheme can also switch to an eVisa.
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Dependents and travelers staying in the UK for fewer than 90 days will continue to receive traditional visa stickers for now.
Why the Change?
The shift to eVisas is part of the UK government’s efforts to:
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Modernise immigration infrastructure
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Improve security
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Reduce visa processing times
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Enable faster travel and employment checks
Overall, this digitisation is expected to enhance efficiency and security while removing the risks associated with lost or damaged documents.
🛂 Whether you’re applying for a visa or preparing for travel, make sure your UKVI account is active and up to date. Stay ahead of the curve as immigration enters the digital era.