- Effective June 15, 2025, the UK will implement a fully digital eVisa system for non-European skilled workers and students.
- This transition is part of the UK government’s initiative to modernize immigration processes through digital solutions.
- Eligible applicants will receive a digital visa via a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account.
Starting June 15, 2025, the United Kingdom has transitioned from physical visa stickers to a fully digital eVisa system for non-European skilled workers and students. This move is part of the UK government’s broader initiative to modernise its immigration processes by embracing digital solutions.
As reported by TravelBiz, the updated system provides eligible applicants with a digital visa called an eVisa through a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account. This replaces the traditional visa vignette that was previously issued as a sticker in the passport.
The eVisa acts as an electronic record of a person’s immigration status in the UK, eliminating the need for physical documents like visa stickers, Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs), and Biometric Residence Cards (BRCs). Each eVisa must be linked to a valid passport and can be accessed and managed through the individual’s UKVI online account.
Who Is Affected?
The new system currently applies to a range of visa categories including:
- Skilled Worker (including Health and Care routes)
- Global Talent
- Global Business Mobility
- International Sportsperson
- Temporary Worker
- Youth Mobility Scheme
- Student Visa
Applicants under these categories no longer need to submit their passports to visa centres, streamlining the application process and reducing delays caused by document handling or shipping.
Important Details for Travellers
To enter the UK, travellers must have their eVisa connected to a valid passport and present it along with a UKVI share code at the border. Expired BRPs or BRCs will no longer be accepted, and failure to link the eVisa properly may result in being denied boarding or entry.
Those with older forms of immigration documentation, such as Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or Indefinite Leave to Enter (ILE) shown in expired stickers or ink stamps, are encouraged to upgrade to a No Time Limit (NTL) eVisa. Similarly, individuals under the Windrush and EU Settlement Schemes can convert to the new system.
Key Notes on Implementation
- Children under 18 are required to have individual UKVI accounts, which should be managed by a parent or guardian.
- Travellers staying in the UK for less than 90 days and dependants of principal applicants will still be issued traditional visa stickers for now.
- The UKVI account will serve as the primary tool for managing visa status, updating personal details, and sharing status with employers or landlords using time-sensitive codes.
This shift to a digital system is a significant step toward a more secure, faster, and efficient immigration experience, though it does not impact any current immigration rights or status.
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