If you are contemplating travel, education, employment, or permanent residence in the United Kingdom, it is imperative that you are aware of the following: the United Kingdom is transitioning to eVisas, which will result in a complete digitalization of immigration status. Beginning in June and July 2025, the manner in which global visa applicants and residents establish their UK immigration status will undergo significant modifications.
In order to ensure that you are adequately prepared and do not encounter any surprises at the frontier, let us deconstruct the situation.
What Is an eVisa?
An eVisa is a digital record of your UK immigration status that is securely stored and managed through your UKVI online account. It supplants all tangible documents, including:
- Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs)
- Biometric Residence Cards (BRCs)
- Vignette visa stickers in passports
- Wet-ink entry clearance stamps
This new system is a component of the United Kingdom’s objective to establish a digital immigration infrastructure that is both secure and frictionless.
Check Also: Online Visa Policy Updated by New Zealand Immigration
New Changes in 2025 You Need to Know:
1# From 2 June 2025: Expired BRPs and BRCs No Longer Valid for Travel
Please be advised that an expired BRP or BRC is no longer valid for travel to the UK after this date. Conversely, it is imperative that you:
- Establish a UKVI account.
- Please attach your most recent passport or identification document.
- You may access your eVisa online.
There will be no more plastic IDs. Additionally, there is no longer a necessity to submit physical evidence of your UK residency.
2# From 15 July 2025: No More Vignettes for Some Visa Applicants
Important information for international applicants: the vignette label, which is the visa in your passport, may not be provided to those who are applying for a UK study or work visa.
Conversely,
- During the application process, you will be directed to establish a UKVI account.
- Your immigration authorization will be issued exclusively as an electronic visa.
- In order to validate your authorization to enter the United Kingdom, you must utilize your eVisa and UKVI account.
Please be advised that vignettes will continue to be issued for dependants and non-study/work visa categories.
Who Needs an eVisa?
An eVisa is required for individuals who have been granted permission to remain in the UK for a period exceeding six months or who have been granted Indefinite Leave to Remain. This encompasses:
- Skilled workers
- Students
- Family visa holders
- Long-term visitors and residents.
Benefits of an eVisa:
- Ease of Application: No need to visit an embassy or consulate—apply online from any location with internet access.
- Time-saving: Traditional visas are processed at a slower pace; approvals frequently occur within a few days.
- Availability at all hours of the day: The necessity of adhering to office hours is eliminated by the ability to submit applications at any time.
- Decreased paperwork: The necessity for printing and digitizing physical documents is diminished by the use of straightforward, digital forms.
- Economical: Fees are typically lower than those of conventional visas, and there are no expenses associated with travel or mailing.
- Process That Can Be Monitored: Applicants may track the status of their applications in real time via the internet.
- Rapid Delivery and Approval: eVisas that have been approved are typically sent directly to you via email. You may print them out or save them to your phone.
- Enhanced Border Efficiency: Utilizes QR codes or electronic substantiation to expedite immigration barrier processing.
- Transparent and Secure: Payment portals and encrypted systems safeguard applicant information.
- Environmentally Sustainable: These digital processes contribute to the reduction of the consumption of paper, fuel (for travel), and other physical resources.
- Generally Recognized: Many countries now recognize eVisas for short-term stays, commerce, or tourism.
- There is no requirement for a physical passport stamp: Certain eVisas eliminate the necessity for passport stamps, thereby preserving the pages of your passport.
Special Cases to Know:
No Physical BRP Replacement Anymore
- BRPs that are lost, damaged, or have expired will not be replaced.
- The sole legitimate method is now access to eVisa.
Got Settlement with Old Stamps or Vignettes?
- In order to transform your status into a digital eVisaAdvertisement, you must submit a No Time Limit (NTL) application.
EU Settlement Scheme or Windrush Status?
- Your eVisa will be issued automatically upon the approval of your application.
Applying for a UK Visa from Overseas?
The verification of your identity will continue to be necessary, contingent upon the form of passport and the country from which you originate. There are two pathways:
- Visa Application Center: Biometrics and passport decal
- UNITED Immigration: Application for Verifying Identification: For applicants who are eligible and possess biometric passports
However, applicants for study and work visas may not receive a sticker; instead, they will receive an eVisa through their UKVI account, effective July 15, 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is a UK eVisa?
An eVisa is a digital visa record that is associated with your passport and can be accessed through your UKVI online account. It is the replacement for tangible Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs), BRCs, passport stamps, and adhesive vignettes for the majority of visa categories.
How do I prove my status now?
Employers, landlords, or carriers may generate a share code that is valid for 90 days by logging into their UKVI account.
Make sure to have your passport with you at all times, as the eVisa is linked to it.What if I get a new passport?
Before traveling, ensure that your passport details are updated in your UKVI account; otherwise, your eVisa will not function with your updated document.
