- What is an eVisa?
- Do I need a UKVI account?
- How do I create a UKVI account?
- Video guides for using your eVisa and UKVI account
- How do I use my UKVI account?
- How do I prove my immigration status?
- How do I create a share code?
- How do I travel with an eVisa?
- Visa expiry reminder messages
- I have a BRP. What do I need to do?
- I have a different immigration document. What should I do?
- Do I need a UKVI account for a new visa application?
- What should I do if my eVisa details are wrong?
- Where can I get help?
What is an eVisa?
An eVisa is an online record of your immigration status and any conditions attached to your permission to enter or stay in the UK.
To access your eVisa, you must create a UKVI account. You do not need to apply for a new visa unless you need to extend your permission to stay in the UK.
Moving from a physical immigration document to an eVisa does not affect your immigration status or visa conditions.
Benefits of an eVisa
- It cannot be lost, stolen or tampered with.
- You can access your immigration status online at any time.
- It is easier to prove your right to work, rent or study in the UK.
- It can make border and travel checks quicker and easier.
You can watch a video on what an eVisa is.
Do I need a UKVI account?
Yes. You need a UKVI account to:
- Access your eVisa.
- View your immigration status and visa conditions.
- Update your passport and contact details.
- Create share codes.
- Prove your right to work, rent or study in the UK.
Creating a UKVI account is free.
How do I create a UKVI account?
Create your account through GOV.UK:
Create a UKVI account and access your eVisa
You can also follow this step-by-step guide:
Step-by-step guide to creating a UKVI account
Video guides for using your eVisa and UKVI account
The following GOV.UK videos provide step-by-step guidance for common eVisa and UKVI account tasks.
Creating and accessing your eVisa
- How to create a UKVI account and access your eVisa
- https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/how-to-create-link-and-access-your-evisa-in-3-steps-video
- https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/create-link-and-access-your-evisa-with-a-passport-using-the-id-check-app-video
- https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/how-to-create-link-and-access-your-evisa-in-3-steps-video
- https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/create-link-and-access-your-evisa-with-no-identity-document-video
Managing your UKVI account
- https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/how-to-recover-your-ukvi-account-video
- https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/how-to-update-your-ukvi-account-details-video
- https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/how-to-update-and-add-a-new-identity-document-to-your-ukvi-account-video
- How to update your digital photo on your UKVI account
Proving your immigration status
Travelling with an eVisa
How do I use my UKVI account?
Once you have created your account, you can:
- View your immigration status.
- Check your visa expiry date.
- View your visa conditions.
- Update your contact details.
- Update your passport details.
- Update your photo if required.
- Generate share codes.
Keep your passport details up to date
Your eVisa is linked to your passport or travel document.
You must keep your passport details up to date in your UKVI account before travelling. This helps ensure that your immigration status can be verified when entering the UK.
You must still travel with your current passport.
Update your UKVI account details
How do I prove my immigration status?
You can prove your immigration status using the UKVI View and Prove service.
You may need to do this for:
- The University
- Employers
- Landlords
- Government services
View and prove your immigration status
How do I create a share code?
A share code allows an organisation to securely view your immigration status online.
You can create a new share code whenever you need one.
When generating a share code for the University of Hertfordshire, select:
"To prove my immigration status for anything else."
Watch: How to create a share code
How do I travel with an eVisa?
Before travelling, make sure:
- Your passport is linked to your UKVI account.
- Your personal details are correct.
- Your immigration status can be viewed online.
You should continue to travel with your current passport.
Useful guidance:
Visa expiry reminder messages
UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) may contact Student visa holders and their dependants when their visa is approaching its expiry date.
Reminders may be sent by:
- SMS text message
These messages will be sent using the contact details held by UKVI.
How can I tell if a reminder is genuine?
A UKVI reminder message:
- May contain a link to view further information.
- Will not ask for personal information.
- Will not ask for financial information.
- Will not ask for passwords or login details.
Read the government's advice on avoiding scams
I received a reminder but my visa status has changed
You may still receive a reminder if you have recently:
- Left the UK.
- Switched to a new visa.
- Been informed that your visa has been cancelled.
- Received a recent immigration status update.
If this applies to you, you can usually disregard the reminder.
Keep your details up to date
To make sure you receive important immigration updates from UKVI, keep your:
- Email address
- Mobile number
- Passport details
up to date in your UKVI account.
Update your UKVI account details
I have a BRP. What do I need to do?
If you have a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP), you should create a UKVI account and access your eVisa.
You can usually use:
- Your BRP
- Your passport
- Your visa application reference number
to create your account.
If you have lost your BRP, you should normally only apply for a replacement if you have no other identity document available to create your UKVI account.
I cannot see my eVisa
If your eVisa is not available immediately after creating your account, you do not need to do anything further.
UKVI will contact you once your eVisa is available to view.
You can continue to use your BRP to prove your immigration status until then.
I have a different immigration document. What should I do?
If you have Indefinite Leave to Remain or Indefinite Leave to Enter
If you currently prove your status using a passport stamp, vignette sticker or another physical immigration document, you should usually make a No Time Limit (NTL) application.
Apply for a No Time Limit (NTL) application
If you may be eligible under the Windrush Scheme
If you or your parent were settled in the UK on 1 January 1973, or you arrived before the end of 1988, check whether you may qualify under the Windrush Scheme.
If you have a Biometric Residence Card (BRC)
If you have status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you already have a digital immigration status and do not need to take further action to obtain an eVisa.
If you do not hold status under the EU Settlement Scheme or another form of valid immigration permission, your BRC may no longer be valid, even if the expiry date has not passed.
Late applications to the EU Settlement Scheme
Do I need a UKVI account for a new visa application?
If you need to make a new visa application, follow the standard application process.
You will be told during the application if you need to create a UKVI account.
What should I do if my eVisa details are wrong?
If your eVisa contains incorrect information, such as:
- Your name
- Your photograph
- Your immigration status
- Other personal details
you should report the error to UKVI.
People without identity documents who have an account created by the Home Office can also use this service to update their email address and mobile number.
Where can I get help?
If you need help creating a UKVI account or accessing your eVisa, you can use:
If you are experiencing problems accessing your eVisa or UKVI account, contact UKVI directly using one of the support options above.