The Residence Workplace has introduced important modifications to the UK immigration system that can have an effect on anybody making use of for a UK visa from late 2025 onwards. Bodily visa stickers are being phased out and changed with digital immigration standing, often called an eVisa.
If you’re planning to use for a UK go to visa, work visa, pupil visa, household visa, or settlement, it’s important to grasp how these modifications could affect you.
At our main London immigration regulation agency, we’re already advising purchasers throughout the UK and internationally on getting ready for the transition to a completely digital immigration system.
What Are eVisas?
An eVisa is a digital document of an individual’s immigration standing within the UK. It may be accessed by means of a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account, created through the utility course of through the ID Test App or the EU Exit App for these beneath Appendix EU. This digital standing permits people to view and share their immigration data as wanted.
eVisas to Change Visa Stickers in 2026
From 25 February 2026, people making a profitable utility for a go to visa and sure different visa sorts could not obtain a visa sticker (vignette) of their passport.
As a substitute:
- You’ll need to entry your eVisa by means of your UKVI account
- Your immigration permission will likely be held digitally
- You should test your standing on-line earlier than travelling to the UK
- UKVI will inform you whether or not you’ll obtain a visa sticker or digital-only standing
Later in 2026, UKVI will utterly cease issuing visa stickers. All profitable candidates will obtain an eVisa solely.
This marks a significant shift in the direction of a completely digital UK immigration system.
How do I entry my eVisa within the UK?
To acquire an eVisa, observe these 5 important steps:
- Create a UKVI Account: Present private particulars and a present or expired BRP quantity on the on-line portal. If a BRP shouldn’t be accessible, use the immigration utility quantity.
- Hyperlink eVisa to the Account: After creating the account, an choice to hyperlink the eVisa ought to seem, although this may take time.
- Full Id Test: Use the UK Immigration ID Test app with a Close to Discipline Communication system to add a digital picture and scan of the BRP.
- View eVisa: As soon as the id test is full, confirm the accuracy of the eVisa particulars.
- Add Journey Doc: Hyperlink a passport or ID card to the eVisa to take care of accessible immigration standing after BRP expiration.
Transitional Preparations (January 2026)
From 12 January 2026, most individuals granted a go to visa and another visa sorts will obtain:
- An eVisa
- And, in some instances, a visa sticker
Most individuals who had been issued a legitimate visa sticker earlier than 12 January will even have the ability to entry their eVisa by means of their UKVI account.
Nevertheless, not everybody presently wants an eVisa. The principles stay advanced, {and professional} steerage is strongly beneficial.
FAQs about eVisas and Digitalisation of BRPs
What’s an eVisa?
An eVisa is a digital document of an individual’s immigration standing, accessible through a UKVI account. It replaces bodily paperwork equivalent to BRPs and passport stamps.
How do I get an eVisa?
To acquire an eVisa, you have to create a UKVI account, hyperlink your eVisa, full an id test utilizing the UK Immigration ID Test app, and replace your journey doc data.
When will BRPs expire?
BRPs will expire on 31 December 2024, requiring all holders to transition to eVisas.
Who wants an eVisa?
All people with immigration standing within the UK, particularly these with expiring BRPs or physical-only paperwork, might want to safe an eVisa.
What ought to I do if I encounter points with my eVisa?
Contact our specialist immigration Solicitors at our main London regulation agency for knowledgeable help. Our knowledgeable immigration staff is right here to information you thru the method and resolve any points.
Can I nonetheless use my BRP for journey after 2024?
No, after 31 December 2024, BRPs will not be legitimate for proving immigration standing. Guarantee your UKVI account is updated together with your journey doc particulars.
Contact Us
For extra detailed steerage and help together with your visa functions, contact our knowledgeable immigration staff at this time. Our specialist immigration Solicitors are prepared that can assist you navigate the digitalisation of BRPs and the transition to eVisas.
