eVisas

How to create and manage your eVisa.

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Overview

An eVisa (electronic visa) is an official record of your UK immigration status that you access and manage entirely online. Instead of a physical sticker or Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) card, your visa is digitally linked directly to your passport number in the UK government’s database.

To access, view, and prove your eVisa status, you must set up and maintain a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account.

Create your UKVI account

If you applied for your visa using the UK Immigration: ID Check mobile app, a UKVI account was created during that application process.  If you haven’t, you must create a UKVI account to access your eVisa. For this, you'll need:

  • An identification number. You should use your BRP number or Visa Application Number (starting with GWF or UAN). You may use an expired BRP for up to 24 months after its expiry date or until 31 December 2026, whichever comes first.
  • Your current valid passport or BRP.
  • An email address and mobile phone number. This can be non-UK, as long as it can receive SMS security codes.

  • Access to a smartphone to download the UK Immigration: ID Check app. (If you do not own a smartphone, you should borrow a friend or family member’s device).

You can also watch the GOV.UK video on How to create a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account and get access to your eVisa.

Linking your document

When creating your account, the UK Immigration: ID Check app will guide you through scanning your identity document (passport or BRP) and taking a photo.

Having trouble scanning your passport?

  • If your passport lacks a biometric chip, or if you cannot access a smartphone with chip-reading capabilities, you can submit a photo of your passport instead.

  • If the app repeatedly fails to scan your Machine Readable Zone (the two lines with << chevrons on your photo page), contact ISSAC. We will help determine if it can be resolved or if you must contact UKVI directly.

You can also watch the UKVI video guides on how to link your documents to your eVisa:

Keeping your details up to date

If you already have a UKVI account, you don’t need to create a new one. However, you must keep your details updated, especially if your passport changes.

  • Your passport must match your eVisa details. If you renew or replace your passport, you must update your UKVI account immediately.

  • Once you have made changes to your eVisa, you must wait for confirmation from UKVI that your account has been updated before you travel. Database updates are not instantaneous.

  • Visit GOV.UK to update your UKVI account details if your passport or contact details change.

Proving your eVisa status

For travelling and entering the UK

When boarding your flight and passing through UK Border Control (or eGates), your physical passport is scanned to verify your digital status.

You must ensure your current valid passport is linked to your eVisa before travelling.

We also recommend that you generate and print a share code (valid for 90 days) of your visa status summary and keep this in your hand luggage in case of airline system outages.

For right to study, work, or rent

You must generate a share code to prove your immigration status to the university, employers, or landlords:

  1. Log in to the GOV.UK: View and prove your immigration status portal.
  2. Select the reason you need the code (eg right to study / work).
  3. Copy the nine-character code and share it with the institution.

You can also watch the UKVI View and Prove video to see how share codes work.

Checking your eVisa details for accuracy

Once your eVisa is active, log in and verify that all details match your official documents:

  • Personal information: Check your full legal name, nationality, and date of birth match your current passport.

  • Visa conditions: Check your work restrictions (eg maximum 20 hours per week during term time) and public fund limits are accurate.

  • Expiry date: Check the visa end date aligns with your course end date plus standard wrap-up time. (Refer to our Student Visa Duration page if you're unsure).

Errors on your eVisa

If there are errors on your eVisa, contact ISSAC immediately so we can assist you with requesting a correction from UKVI.

Questions

For general questions, check the comprehensive UKCISA eVisa FAQ guide.

For any unresolved issues, if you can't find the answer on UKCISA or on this page, contact ISSAC directly.

Related information

International Student Support, Advice and Compliance (ISSAC)