The UK will officially switch to electronic visas for students and skilled workers from outside the EU from 15 June 2025. Find out how the new digital UKVI system works, who it affects, how to create an account and avoid problems at the border

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The United Kingdom is saying goodbye to paper-based visas. Starting June 15, 2025, international students and skilled workers from non-European countries will receive a digital eVisa instead of a physical sticker in their passport. This change is more than just a format update — it’s a significant step toward building a fully digital immigration system.

Whether you're moving to the UK to start a job, study at a university, or manage international mobility programs, the UKVI eVisa system is now at the heart of your immigration journey.

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What Is the UK eVisa – and Why It Matters

The UK eVisa is a digital record of your immigration status, stored in your personal UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account. It replaces:

- Visa vignette stickers.

- Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs).

- Biometric Residence Cards (BRCs).

It confirms your right to enter, live, study, or work in the UK — and you can share this status securely with employers, landlords, or airlines via a time-limited share code.

Unlike traditional visas, your eVisa is tied to your passport — not your wallet.

Who Is Impacted by the eVisa Rollout?

As of now, eVisas are issued to most non-European nationals applying for:

- Skilled Worker Visas (incl. Health and Care roles).

- Student Visas.

- Global Talent.

- Global Business Mobility.

- Temporary Workers (Seasonal, Creative, Exchange schemes).

- Youth Mobility Scheme.

- International Sportsperson Visa.

Short-term visitors (under 90 days) and some dependents will still receive physical visa stickers — for now.

How the New System Works: Step-by-Step

To use your eVisa, you need to:

- Create a UKVI account on the official website.

- Link your current passport to your account.

- Verify personal details and visa status.

- Download and carry your ‘S’ share code for border or employer checks.

Use the same passport for travel that’s linked to your eVisa

Every traveler – including children under 18 – must have their own UKVI account, with guardians managing minors’ details.

What Employers and Universities Should Know

- For employers, the change to eVisas means

1. No more paper documents – right-to-work checks are done online

2. New hires must provide a UKVI share code

3. Separate rules apply when hiring dependents or minors

- For universities and educational institutions

1. Student visa holders will now manage their immigration status digitally

2. Schools may request share codes instead of copying physical documents

Planning to Travel? Read This First

Before flying to the UK:

- Make sure your eVisa is linked to the correct passport

 - Bring the same passport when boarding

- Generate a valid UKVI share code (if requested during transit)

 - Don’t rely on expired BRPs or vignette stickers

Importantly! If your passport changes before travel, update it immediately in your UKVI account — otherwise, you risk being denied boarding.

UKVI Account: Your Digital Immigration Hub

Through your UKVI account, you can:

- View your visa type, status, and expiry.

- Share your immigration rights online.

- Update personal information and travel documents.

- Track messages and notifications from the Home Office.

The system is designed to be paperless, secure, and user-friendly — but staying informed is key to avoiding disruptions.

The move to eVisas is good news for the UK’s immigration system — less paper, fewer delays, and faster verification.

 But for travelers and migrants, it introduces a new level of responsibility: keep your UKVI account updated, double-check passport links, and always know how to generate your share code.

When planning a trip abroad, be sure to take care of a travel insurance policy that will protect you from unforeseen situations during your trip and compensate for unplanned expenses - for medical treatment, in case of lost luggage, flight cancellation, etc.

Buy a reliable travel insurance policy from trusted insurance agents on the Visit World portal!

Reminder! The UK government has announced an increase in visa fees, effective from April 2025. We have already reported on the new fees for short-term and long-term visas, electronic ETAs, as well as permanent residence permits and passports.