UK Settlement eVisa System: Complete Guide to Digital Immigration Status
Introduction
The UK is transforming its immigration system by replacing physical documents with digital records known as eVisas. This significant shift affects millions of people who currently use biometric residence permits (BRPs), biometric residence cards (BRCs), passport stamps, or vignette stickers to prove their immigration status.
By June 2025, all visa holders will need to access their immigration status digitally through a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account. This change brings numerous benefits, including enhanced security, easier status verification, and simplified travel. However, it also requires visa holders to take specific actions to ensure they can continue to prove their rights in the UK.
This comprehensive guide explains everything you need to know about the UK eVisa system, from creating your UKVI account to managing your digital immigration status.
What is an eVisa?
An eVisa is an online record of your immigration status and the conditions of your permission to enter or stay in the UK. Unlike physical documents that can be lost, damaged, or stolen, an eVisa exists digitally and is linked to your UKVI account.
Your eVisa contains crucial information about: – Your type of permission to stay in the UK – When your permission expires – Any conditions attached to your stay – Your right to work, study, or access public services
The UK government began implementing eVisas in 2018, with millions of people already using them, particularly those who received status through the EU Settlement Scheme. Now, the system is expanding to replace all physical immigration documents.
Who Needs an eVisa?
You’ll need to create a UKVI account to access your eVisa if you currently use any of these physical documents to prove your immigration status:
- Biometric residence permits (BRPs)
- Biometric residence cards (BRCs)
- Stamps in passports showing indefinite leave to remain
- Vignette stickers in passports
- Frontier worker permits
Most BRPs and BRCs expired on December 31, 2024, though this doesn’t affect the underlying immigration permission. From June 2, 2025, BRPs and BRCs will no longer be accepted as proof of immigration status, making eVisas essential.
Who Already Has an eVisa?
If you have pre-settled or settled status through the EU Settlement Scheme, you already have an eVisa and a UKVI account. You don’t need to create a new one, but you should ensure your account details are up to date.
Who Doesn’t Need an eVisa?
British and Irish citizens don’t need an eVisa or a UKVI account. If you’re a British citizen who also holds another nationality (except Irish), you can continue using your British passport to prove your status.
Creating Your UKVI Account
To access your eVisa, you must first create a UKVI account. The process varies depending on your current documentation.
If You Have a BRP
If you have a valid or recently expired BRP, you can use it to create your UKVI account by following these steps:
- Visit the official GOV.UK eVisa page
- Download the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app on your smartphone
- Use the app to scan your BRP
- Complete the identity verification process
- Create your account with a secure password and contact details
Your BRP can be used to create an account even if it has expired, as long as your underlying immigration permission remains valid.
If You Have Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)
If you have indefinite leave to remain shown by a stamp or vignette in your passport, you should make a free ‘No Time Limit’ (NTL) application to access your eVisa. This process involves:
- Completing an online application form
- Verifying your identity, potentially through a video interview
- Attending an appointment at a visa application center for biometrics
- Receiving confirmation of your eVisa once approved
The NTL application is free and doesn’t change your immigration status – it simply provides digital access to your existing status.
For Children and Dependents
Everyone, including children, must have their own UKVI account. Parents or guardians can create and manage accounts for children under 18. When creating an account for a child, you’ll need:
- The child’s identity document (passport or BRP)
- The child’s date of birth
- Your own contact details (email and phone)
When the child turns 18 or is ready to manage their own account, you can transfer control to them by updating the contact details.
Managing Your eVisa
Once you’ve created your UKVI account, you can access and manage your eVisa through the View and Prove service.
Keeping Your Details Updated
It’s crucial to keep your UKVI account information current, especially:
- Your passport or travel document details
- Your contact information (email and phone number)
- Your name, if it changes
- Your address
Outdated information could cause problems when traveling or proving your status to employers or landlords. When you renew your passport, you must update your UKVI account promptly to link the new document to your eVisa.
Generating Share Codes
A key feature of the eVisa system is the ability to generate “share codes” that allow third parties to verify your immigration status. These codes provide time-limited access to relevant information about your status.
You’ll need different types of share codes for different purposes:
- Right to Work share codes for employers
- Right to Rent share codes for landlords
- General share codes for other organizations
To generate a share code: 1. Log in to your UKVI account 2. Select the type of share code you need 3. Choose how long the code should be valid (up to 90 days) 4. Share the code with the relevant person or organization
The recipient can then use your share code along with your date of birth to check your status through the employer checking service or landlord checking service.
