Understanding the UK eVisa
The UK is transitioning to a fully digital immigration system, replacing physical documents like Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs), vignette visa stickers, and other immigration papers with an eVisa. An eVisa is a secure online record of your immigration status.
If you need to prove your right to work, rent, study, or access benefits, you will no longer use physical documents. Instead, you will use the View and Prove service, which allows you to share your immigration status digitally.
This guide explains how the eVisa works, how to access it, and how to share your immigration status safely and correctly.
What is an eVisa?
An eVisa is an online record of your immigration status stored in the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) system. Unlike a physical visa or residence permit, you do not receive a printed version. Instead, your passport or travel document is linked to your eVisa, allowing government agencies and service providers to verify your status online.
Who Needs an eVisa?
If you have been granted permission to live, work, study, or visit the UK, you may already have an eVisa. The Home Office is gradually replacing physical documents with digital records, meaning that most individuals with UK immigration status will transition to an eVisa.
You will need an eVisa if you:
- Have applied for a UK visa or immigration status online.
- Have been informed that your immigration status is now digital.
- Previously held a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) or vignette visa but are now required to switch to an eVisa.
How to Access Your eVisa
To view and prove your immigration status, you need a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account. You will have been notified via email or letter if an account was created for you during your visa application process.
Steps to Access Your eVisa
- Go to View and Prove Immigration Status on GOV.UK.
- Sign in using your UKVI account details (email and password).
- Enter details of the identity document linked to your UKVI account (passport, national ID, or Biometric Residence Permit).
- Provide your date of birth and the mobile number or email address used for your application.
- Once logged in, you can:
- View your current UK visa and immigration status.
- Check your rights (e.g., right to work, rent, or study).
- Update your personal details (e.g., passport or contact information).
- Generate a share code to prove your status.
How to Prove Your Immigration Status
When you need to prove your right to work, rent, study, or access benefits, you can generate a share code that allows an employer, landlord, or organisation to verify your immigration status.
How to Generate a Share Code
- Log into View and Prove.
- Select “Get a share code”.
- Choose the purpose of the share code:
- Right to work – for employers.
- Right to rent – for landlords (England only).
- Proving immigration status for other purposes – for universities, banks, the NHS, or other institutions.
- Generate the share code and either:
- Copy it down.
- Send it via email to the relevant organisation.
Important About Share Codes
- Each share code is valid for 90 days.
- The share code only reveals the information needed for the specific purpose (e.g., a “right to work” share code will not show right to rent details).
- You can request multiple share codes whenever needed.
Who Can Check Your Immigration Status?
Once you provide a share code, the organisation checking your status can use the Check Someone’s Immigration Status service on GOV.UK.
- Employers will use the share code to confirm your right to work.
- Landlords in England will use it to confirm your right to rent.
- Government agencies like the NHS or the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) may be able to check your status automatically.
Keeping Your eVisa Updated
Since your eVisa is linked to your passport or travel document, it is crucial to keep your details up to date.
If you:
- Renew your passport
- Change your contact details (email or phone number)
You must update your UKVI account.
How to Update Your Details
- Log into your UKVI account.
- Select “Update your details”.
- Provide the updated information and upload any necessary documents.
Keeping your details accurate ensures that your immigration status remains valid and that border officials can verify your entry into the UK without delays.
Common Issues and How to Solve Them
You don’t have access to my UKVI account
- Try resetting your password on the UKVI login page.
- Check your email inbox for instructions from the Home Office.
- If you still cannot access your account, visit the Help with UKVI Account page.
Your share code is not working
- Ensure that the share code is still valid (it expires after 90 days).
- Confirm that you are using the correct type of share code (e.g., a “right to work” code won’t work for renting).
- Generate a new share code if needed.
You need to update my passport or contact details
- Log in to your UKVI account and update your information immediately.
- If you travel with an expired passport that is still linked to your eVisa, you may face issues at the border.
Key Points to Keep in Mind
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Understanding the UK eVisa The UK immigration system is going digital, and physical visas will be replaced by eVisas.
- Your immigration status is stored online and can be accessed through the View and Prove service.
- To prove your status, generate a share code, which is valid for 90 days.
- Keep your passport and personal details updated to avoid travel issues.
- Government agencies like the NHS and DWP can often check your status automatically.
By understanding how to use the eVisa system, you can easily prove your immigration status, access services, and avoid unnecessary delays.