The UK eVisa system is replacing Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) for almost everyone with immigration permission in the UK. By the end of 2025, physical cards will be a thing of the past, your status will live entirely online.
But how do you access it, prove it to employers or landlords, or fix it if something’s wrong?
At AHJ Immigration, we’ve helped hundreds of clients link their visas to their UKVI accounts correctly.
This article breaks down how the new digital status system works, step-by-step.
What Is the UK eVisa?
An eVisa is a secure digital record of your immigration status held by the Home Office.
It replaces paper vignettes and BRPs, storing all your visa information online.
It shows:
- Your visa type (e.g. Skilled Worker, Spouse, ILR)
- Expiry date
- Work and study permissions
- Conditions such as “No Recourse to Public Funds”
You no longer receive a card, everything is verified digitally.
Why the Home Office Is Moving to eVisas
The switch is part of the UK’s plan to modernise border systems and improve security.
Key aims:
- Reduce lost or stolen BRPs
- Speed up identity checks for employers and landlords
- Allow faster travel with online verification
- Cut down on fraud and document delays
✅ Tip: The system also makes renewals easier, your identity and history stay linked automatically.
Timeline for the eVisa Rollout
| Date | What’s Happening |
|---|---|
| 2024 | Pilot scheme for Skilled Workers and Students |
| Early 2025 | Invitations sent to all BRP holders to create digital UKVI accounts |
| June 2025 | eVisa mandatory for all new visa applications |
| December 2025 | BRPs fully phased out — digital-only status |
If you still hold a BRP card, you’ll need to link your visa before the final deadline.
How to Create or Link Your UKVI Account
You’ll receive an email invitation from UKVI asking you to create an account.
If you haven’t received it yet, you can also sign up manually at gov.uk website.
Step-by-step:
- Go to Gov.uk > View or Prove Immigration Status
- Select “Create Account” and use the same email you used for your last visa application.
- Verify your identity using your passport or BRP number.
- Once verified, you’ll see your visa details online.
- You can now share your status with employers, landlords, or universities using a share code.
✅ Important: Always use the same passport or travel document you applied with — changing passports without updating UKVI can cause errors.
What a Digital Status Looks Like
Your online record includes:
- Your name, date of birth, and nationality
- Your visa type and expiry date
- A “View and Prove” section to generate a share code
- An option to update personal details (email, phone, passport)
You’ll use your UKVI account login instead of showing a BRP in person.
How to Share Your Immigration Status
You may need to prove your status to:
- Employers (Right to Work check)
- Landlords (Right to Rent)
- Universities (study verification)
- The NHS (for certain treatments)
To share:
- Go to View and Prove your Immigration Status.
- Click “Share your status”.
- Choose reason (e.g. work, rent, study).
- Generate a 9-character share code valid for 30 days.
- Send it along with your date of birth to the organisation.
They’ll verify it directly with the Home Office portal, no documents needed.
What If My Visa Doesn’t Show Up?
Sometimes your visa might not appear after creating the account.
Common reasons:
- You used a different email address on a previous application
- You’ve changed your passport since your last visa
- Your BRP details weren’t uploaded correctly
✅ Fix:
Use the “Update your UKVI account details” form online.
You’ll need to upload a scan of your new passport or BRP and confirm your previous email address.
Can I Still Travel Without a BRP?
Yes, your visa is digital, but you must:
- Travel with the same passport linked to your UKVI account
- Make sure your airline or carrier can verify your status electronically
If your passport changes (e.g. renewal or new nationality), you must update your UKVI account before travelling.
Security and Privacy
All eVisa data is encrypted and stored securely by the Home Office.
You control who sees your data through share codes.
⚠️ Never share your full login details, only the share code and date of birth.
If you suspect someone has unauthorised access, change your UKVI account password immediately.
Benefits of the eVisa System
- No risk of losing your BRP or waiting for replacements
- Faster renewals and status updates
- Secure online verification
- Integrated data for ILR and citizenship applications
Over time, it will also speed up border entry, similar to EU and US electronic systems.
Common Problems and How to Fix Them
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| Visa missing from account | Use “link a visa” tool and upload your BRP/passport details |
| Can’t sign in | Reset password or try the original visa application email |
| Employer can’t verify | Generate a new share code and double-check category |
| Changed email or passport | Update immediately on the UKVI portal |
| Wrong visa type showing | Contact UKVI using the “Report a problem” form |
If your issue isn’t resolved within 14 days, contact an IAA-regulated adviser to escalate through the Home Office portal.
What Happens After You Link Your eVisa
Once linked:
- Your future renewals (extensions, ILR, citizenship) will automatically pull data from your account.
- You won’t need to attend biometrics again unless requested.
- Updates like address or email are self-service.
The system reduces human error and duplication in long-term immigration records.
How AHJ Immigration Can Help
At AHJ Immigration, we help clients:
- Set up and link their UKVI accounts
- Fix missing visa records or wrong data
- Generate share codes for employers or landlords
- Prepare future ILR or citizenship applications using digital status
Omar received an email saying his BRP would expire in December 2024. After signing up for an eVisa, his Skilled Worker Visa didn’t appear. We discovered his employer had used his work email, not his personal one. After linking the correct address, his digital record appeared, and his ILR application was processed smoothly six months later.
The UK’s digital immigration system is here to stay.
Whether you’re a Skilled Worker, spouse, or student, linking your visa early prevents headaches later.
If your eVisa details are missing or incorrect, act quickly, small errors can delay future applications.
At AHJ Immigration, we make the transition to digital status smooth, accurate, and secure.
