Get an eVisa

The UK has moved to a digital immigration system. This means that the UK will stop issuing physical immigration documents like entry vignettes (visa stickers) and Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs).

Instead, people granted a visa to come to the UK will need to access and prove their immigration status online using a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account. This online record of your immigration status is called an eVisa.

If you already have a UK visa then you can get access to your eVisa now.

If you are granted permission to come to or stay in the UK you will be given instructions on how to get access to your eVisa in the decision email you receive from UKVI.

Learn about eVisas and why you need one on the UK Government website, or watch the What is an eVisa? video on YouTube.

What to do if you have a BRP

If you have a BRP that expired on 31 December 2024, you must create a UKVI account to access your eVisa unless you already have a UKVI account. You don’t need to wait for an invitation email.

All BRPs expired at the end of 2024, even if your visa has been granted for longer. If your visa expires after 31 December 2024, you will now need to use your eVisa to prove your immigration status instead of your BRP.

If you have dependants in the UK, they must create separate UKVI accounts to access their eVisas.

You should keep your expired BRP. Although your BRP can no longer be used as proof of your immigration status, it can be helpful when making future applications to stay in the UK.

What to do if you applied for your visa outside the UK

eVisas are now issued for the majority of UK visa routes, but some applicants may still receive an entry vignette (a visa sticker in your passport) as well as an eVisa. You’ll be told if you will receive an eVisa or a vignette when you apply for the visa.

If you receive an eVisa you will need to access it through a UKVI account before you travel to the UK.

UKVI have announced that eVisas will replace all vignettes in 2026.

What to do if you applied to extend your visa inside the UK

If you apply to switch to or extend your Student visa inside the UK you will not receive a new BRP. Information about how to access your eVisa will be sent to you by UKVI when your visa is granted.

If you already have a UKVI account this will be updated with the details of your new eVisa. If you don’t already have a UKVI account you will need to create one.

How to create your UKVI account to get access to your eVisa

Create a UKVI account

When you set up your account, you must link it to details you use regularly so you can log in to your account in future. You’ll need to provide:

Your BRP number or your visa application reference number
A mobile phone number
An email address

You’ll also be asked to verify your identity using the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app. You will need access to a smartphone and your passport or expired BRP.

Watch this video on how to create a UKVI account for guidance.

Using your eVisa to check and prove your immigration status

View and prove your immigration status

Watch this video on how to prove your immigration status with an eVisa for guidance.

You can use your UKVI account to:

View your eVisa details and check what rights you have in the UK
Create a ‘share code’ to prove your status to others, including employers and landlords
Update your personal, contact and sign-in details

If there’s an error with your eVisa

If you cannot view your eVisa when you sign in to your UKVI account, or if your eVisa has incorrect details, report the error with your eVisa to UKVI.

Find more information on how to correct visa errors.

Keep your UKVI account details up-to-date

You must keep your UKVI account updated with your current personal details (including your name, nationality, appearance), passport, and contact details (address, email and phone number). If any of these details change, you must update your UKVI account using the Update your UKVI account details service.

You must make sure that your current passport or travel document is linked to your UKVI account. Use the Update your UKVI account details service to check and update the documents linked to your account.

Watch support videos about how to update your account.

How to use your eVisa to travel to the UK

When you are travelling, UK Border Force and airlines and other carriers will be able to digitally check your immigration status if the passport or travel document that you are travelling with has been linked to your UKVI account.

Find more information on travelling with your eVisa.

Who to contact if you need further help with your eVisa

If you can’t get the help you need directly from UKVI, email the University’s Student Visa Advice team at studentvisaadvice@leeds.ac.uk. Include your student ID number and screenshots of the problem with your email.