eVisas: access and use your online immigration status

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1. What an eVisa is

An eVisa is a digital record of:

  • your identity and immigration status - for example the type of visa you have or if you have indefinite leave to remain (settlement) in the UK
  • the conditions of your status - for example if you’re allowed to work or study in the UK

eVisas are replacing physical immigration documents.

Biometric residence permits (BRPs) have already been replaced by eVisas. They will also replace:

  • biometric residence cards (BRCs)
  • wet ink stamps or vignettes (stickers) in passports

You’ll usually get an eVisa when you successfully apply for a visa or other type of permission to be in the UK.

How to use your eVisa

You can view your eVisa and get a share code to prove your immigration status, for example when you get a new job or rent a home.

You can travel with your eVisa after you add your passport or travel document details.

Access your eVisa

You need a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account to access your eVisa.

You can set up a UKVI account if you do not already have one.  

You do not need to pay to set up a UKVI account or access your eVisa.

2. Set up a UKVI account to access your eVisa

You need a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account to access your eVisa. 

If your partner and children are joining you in the UK as ‘dependants’ then they need their own UKVI accounts to access their eVisas.

Who can use this service

You can use this service to access an eVisa if you have:

  • any visa for the UK (England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland)
  • settlement in the UK (also called ‘indefinite leave to remain’)

You can also use this service to get access to:

  • a ‘digital record of exemption’, if you’re exempt from immigration control - for example, if you’re a diplomat
  • a ‘digital certificate of entitlement’, if you have ‘right of abode’ in the UK

You can choose whether to access an eVisa if:

  • you have a physical immigration document which has no expiry date and proves you have settlement in the UK - you’ll need to make a ‘no time limit’ application
  • you have a valid visa vignette (sticker) in your passport

When you do not need an eVisa

You do not need an eVisa if you:

Check if you already have a UKVI account

You’ll already have a UKVI account if you’ve ever:

  • used the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app to confirm your identity when applying for a visa
  • created an account when applying for a visa - you’ll have received a UKVI account confirmation email
  • replaced a physical immigration document with an eVisa, for example a biometric residence permit (BRP) or biometric residence card (BRC)
  • applied to the EU Settlement Scheme

If you already have a UKVI account then you should not create another one. 

If you’re not sure whether you already have a UKVI account, you can try to sign in to view your eVisa.

Create a UKVI account

To create an account, you’ll need a phone number and email address that you can use each time you sign in.  

You’ll also need one of the following, if you have them:

  • a valid passport and your visa application number - this is a global web form (GWF) number or unique application number (UAN)  
  • a valid passport and your BRP number  
  • your expired BRP card - you can use it for 18 months after the expiry date printed on the card

After you create your account you’ll be asked to confirm your identity and link your account to your eVisa.

You’ll need access to a smartphone so you can install an app to confirm your identity. You’ll be able to confirm your identity another way if you either:

  • do not have a valid passport or an expired BRP card  
  • cannot access a smartphone or use the app

Create a UKVI account

You cannot access your eVisa until you’ve linked it to your UKVI account. You can link your UKVI account to your eVisa if you did not do it when you created your account.

Get help

You can chat to UKVI using webchat to get help using your UKVI account or accessing your eVisa.

You can also watch eVisa support videos.

Help someone else

You can help someone else to create their UKVI account, for example someone who cannot use the internet. 

You can manage the other person’s account if you’re acting on their behalf, for example if they’re your child or you have power of attorney. Use your own phone number and email address when you create the account, so you can use them to sign in.

If the person becomes able to manage their own account or a child reaches 18, you should update their UKVI account details. Use their phone number and email address so that they can sign in.

3. Get an eVisa if you have settlement in the UK

You can choose whether to get an eVisa if you have physical proof of your immigration status, such as a wet ink stamp or vignette (sticker) which: 

  • has no expiry date 
  • proves you have settlement in the UK - also known as indefinite leave to remain (ILR) or indefinite leave to enter (ILE)

If you get an eVisa then you’ll have a digital record to prove your identity and immigration status.

Getting an eVisa will not change your immigration status. You’ll still be able to use your physical document.

To get an eVisa, you need to make a free ‘no time limit’ (NTL) application. 

Do not make an NTL application if you have another type of evidence of your settled status in the UK, for example an expired biometric residence permit (BRP) or status under the EU Settlement Scheme. There’s a different way to access your eVisa.

