Important changes for international students from 2024 - eVisas
UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) are developing a digital immigration system, meaning that all physical documents (such as a biometric residence permit [BRP]) will be replaced with an online record of your immigration status instead. This will be known as an eVisa. As such no BRPs will be valid after 31 December 2024.
Updating your physical document to an eVisa does not affect your immigration status or the conditions of your permission to enter or stay in the UK.
In the future you’ll be able to use an eVisa to travel to the UK – you will not need to carry a physical document, except for your current passport, which must be registered to your UKVI account. Until the end of 2024 you will need to continue to carry your physical document when you travel, if you have one.
In order for you to access your eVisa, you will need to create a UKVI account.
Why do I need a UKVI account?
UKVI are replacing physical documents with an online record of your immigration status.
You need to create a UKVI account to access your eVisa and share information about your immigration status and conditions, such as your right to work or rent in the UK, using the view and prove service.
You do not have to pay to create a UKVI account.
You can watch the how to create a UKVI account and access your eVisa video on how to create a UKVI account and access your eVisa.
In order for you to access your eVisa, you will need to create a UKVI account.
How do I get an eVisa and a UKVI account?
If you have a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)
If you have a biometric residence permit (BRP) that expires on 31 December 2024, the Home Office will contact you and tell you how to create a UKVI account and access your eVisa before the expiry date of your BRP. The email will come from the address donotreply.evisadirectmail@notifications.service.gov.uk
If you have already been contacted to create an account, either by email or in a decision letter, you can now follow the instructions the Home Office sent you to create a UKVI account.
If you have not yet been contacted about creating an account, you’ll be able to create your account and access your eVisa later in 2024. Sign up for eVisa updates to keep up to date on when you’ll be able to access your eVisa.
If you have permission to stay in the UK, once you’ve created your UKVI account you will be able to sign in to the view and prove service to access your eVisa.
For more information, visit the Online immigration status (eVisa) page.