Big news for anyone planning to work or study in the UK! Starting June 15, 2025, the UK has replaced physical visa stickers with eVisas for skilled workers, students, and other non-European visa holders. This digital system makes things easier, faster, and more secure. In this friendly guide, we’ll explain what the UK eVisa is, who needs it, how to use it, and tips to avoid travel issues. Let’s dive in!
What Is the UK eVisa?
The UK eVisa is a digital visa that shows your immigration status. Instead of a sticker in your passport or a biometric residence card (BRP), you access your visa through an online UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account. You link your passport to this account, and it’s used for travel, work, or study in the UK.
This change is part of the UK’s plan to modernize its immigration system, making it more efficient for travelers and employers.
Who Needs the UK eVisa?
The eVisa system applies to non-European nationals applying for these visa types:
- Skilled Worker (including health and care jobs)
- Global Business Mobility
- Global Talent
- International Sportsperson
- Temporary Worker (creative, seasonal, or exchange programs)
- Youth Mobility Scheme
- Student Visa
If you’re applying for one of these, you won’t need to send your passport to a visa center anymore. This saves time and reduces delays.
Note: If you’re visiting for less than 90 days or are a dependent of a main visa holder, you’ll still get a traditional visa sticker. Also, children under 18 need their own UKVI accounts, managed by their guardians.
How Does the eVisa Work?
Here’s what you need to do to use the eVisa:
- Create a UKVI Account: Sign up online at the UKVI website.
- Link Your Passport: Connect your current, valid passport to your eVisa.
- Verify Details: Double-check your personal info, like name and passport number.
- Get a Share Code: Use your UKVI account to generate an “S” share code to prove your immigration status when needed, like for employers or landlords.
Your UKVI account is your go-to hub. You can:
- Check your visa type, status, and expiry date
- Share your status with employers, schools, or landlords
- Update your passport or personal details
Good news: Switching to an eVisa doesn’t change your rights to live, work, or study in the UK.
What Employers Need to Know
If you’re a UK employer hiring someone with an eVisa, here’s what to do:
- Ensure your new hire has a UKVI account set up.
- Check their right to work online using their eVisa share code.
- Note that dependents may have different verification steps.
No more checking physical BRPs or biometric cards—everything’s digital now!
Travel Tips for eVisa Holders
To avoid problems at the airport, follow these tips:
- Link Your Passport: Make sure your eVisa is connected to the passport you’re traveling with.
- Carry Your Share Code: Have your UKVI-generated share code ready to show.
- Don’t Use Old Documents: Expired BRPs or biometric cards won’t be accepted for entry.
If your eVisa isn’t linked to the right passport, you could be denied boarding.
Special Cases: ILR, ILE, and More
Got Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or Indefinite Leave to Enter (ILE) with a sticker or stamp? You should apply for a No Time Limit (NTL) eVisa to update your status. People under the Windrush Scheme or EU Settlement Scheme can also get eVisas. The UK is working to digitize all immigration records, so more visa types will switch soon.
Also Read: Japan eVisa 2025 – Easy Online Apply eVisa for Tourists
Why the eVisa Matters
The eVisa system is a big step forward. It’s faster, more secure, and cuts down on paperwork. For travelers, it means less hassle at visa centers. For employers, it simplifies hiring checks. Since 2018, millions have used eVisas, and the system is here to stay.
How to Stay Prepared
To make the most of the eVisa system:
- Set Up Early: Create your UKVI account as soon as you apply for your visa.
- Keep Details Updated: Notify UKVI if you get a new passport or change personal info.
- Check Before Travel: Confirm your eVisa is linked to your passport.
- Learn More: Visit the UK government’s visa page for official guidance.