Make an NTL application

You need:

  • a phone number and email address that you can use each time you sign in
  • the passport or travel document you used when you last entered the UK

You’ll also need the physical document that proves that you have settlement, if you have one.

You need a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account to access your eVisa. You’ll create a UKVI account either:

  • at the start of your NTL application - if you have a valid passport
  • when your NTL application is approved - if you do not have a valid passport

Make an NTL application

After you apply

You’ll need to have your fingerprints and photo (biometric information) taken at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point.

You’ll also be asked to provide supporting documents. You’ll be told what you need at the end of your application.

You can either:

  • upload the documents into the UKVCAS online service
  • pay to have them scanned at your UKVCAS appointment

It can take up to 6 months to process an NTL application. 

You can continue to use your physical immigration document while your application is processed.

Get help

You can chat to UKVI using webchat to get help accessing your eVisa.

You can get more help if you’re in the UK and:

You can also watch eVisa support videos.

4. View your eVisa and get a share code to prove your immigration status

Your eVisa shows your identity and immigration status. This includes what rights you have in the UK, for example to work, rent or claim benefits.

You can get a share code to prove your immigration status to people such as employers or landlords, or when you travel.

You’ll need to give them your date of birth. You will not need to show them your eVisa.

The person who uses your share code will see some of your personal details. When you get your share code you’ll be told what they’ll see.

A share code lasts for 90 days. You can:

  • use the share code as many times as you need before it expires
  • get a new share code whenever you need one

View your eVisa and get a share code

You’ll need the details you use to sign in to your UKVI account. This could be your:

  • passport
  • national identity card
  • biometric residence card (BRC) - this can be valid or expired
  • expired biometric residence permit (BRP)
  • UKVI customer number

You’ll also need access to the mobile phone number or email address you use to sign in to your UKVI account.

View your eVisa and get a share code

Report an error with your eVisa

You should report an error with your eVisa if:

  • your eVisa is wrong - for example it’s showing the wrong date of birth or immigration status
  • you can view your eVisa but you cannot use it to get a share code

Update your details before you get a share code

You should update your UKVI account before you get a share code if:

  • you’ve changed your name or nationality
  • you need to change your photo because you cannot be recognised from the current one

If you cannot view your eVisa

Check that you have finished setting up your UKVI account to access your eVisa.  

You can use different services to prove your right to work or prove your right to rent if you cannot access an eVisa.

Get help

You can get help to recover your UKVI account if you’re having problems signing in to view your eVisa.

You can chat to UKVI using webchat if you have other questions about your eVisa or UKVI account.

You can also watch eVisa support videos.

5. Travel with your eVisa

You must check that your UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account and eVisa details are correct before you travel to or from the UK.

You’ll have a UKVI account and an eVisa if you’ve successfully applied for a visa or another type of permission to be in the UK. This includes if you have status under the EU Settlement Scheme.

Your carrier may not let you travel if your details are wrong. You may also be delayed at the UK border.

You must make sure that:

  • your UKVI account has your current passport and personal details - you can update your UKVI account
  • your eVisa is correct, for example it shows the right immigration status - you can view your eVisa to check
  • your details exactly match the passenger information you give to your carrier (for example your airline)

If you cannot view your eVisa check that you have set up your UKVI account correctly.

An eVisa is different from an electronic travel authorisation (ETA). An ETA allows people who do not need a visa to travel to the UK for up to 6 months.

When you travel

You must travel with a valid passport or travel document that you’ve added to your UKVI account.

Your eVisa will be checked when you:

  • leave and enter the UK, either by a border control officer or when you use the eGates
  • check in with your carrier to return to the UK

The country you’re visiting might have other entry or exit requirements - check before you travel.

If you’re asked to show additional proof of your immigration status

You might be asked to show additional proof of your immigration status by a carrier or border official.

You can:

  • get a share code
  • use a physical immigration document if you have one

Sign in to view your eVisa and get a share code.

A share code for travel is valid for 90 days so you can get it before you travel. It can be used more than once.

If you have a physical document which proves your valid immigration status, you may want to carry it with you as additional proof.

Physical documents include a:

  • sticker or stamp which shows you have indefinite leave to remain or enter (settlement) in an old passport
  • right of abode certificate of entitlement in your passport
  • Home Office travel document

If you have more than one nationality

Make sure you add the passport you’ll use to travel to your UKVI account. You can add more than one passport.

If one of your nationalities is British or Irish, you do not need an eVisa. You must travel with your British or Irish passport or a passport with a certificate of entitlement. Read the guidance for British or Irish dual citizens.

