UK Home Office Begins Issuing e‑Visas for International Applicants

The UK Home Office and UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) have announced a significant shift in how immigration status is issued and verified: the roll‑out of e‑Visas (electronic visas) for many international applicants. This initiative replaces physical visa stickers and biometric residence permits in many cases, and aims to streamline the immigration process for international applicants.

In this blog you will learn:

• What an e‑Visa is and how it differs from traditional visas

• Who it applies to and which categories are affected

• The benefits and potential challenges of the e‑Visa system

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  Step‑by‑step guidance for applying and managing your immigration status

What is an e‑Visa?

An e‑Visa is an electronic record of a person’s immigration status held online, rather than a physical piece of paper, sticker or card.

With the UK’s new system:

• Successful applicants may not receive a physical visa sticker in their passport for certain visa or immigration routes.

• Instead, the applicant’s passport number is linked to their status in an online system (via a UKVI account). Border control, employers, landlords or other bodies can verify this status via share‑codes or the linked account.

• The e‑Visa system is part of a broader move toward a “digital border” for the UK.

In short: for many international applicants, once you have your visa or immigration permission approved, you’ll access it online — meaning your proof of status is digital, not physical.

Who does this apply to?

While the exact rollout timeline continues to evolve, key points include:

• Anyone applying for permission to be in the UK for more than 6 months in many visa/work/study routes will be eligible to access an e‑Visa via a UKVI account.

• Existing holders of biometric residence permits (BRPs) or other physical documents are being encouraged to migrate to the e‑Visa system.

• For those applying for short stays (visitor visas, etc.), the old system may still apply for now — travellers should check their specific route.

• International applicants applying from overseas (outside the UK) will increasingly see the e‑Visa model rather than physical stickers being issued.

For example, a recent UK House of Commons briefing noted that as of mid‑2025 thousands of holders of older BRPs had still not registered for an e‑Visa and may face travel or work‑permission issues.

Key Benefits of the e‑Visa System

1. Reduced risk of loss or damage
Because your immigration status is stored digitally, you no longer risk losing a physical document, having it stolen or damaged.

2. Easier proof of status
You can generate share‑codes or access your UKVI account to prove your right to work, rent or access services in the UK — even before travel or upon arrival.

3. Faster processing and portability
Digital status allows carriers (airlines, ferry, rail) and border agencies to check your status rapidly with your passport number linked to the e‑Visa. This helps reduce delays at boarding or arrival.

4. Alignment with global trends
Many countries moving toward electronic travel authorisations (ETAs) and digital immigration systems; the UK’s move is in line with this global trend.

Challenges and Considerations

1. Account set‑up and linking process
Applicants must create a UKVI online account (if not already done), link their passport or identity document, and ensure details are accurate.

2. Passport or document changes
If you get a new passport, change your name or nationality, you must update your UKVI account to ensure the e‑Visa remains linked and valid.

3. Technical and digital access issues
Some users may face issues if they lack reliable internet access, struggle with identity verification apps, or have older devices. The Home Office has recognised this and offers support, but it remains a barrier for some.

4. Dependants and family members
Each dependant or family member may need their own UKVI account and e‑Visa link, even if applying under the primary applicant’s status.

5. Transition period confusion
Because the system is being phased in­ — some routes still issue physical documents, some don’t — international applicants must ensure they follow the correct process for their specific visa route to avoid boarding issues or travel denial.

Step‑by‑Step: Applying for a UK e‑Visa (International Applicants)

Here’s a general roadmap for international applicants seeking approval and access to an e‑Visa:

Step 1: Check you need a visa and route eligibility
Visit the official GOV.UK portal to verify if your nationality, travel purpose (work, study, visit) requires a visa or is eligible for e‑Visa access.

Step 2: Submit your visa application
Complete the appropriate application form (work visa, student visa, family visa, etc.). Provide required documents, biometrics, and pay fees. Once approved, you’ll be advised whether a physical document or e‑Visa applies.
Step 3: Create or access your UKVI account
If you don’t already have one, set up a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) online account. This will be used to access your e‑Visa, link your passport, and manage your status.

Step 4: Link your passport and identity
Use your GWF (Global Web Form) number, passport or BRP details to link your status in the UKVI account. Very often a mobile identity check app is required.

Step 5: Travel to the UK
When you travel to the UK, present your passport (linked to the e‑Visa). Carrier or border staff will check your status electronically. You may still carry printed confirmation if advised.

Step 6: Share code for rights‑to‑work/rent
After arrival, you may need to share a “share code” (available from your UKVI account) with employers or landlords to prove your immigration status.

Step 7: Update any changes
If you renew your passport, change name, move address or change contact details — log back into your UKVI account and update details to ensure your e‑Visa remains valid.

Why This Matters for International Applicants

For international students, skilled workers, family‑joined applicants, and long‑term migrants, the shift to the e‑Visa system offers both opportunities and obligations. Understanding it means you avoid common pitfalls:

• Arriving with only a physical visa sticker that’s no longer valid or recognised

• Travelling without having linked your passport to the online system — which might lead to boarding denied or entry refused

• Failing to update your status when you change passport, name or personal details

• Not setting up a UKVI account and missing critical updates or rights checks

In short: knowing the e‑Visa system positions you better for smooth travel, legal compliance and peace of mind.

What International Applicants Should Do Now

• Visit GOV.UK/eVisa and follow the official guidance.

• If you already have a visa, check whether you are required to register for an e‑Visa and link your status.

• Create your UKVI account early, link your identity and passport while you still have time.

• Print or save a copy of your status or confirmation email — while the system is live, some carriers or border staff may still look for physical documentation.

• Keep your passport details current — any changes may affect your linked status.

• If you have dependants (family members), ensure each one has their own linked UKVI account if required.

• Pay attention to deadlines: for example, holders of older BRPs were given certain deadlines to migrate to e‑Visa status.

Conclusion

The United Kingdom’s transition to issuing e‑Visas for international applicants reflects a modernised immigration system designed for efficiency, security, and flexibility. For applicants, it means less reliance on physical documents and more reliance on digital identity and verification.

However, successful uptake depends on applicants understanding their route, creating and managing their UKVI accounts, linking their passport and keeping everything updated. For many international travellers, this shift offers a smoother journey, clearer proof of rights and pathways to work or settle in the UK.

As the Home Office continues to phase out physical visas, staying informed is more important than ever. If you’re planning to study, work or join family in the UK, ensure you know whether your visa application will issue as an e‑Visa and what steps you must take ahead of travel.