UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) are replacing physical immigration documents with a digital immigration status, known as an eVisa.
Moving to a digital immigration system
UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) are developing a digital immigration system. This means replacing physical documents with a digital record of identity and immigration status.
This is known as an eVisa.
They are doing this in a phased approach to manage the transition.
Find out more about eVisas and how to use them.
Since 2018, millions of people have received an eVisa. The Home Office regularly publish statistics on the number of accounts created.
Updating an existing physical document to an eVisa does not affect an immigration status or the conditions of permission to enter or stay in the UK.
The claimed benefits of an eVisa include:
- they are secure and cannot be lost, stolen or tampered with, unlike a physical document
- will not need to wait for, or collect, a physical document after your application is decided – you might still need to provide biometric information in person, and we will tell you if you need to do this
- it will be quicker and easier to prove status at the UK border, and share your status with third parties like employers and landlords
The Home Office will continue to share relevant information about immigration status automatically with some government departments and other public authorities, if they request it, which will mean many holders don’t have to.
What you need to do
What you need to do depends on your circumstances.
Check if you can get access to an eVisa.
Making a new application for permission to come to the UK
As part of the next phase for the eVisa roll out, if you or any of your dependants make successful applications for certain work, study and family visas, or for indefinite leave to enter (settlement) on any route, you may not receive a vignette.
Instead, you will need to access the eVisa through the UKVI account to see the permission you have been granted before you travel to the UK.
You’ll be told how to access your eVisa and whether you’ll get a vignette.
Additional funding announced for community support
From 1st September 2025, they have made additional funding of up to £400,000 available to 25 national and community-based organisations until 31st March 2026.
For more information see eVisa: community support for vulnerable people.
Making a new application for permission to come to the UK from 15th July 2025
You may not get a vignette if you apply for a work or study visa on or after 15th July 2025.
Instead, you will need to access your eVisa through your UKVI account before you travel to the UK.
You’ll be told what to do when you get your decision.
You’ll still get a vignette if you have your fingerprints and photo (biometric information) taken at a visa application centre when you apply:
- for a dependant visa
- as a main applicant for a visa other than for work or study
More people can now access their eVisa
You can now create a UKVI account to access your eVisa if you were:
- issued with a Form for affixing a visa (FAV)
- granted an extension to your visa but do not have a valid identity document, such as a passport or expired biometric residence permit (BRP)
PAYadvice.UK 16/10/2025