If your passport or personal details change when you’re outside the UK

You’ll either need to update your UKVI account or apply for a temporary visa to return to the UK.

Whether you can update your UKVI account while you’re out of the UK depends on what details have changed and if you have a biometric passport.

To return to the UK you might need to apply for a temporary visa. You’ll be able to update your UKVI account once you’re in the UK.

If you have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you might have to apply for a travel permit instead.

If you have a biometric passport

You can update your:

  • passport details (passport number and expiry date)
  • name
  • nationality

If any other personal details have changed, you will need to apply for a temporary visa to return to the UK.

If you do not have a biometric passport

You can update your passport details (passport number and expiry date) only.

If any other personal details have changed, you’ll need to apply for a temporary visa to enter the UK.

Get help

You can recover your UKVI account if you cannot sign in because you’ve lost access to your phone or changed email address.

You can report an error with your eVisa if you cannot view it when you sign in to your UKVI account.

You can chat to UKVI using webchat if you have other questions about your eVisa, UKVI account or sharing your immigration status.

You can also watch eVisa support videos.

If your carrier cannot check your eVisa

Ask your carrier to contact the UK Border Force carrier support hub for help.

6. Update your details in your UKVI account

You should keep your personal details and passport or travel document information up to date so that:

You update your details in your UKVI account.

If your UKVI account is not up to date you might experience delays when you travel or when waiting for a visa decision.

What you need to update

You should update your UKVI account if you change your:

  • passport or travel document
  • name
  • mobile phone number
  • email address
  • home address
  • postal address

You cannot change your name or your passport or travel document if you’re waiting for a visa application decision.

You can also:

  • correct your date of birth
  • add or change a nationality, for example if you have dual nationality
  • add another passport or travel document
  • change your photo, for example if your appearance has changed and you cannot be recognised from your current photo

If you change your photo, you must make sure it meets the rules for digital photos. Your photo will be rejected if it does not meet the rules.

Update your details

You’ll need the details you use to sign in to your UKVI account. This could be your:

  • passport
  • national identity card
  • biometric residence card (BRC) - this can be valid or expired
  • expired biometric residence permit (BRP)
  • UKVI customer number

You’ll also need access to the mobile phone number or email address you use to sign in to your UKVI account.

If you’re updating your name, date of birth or nationality then you’ll need an identity document that proves that it has changed.

You can only use this service to update your UKVI account details. You cannot update any immigration details, for example a visa or a citizenship application.

Update your UKVI account

When you cannot use this service

There’s a different way to update your details if you do not have an identity document that shows your new name, date of birth or nationality.

You should report an error with your eVisa if:

  • the details on your eVisa are wrong - for example it’s showing the wrong name or immigration status
  • the Home Office set up your UKVI account and you’ve never been able to access it

Update details for someone else

If you manage a UKVI account for someone else, you should update the account with their email address and phone number when either:

  • they become able to manage their own account
  • they reach 18 years old

You cannot use this service if you have access to a UKVI account because you helped someone apply for a visa. They need to update their own details.

Get help

You can get help to recover your UKVI account if you’re having problems signing in.

You can chat to UKVI using webchat if you have other questions about your UKVI account or eVisa.

You can also watch eVisa support videos.

7. Report an error with your eVisa

You should report an error if:

  • your eVisa details are wrong - for example it’s showing the wrong date of birth or immigration status
  • you can view your eVisa but you cannot use it to get a share code
  • you cannot view your eVisa because of a technical error when you’re signed into your UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account
  • the Home Office set up your UKVI account and you’ve never been able to sign in to it

You’ll need to give:

  • an email or UK postal address that UKVI can use to contact you
  • your name, date of birth and nationality

If you’re reporting that your name, date or birth or nationality are wrong, you’ll need to give them as they appear in your eVisa.

You’ll also be asked to give one of the following:

  • passport number
  • expired biometric residence permit (BRP) number
  • global web form (GWF) number from your visa application
  • unique application number (UAN) from your visa application
  • UKVI customer number

Start now

When you should not report an error

There’s a different way to:

Ask someone else to report an error

You can ask someone else to use this service to report the error for you, for example: 

  • a legal representative
  • an employer
  • a friend or colleague
  • a member of staff at a university or charity

How long it takes to fix

UKVI aims to fix most issues within 5 working days.

If the issue is complex, it can take up to 15 working days.

You’ll get an email if it is likely to take longer than 15 days to fix or if you need to give more information.