Online immigration status (eVisa)

UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) are developing a digital immigration system. This means we are replacing physical documents with an online record of your immigration status. This is known as an eVisa.

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An eVisa is record of your immigration status stored online and accessed through a UKVI account. You will be able to use your eVisa to travel to the UK alongside your passport which must be registered to your UKVI account. Until the end of 2024 you will still need to carry your BRP card when you travel, if you have one.

What is an eVisa?

Which documents will be replaced by the eVisa

  • Biometric residence permits (BRP)
  • Biometric residence cards (BRC)
  • Passport endorsements, such as indefinite leave to enter wet ink stamps
  • Vignette stickers in passports, such as entry clearance or visa vignettes

Important: You should still keep hold of your BRP card for future use, as it could potentially be used to scan the chip for your biometrics information for future UK visa applications. 

What you will receive

If you received an online immigration status (eVisa) upon being granted your visa, you will not receive a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP).

You will receive an email from UKVI, which will include details of your immigration permission. This email will include:

  • Your visa start and end dates
  • The conditions of your immigration permission (what you can and cannot do whilst in the UK)
  • Your sponsor university (Goldsmiths, University of London) and the name of the programme you will be studying (if you have been granted a student visa)

Carefully check the email making sure the length of your course, name of your sponsor and course are all correct. If any of the details are incorrect, please contact the Immigration Advice Service.

UKVI Account

If you currently have a valid BRP or another document in the list of documents which will be replaced by the eVisa, you will need to apply for a UKVI account.

Applying for a UKVI account is free and you must apply before the end of 2024. You must make sure that you keep your BRP card even once it has expired as it may be useful for future applications to stay in the UK.

Find out how to create a UK Visa and Immigration account.

Once you have created your UKVI account you will be able to view the details of your eVisa online, you must keep your passport or ID card details up to date on your UKVI account and inform UKVI of any changes. 

Find out how to gain access to your eVisa.

Viewing and proving your status

To prove your immigration status, you will need to provide a copy of your ‘share code’ to the Immigration Advice Service team.

If you are a new student, you will be required to provide this information as part of your online enrolment. Your share code will then be used to verify your immigration status and a copy of this verification will be saved to your student record.

Generate your share code on GOV.UK.

Your share code will be valid for 3 months.