UK Replaces Visa Stickers with eVisas for Skilled Workers and Students

Starting July 15, 2025, the United Kingdom will stop issuing visa vignette stickers for most work and student visa applicants. Instead, these applicants will now receive a digital immigration status, known as an eVisa, accessible through their UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account.

The change is part of the Home Office’s broader plan to digitise the UK’s immigration system and streamline international mobility.

Understanding the UK eVisa

The UK eVisa is a digital record of a person’s immigration status, replacing physical visa stickers and biometric cards. It’s accessed through a UKVI account and must be linked to a valid passport for travel, entry, or right-to-work checks.

Who Is Affected by the eVisa Rollout?

The eVisa rollout applies to applicants of all nationalities, including both European and non-European citizens, applying under the following visa categories:

• Skilled Worker (including Health and Care roles)
• Global Business Mobility
• Global Talent
• International Sportsperson
• Temporary Worker (Creative, Seasonal, Government Authorised Exchange)
• Youth Mobility Scheme
• Student Visa

From July 15 onward, eligible applicants under these routes will no longer receive a physical visa vignette in their passports. Instead, their visa will be held digitally and accessed online.

What Do Applicants Need to Do?

Here’s what applicants need to do under the new system:

• Create a UKVI account online
• Link their current passport to the eVisa
• Verify personal details for accuracy
• Generate an ‘S’ share code to present immigration status if requested during travel

🧳 Note: Dependents, visitors, and most applicants on work or study routes shorter than six months will still receive traditional visa vignette stickers in their passports for now.

Additionally, children under 18 must have their own UKVI accounts, with their guardians managing access and updates as needed.

Do Applicants Still Need to Visit Visa Application Centres?

Yes, applicants must still attend a visa application centre (VAC) to enrol their biometrics and have their passport scanned. However, they no longer need to leave their passport at the centre, since a physical vignette will not be issued for most categories listed above.

How Employers Should Prepare

The switch to eVisas also brings changes for UK-based employers. Companies must:

• Ensure new hires have fully set up their UKVI account
• Conduct right-to-work checks online using the eVisa system
• Understand the different procedures for verifying dependents’ statuses

This digital approach replaces the need to manually review biometric residence permits (BRPs), biometric residence cards (BRCs), or other physical visa documents.

Key Features of the UKVI Account

The UKVI account now serves as the central hub for all visa-related matters. Users can:

• View their visa type, status, and expiry
• Share immigration status with landlords, schools, or employers using a time-limited share code
• Update travel document and personal details

The Home Office has confirmed that moving to an eVisa does not alter a person’s immigration status or their rights to live and work in the UK.

Important Travel Reminders

Travellers to the United Kingdom must ensure:

• Their eVisa is correctly linked to a valid passport before flying
• They carry their passport and UKVI-generated share code when travelling
• Expired BRPs or BRCs will not be accepted for entry

Failure to link the eVisa with the correct passport can lead to boarding denials at airports.

What About ILR, ILE, and Special Cases?

Individuals who have physical proof of Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or Indefinite Leave to Enter (ILE), such as vignette stickers or ink stamps, are encouraged to apply for a No Time Limit (NTL) eVisa.

Those under the Windrush Scheme or EU Settlement Scheme are also eligible for eVisas, aligning with the UK’s aim to digitise all immigration records.

🔍 Since 2018, millions have received eVisas, and more categories will transition soon.

Final Thoughts

The introduction of eVisas marks a significant shift in how the UK manages immigration. For both travellers and employers, this means faster, more secure, and more efficient verification processes. However, staying informed and following official guidance is crucial, especially before international travel.