(EFFECTIVE FROM JULY 15, 2025)
Big News for International Students Headed to the UK!
Starting 15 July 2025, the UK government is officially transitioning from physical visa vignettes and Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) to a fully digital immigration system – e-Visas. If you are an international student applying for a UK Student Visa, this change affects you directly.
What is an e-Visa?
An e-Visa is a secure, digital record of your immigration status in the UK. Instead of receiving a visa vignette sticker in your passport or a BRP card upon arrival, your visa will be linked to your UKVI account and your passport online.
When Was This Announced, and Who Is Affected?
The Home Office announced the transition in phases, and from 15 July 2025, main applicants applying through selected work and study routes, including Student Visa applicants, will begin receiving only e-Visas.
Affected Groups:
- New student visa applicants
- Graduate visa route applicants
- Skilled worker and dependent students (some exclusions apply)
Important: Dependants may still receive a vignette and/or BRP depending on their situation, but will also need to access their e-Visa via their own UKVI account.
Do You Need to Take Action?
Yes! If you are applying for a UK Student Visa from July 15, 2025, and your application is successful, you will not receive a vignette or BRP. You must:
- Create a UKVI account
- Each visa holder, including dependents aged 18 or over, must create their own UKVI account to access their e-Visa.
- Link it to your current passport
- Access and check your e-Visa details
- Understand how to generate a Share Code (for university, employer, or landlord verification)
Step-by-Step: How to Access Your eVisa
- Visit: www.gov.uk/evisa
- Create a UKVI Account: Use the same email ID as in your visa application.
- Link Your Passport: Ensure the passport details match your visa application.
- Log In and View e-Visa: Check your visa start date, expiry date, and conditions.
- Report Errors: Found a mistake? Immediately report via Report eVisa Error
- Generate Share Code: Use this when providing proof of your visa to universities, landlords, employers, or banks.
For extra help, check out official support videos.
Why is the UK Switching to e-Visas?
- Improved Security: Your visa can’t be lost or stolen like a physical card.
- Online Access: View or share your visa status 24/7.
- Environmentally Friendly: No more plastic BRPs.
- Streamlined Border Control: Faster, digital checks at airports and immigration points.
Challenges or Concerns
While the system is designed for ease, students should be careful about:
- Email Consistency: Your UKVI account must use the same email as your visa application.
- Tech Access: You need internet and a device to access your e-Visa.
- Error Checking: Always verify your visa details before travelling.
- Share Code Expiry: Share codes expire in 90 days – keep track! Regenerate it if it expires before you have used it.
Final Tips
- Use the same email throughout your application process.
- Carry a printout of your e-Visa confirmation when travelling, just in case.
- Regularly log in to your UKVI account to stay updated.
- If you renew or change your passport, update your UKVI account before travelling. If not updated, your e-Visa may not match and could delay entry.
- For any confusion, reach out to Focus Education’s visa support team — we are here to guide you.
Trust Focus Education — Your Pathway to Global Success
The shift to e-Visas marks a significant step in modernising the UK’s immigration system, offering international students a safer, faster, and more convenient way to manage their visa status. While the transition may seem overwhelming at first, with the right preparation and guidance, it can be a smooth and empowering experience. At Focus Education Pvt Ltd, we ensure you are always ahead of these changes. From helping you set up your UKVI account to guiding you through Share Codes and travel preparations, our dedicated team is committed to supporting you every step of the way.
