UKVI account and eVisa

UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) have introduced a new digital immigration system, it replaces physical visa documents which have been de-commissioned. Your immigration status will only be available digitally online. Biometric Resident Permits and 90 day entry Vignettes are no longer issued by UKVI for student visa applicants. Passport endorsements, such as indefinite leave to enter wet ink stamps have also been superseded by eVisa.

All new and existing students must now create a digital UKVI account to access their eVisa. Students can then generate a share code for:

  • Study/Other – Share Code must begin with an ‘S’
  • Rent – Share Code must begin with an ‘R’
  • Work – Share Code must begin with a ‘W’

Students must use the View and Prove Service to generate a valid share code.

The UKVI account must be maintained by the visa holder. Any changes should be updated as soon as practicable. It is extremely important to ensure your UKVI account has details of your current travel document (TD) or passport (PPT) and personal information.

EU/EEA nationals applying from overseas under the Student Route using the ID Check app will also receive an eVisa only. In country applications for permission to stay in the UK will also generate an eVisa.

UKVI have stated that successful applicants must create a UKVI account.  This will not be done automatically by UKVI as part of the application process; you will still need to create and maintain a UKVI account to prove your status in the United Kingdom.

Once you have created your UKVI account, you will be able to sign in to the view and prove service to access your eVisa and generate a share code.

If you have another physical document

If you have indefinite leave to enter (ILE) or indefinite leave to remain (ILR) (also known as settlement) and you currently prove your rights through a different means, this might be a wet-ink endorsement or Vignette in your passport (current or expired), you should make an NTL application.

If your application is successful, you will need to set up a UKVI account to access your eVisa.

If you have a biometric residence card

If you have a biometric residence card (BRC) and you have been granted status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you already have an eVisa and you do not need to any further application for eVisa.

You should continue to carry your BRC with you when you travel internationally.

If you have a BRC and you have not:

  • Been granted status under the EU Settlement Scheme.
  • Obtained another form of immigration leave.
  • Become a British citizen.

Your BRC is NOT valid even if it still has a valid, future expiry date. This is because the United Kingdom has left the EU, and the EU free movement law no longer applies.

To continue living in the UK you should obtain an appropriate immigration status as soon as possible. You may still be able to make a late application for EU settlement.

You may be able to apply as a family member of a relevant EU, other EEA or Swiss citizen.

Do not travel internationally until you have obtained a proof of your immigration status.

How do I create my UKVI account?

    • You will need your BRP number or original GWF or UAN application number.
    • The GWF and UAN number would be created automatically during original application process. A copy would have been sent by email or post.
    • If you do not have BRP number or original GWF or UAN application number visit gov.uk/eVisa for UKVI advice.
    • A family or friend can assist you to create an account.

    Getting started… you will need:

    • A smartphone or laptop or any device with internet access You can use a friend or family members device.
    • Your Identity document, BRP or Passport.
    • Your BRP number or original GWF or UAN application number.
    • Your date of birth.
    • Your email address.
    • Your mobile phone number.
    • Access to UK ID Check on google and apple store. The link will give instructions on how to use it, as well as where to download for Android and IOS devices.

    Using the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app

    Step 1 – Create an account:

    • Go to Online immigration status (eVisa) and select ‘why do I need a UKVI account’ then click ‘create a UKVI account’ and finally ‘Start now’ and follow the steps below.
    • Fill in all details requested by UKVI and select create account.
    • Once created you will get confirmation by email that account has been created and you can sign in and view your eVisa.
    • If you have set up your UKVI account and cannot view your eVisa after a couple of days, you should contact the UKVI Resolution Centre for further assistance.

    Step 2 – Confirm your identity:

    • Use the UK immigration ID check.
    • If using a PC, you will also need the app on smartphone to scan QR code.
    • Take a picture of your identity (BRP or Passport).
    • Check all information, make sure it’s correct.
    • Take a picture of yourself. This should be treated with the same importance as a passport image. This will be used to prove your status.

    Step 3 – Link your account:

    • You must complete all the sections on the task list and submit.
    • UKVI will email when eVisa is ready. This may take a couple of days.
    • Use the View and prove service to share your status by generating a share code.

    You must provide UCA with details of  your eVisa by accessing the View and Prove service.

View and prove your immigration status

Sign-in to the View and Prove service. You will need your details used to create your UKVI account.

You can use this service to view your eVisa and check current visa permissions. This will include if you can work and what benefits you are entitled to.

This service is also to enable you to prove your immigration status to employers, landlords or education providers. You would generate the share code and provide it to the third party requesting this information.  You will also need to give them  your date of birth will allow them to access the relevant information for a limited time (share code validity 3 months).

UKVI have stated that when you travel using your eVisa, you will not receive a Border Force stamp on entry to the United Kingdom. Please retain your boarding pass and flight itinerary to evidence your entry to the United Kingdom. This will be required when you enrol with UCA.

Updating your details

You keep your UKVI account information current, so you can access your account, and avoid being delayed when travelling to the United Kingdom.

Update your details through the ‘update your UK Visas and Immigration account details’ service or by using the ‘update details’ function in the View and Prove service.

You’ll need to update your details if there are changes to:

  • Your ID document, passport or travel document.
  • Your account sign in details (email address and phone number).
  • Your name or nationality.
  • Your home or postal address.
  • Sign in to your UKVI account using your updated your credentials.

Please click on the link below to view the UKVI eVisa support videos:

eVisa support videos - GOV.UK

The link titled ‘How to create, link and access your eVisa with a passport’ is a highly detailed step by step guide on exactly what the visa holder must to do to setup the UKVI account and access the eVisa.