As of June 15, the UK has officially replaced paper visa stickers with electronic visas (eVisas) for students and skilled professionals from outside Europe. This change is part of efforts to streamline visa processing and digitise the immigration system.
Qualifying applicants now receive a digital visa accessible through their UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account, instead of the traditional visa vignette sticker in their passports. The eVisa serves as a digital record of immigration status, replacing paper visa stickers, biometric residence permits (BRPs), and biometric residence cards (BRCs).
Applicants must link their eVisa to a valid passport to use it for work, travel, and immigration checks. Before travelling, they need to present their passport and a UKVI share code at the border. Expired BRPs or BRCs will no longer be accepted, and boarding may be denied if the eVisa is not properly linked.
Key visa categories
The new system currently includes non-European citizens in important visa categories such as student visa, international talent, temporary worker, youth mobility scheme, skilled worker (including health and care), and global business mobility.
These applicants no longer need to bring their passports to visa application centres, which cuts down on delays brought on by courier services and document processing.
Before departing, travellers need to attach their eVisa to a valid passport. They will need to show that passport and a UKVI share code at the border. BRPs or BRCs that are expired will not be accepted, and boarding may be refused if the eVisa is not linked.
Individuals under the Windrush or EU Settlement Schemes can also update to an eVisa, although those having Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or Indefinite Leave to Enter (ILE) indicated on outdated visa stickers or ink stamps are recommended to transfer to a No Time Limit (NTL) eVisa.
Significant milestone for UK immigration system
Children under 18 must have their own UKVI accounts, managed by a parent or legal guardian.
Traditional visa vignette stickers will still be issued to dependents of primary applicants and visitors staying in the UK for less than 90 days. The UKVI account is the central platform for managing immigration information, allowing users to check visa status, update details, and share information with employers or landlords via secure, time-limited codes. Importantly, the switch to eVisas does not affect existing immigration rights or status.