Traveling with an eVisa
From June 2025, you’ll need to use your eVisa when traveling to the UK. This means:
- Your passport must be linked to your UKVI account
- Airlines and border officials will check your immigration status electronically
- You won’t need to carry physical immigration documents (though you’ll still need your passport)
Until June 2025, if your BRP or BRC expired on or after December 31, 2024, you should continue carrying it when traveling to the UK, along with your passport.
Preparing for Travel
Before traveling: – Ensure your passport details are up-to-date in your UKVI account – Generate a share code to have ready if needed – Consider taking a screenshot of your eVisa as backup – Check you can log into your UKVI account
If you encounter issues at check-in, the airline can contact the UK Border Force Carrier Support Hub for assistance. There’s also a passenger support helpline available 24/7 at +44 (0)800 876 6921.
Proving Your Rights in the UK
Your eVisa allows you to prove various rights in the UK digitally:
Right to Work
When applying for jobs, you’ll need to provide a right to work share code to your employer. They’ll use this to verify your immigration status and work permissions through the online checking service.
Employers cannot ask to see screenshots of your eVisa or request access to your UKVI account. The share code system is designed to provide only the necessary information while protecting your privacy.
Right to Rent
Similarly, when renting property, you’ll provide a right to rent share code to your landlord or letting agent. This allows them to confirm your eligibility to rent residential property in the UK.
Access to Services
Some government departments and public services can automatically access your immigration status information, reducing the need for you to prove your status repeatedly. This includes:
- The Department for Work and Pensions (for benefits)
- The NHS (for healthcare)
- HM Revenue & Customs (for tax purposes)
However, you may still need to generate share codes for other services or organizations.
Support for Vulnerable Users
The UK government recognizes that some people may face challenges accessing digital services. Support is available for:
- People without internet access or digital devices
- Those with limited English language skills
- Elderly or disabled individuals
- People experiencing homelessness
Types of Support Available
Assisted Digital Service: Provides phone and in-person support for those who struggle with technology. Contact We Are Digital at 0333 344 5675 or email visa@we-are-digital.co.uk.
Community Support: The government has funded organizations across the UK to help vulnerable people transition to eVisas. These include:
Proxy Access: If you’re unable to manage your own account, you can authorize someone else to act as your “proxy” and manage it for you.
Common Issues and Solutions
“My eVisa Isn’t Showing Up”
After creating your UKVI account, it may take 2-3 days (sometimes up to 8 weeks) for your eVisa to appear. During this time: – You can continue using your expired BRP for travel until March 31, 2025 – You can still generate share codes using your BRP – Keep checking your email for updates from the Home Office
“I Can’t Verify My Identity”
If the app fails to verify your identity: – Ensure you’re using adequate lighting when scanning documents – Try using a different device if possible – You may need to attend an in-person appointment for verification
“My Employer Doesn’t Understand eVisas”
Some employers mistakenly believe that BRP expiration means visa expiration. If this happens: – Direct them to the employer guidance on GOV.UK – Explain that your immigration status remains valid even if your BRP has expired – Provide a share code for them to verify your status online
“I’ve Lost My BRP”
If you’ve lost your BRP but need to create a UKVI account: – You can use your passport and visa application reference number instead – Contact the UKVI Resolution Centre for assistance – Report the lost BRP to the Home Office
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to keep my expired BRP?
Yes, it’s advisable to keep your expired BRP even after creating your UKVI account. It may be useful for future immigration applications and as a backup form of identification.
What happens if I get a new passport?
You must update your UKVI account with your new passport details as soon as possible. This ensures your eVisa remains linked to your current travel document.
Can I have multiple passports linked to my eVisa?
Yes, if you have dual nationality, you can add multiple passports to your UKVI account. This allows you to travel on either passport while maintaining your immigration status.
How long are share codes valid?
Share codes are valid for 90 days from the date of creation. If a code expires before it’s used, you can generate a new one at any time.
What if I can’t access my UKVI account?
If you’ve forgotten your password or can’t access your account, you can recover it using the email address and phone number associated with your account. If you no longer have access to these, contact the UKVI Resolution Centre for assistance.
Conclusion
The transition to eVisas represents a significant modernization of the UK’s immigration system. While the change requires some adjustment, digital immigration status offers greater security, convenience, and efficiency for both visa holders and the organizations that need to verify their status.
If you currently use a physical immigration document, it’s essential to create your UKVI account and access your eVisa as soon as possible. By June 2025, all physical documents will be phased out, making digital status the only way to prove your immigration rights in the UK.
Keep your UKVI account updated, particularly when your personal details or travel documents change, and familiarize yourself with generating share codes for different purposes. With proper preparation, navigating the UK’s digital immigration system can be straightforward and hassle-free.
For the latest information and guidance, always refer to the official GOV.UK eVisa page or contact the UKVI Resolution Centre if you need assistance.
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