Key Takeaways
- From January 2025, all new UK visas are issued as eVisas — no physical BRP card
- You prove your immigration status using a Share Code, valid for 90 days
- Set up your UKVI account as soon as you receive your visa decision — don't wait
- At the UK border, your eVisa is linked to your passport — you don't need to show your phone
- If your UKVI account has wrong details, contact UKVI immediately — this can cause problems at border crossings
If you arrived in the UK before 2025, you likely have a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) — a physical card with your photo and visa details. If you're arriving in 2025 or later, or if your visa has been renewed recently, you have an eVisa instead.
The eVisa system is fully digital. There's no card to carry. Your visa permission is stored in a UKVI online account, and you share access to your status using a Share Code. This guide walks you through the whole process, including what to do when things go wrong.
What Is the UK eVisa System?
The eVisa is the UK government's digital immigration status system. It works like this:
- Your visa permission is stored in a Home Office database, linked to your passport number
- You access it through a UKVI online account (similar to a government portal)
- You prove your status to employers, landlords, or universities by generating a Share Code
- At the border, UK Border Force can see your visa status directly from your passport scan — no card needed
Who does this affect? All non-EEA nationals on a UK visa. If you are an Indian student arriving on a Student visa in 2025 or later, you will get an eVisa, not a BRP card. If you renewed an older visa, you may have also been migrated to the eVisa system.
Step 1: Create Your UKVI Account
Your UKVI account is the central hub for everything. Create it as soon as you receive your visa approval — ideally before you travel to the UK.
1
Go to the UKVI account page on gov.uk
Search "Create a UKVI account" on gov.uk. You'll be directed to the official UK Visas and Immigration identity portal. Do not use third-party sites that charge a fee for this — it is free.
2
Verify your identity with your travel document
You'll need your passport or travel document and the reference number from your visa decision (called the GWF reference). Have these ready before starting.
3
Set up your email and mobile number
Enter an email address you actively use. You'll also need a mobile number for two-factor authentication. Use a number that will be accessible when you travel to the UK — you can update it later.
4
Scan your face using the UKVI app
Download the UKVI Identity Services app on your smartphone. Use it to take a live photo of yourself. This is used to verify your identity. Make sure you have good lighting and a plain background.
5
Wait for your account to be confirmed
Account verification typically takes a few minutes to 24 hours. You'll receive a confirmation email. Once confirmed, you can log in and view your eVisa details.
Step 2: View Your eVisa
After your account is confirmed, log in and navigate to "View and Prove" your immigration status. You'll see:
- Your visa type (e.g., "Student — Tier 4/Student visa")
- Your visa expiry date
- Your conditions (e.g., "No recourse to public funds", "Work limited to 20 hours per week")
- The passport(s) linked to your status
Check the details immediately: If anything is wrong — your name is misspelled, the visa type is incorrect, the expiry date looks wrong — contact UKVI immediately. Incorrect details in your eVisa record can cause problems at border crossings and when doing right-to-work checks.
Step 3: Generate a Share Code
A Share Code is how you prove your immigration status to a third party. Employers need it for right-to-work checks. Landlords need it for right-to-rent checks. Universities may ask for it too.
Example Share Code
W3X 9K2 M4P
9 characters · Valid for 90 days · One-time use per employer
How to Generate a Share Code
1
Log in to your UKVI account
Go to gov.uk, find "View and Prove your immigration status", and log in with your email and password.
2
Choose what you're proving
Select whether you're proving your right to work, right to rent, or general immigration status. Different purposes generate slightly different views for the employer/landlord.
3
Generate the code
Click "Generate a Share Code". A 9-character code will appear. Copy or share this code with your employer or landlord. It is valid for 90 days.
4
Employer checks the code on gov.uk
Your employer goes to the gov.uk employer portal and enters your Share Code + your date of birth. They'll see your name, visa type, expiry date, and work conditions. They must do this check before you start work.
What Happens at the UK Airport?
Many students worry about arriving at Heathrow or Gatwick without a physical visa sticker or BRP card. Here's how it works:
UK Border Force scanners read your passport electronically. Your passport number is linked to your eVisa in the Home Office database. When the border officer scans your passport, they can instantly see your immigration permission — no physical card or phone is needed.
Recommended pre-travel checklist:
Take a screenshot of your eVisa status page before you travel. Log in to your UKVI account, take a full screenshot showing your name, visa type, and expiry date. This is not required — but if there's a technical issue at the border, showing this on your phone can help while the officer verifies your status in the system.
eVisa vs BRP: Key Differences
| Feature | Old BRP Card | New eVisa |
|---|
| Format | Physical card | Digital only |
| Carry requirement | Must carry at all times | No card to carry |
| At the UK border | Shown on arrival | Passport scan only |
| Right to work proof | Show card to employer | Generate Share Code |
| Lost/stolen replacement | Costly replacement process | Digital — no card to lose |
| Validity tracking | Check expiry date on card | Log in to UKVI account |
| Update when changing passport | Required process | Update in UKVI account |
Common Problems and How to Fix Them
Problem: "I can't find my GWF reference number to create my account"
Fix: The GWF reference is on your visa decision email or in your online application. It starts with "GWF" followed by numbers. Check your email inbox (and spam) from the Home Office. If you applied through a university, ask the international student office.
Problem: "My UKVI account shows the wrong name or date of birth"
Fix: Contact UKVI directly via the gov.uk contact form and select "eVisa issues". Provide your passport copy and the correct information. Do not travel internationally until this is resolved — name mismatches can cause serious delays at the border.
Problem: "My employer says the Share Code isn't working"
Fix: Generate a fresh Share Code — old ones expire after 90 days. Also make sure your employer is using the correct portal (gov.uk employer check, not a third-party site). They need your Share Code AND your date of birth to complete the check.
Problem: "I renewed my passport but it's not linked to my eVisa"
Fix: Log in to your UKVI account and update your travel document. Go to the "Add or update a travel document" section. You'll need your new passport details and a clear photo of the passport bio page. Do this before travelling internationally with your new passport.
Problem: "I lost access to the email/phone linked to my UKVI account"
Fix: Contact UKVI via the gov.uk contact form. Explain that you've lost access to your account credentials. You'll need to verify your identity again with your passport details. This process can take a few working days — don't leave it until last minute.
Problem: "I have a BRP card — do I need to do anything?"
Fix: If your BRP was issued before the eVisa transition, check if you've already been migrated. Log in or create a UKVI account — your status should already be there. Your BRP remains valid until its expiry date, but you should have a UKVI account linked to the same permission.
eVisa and Travel Outside the UK
When you leave the UK and return, you do not need a separate entry clearance vignette (the sticker visa) unless you left the UK voluntarily after a refusal or curtailment. Your eVisa is re-entry permission built in.
However, note that some countries require a UK visa vignette or BRP for transit. Always check transit requirements for your route if you're flying through countries other than your home destination.
For Indian students flying home for the holidays: Check your airline and transit country requirements in advance. Your eVisa is sufficient for re-entry to the UK. But certain transit airports (e.g., in some Gulf countries) may check your UK visa documents — having a screenshot of your eVisa status page helps.
The Transition for BRP Holders
If you have an old BRP card, the Home Office has been progressively migrating holders to the eVisa system. Check your UKVI account to see if your status is already there. Key dates:
- Before December 2024: BRP cards were still issued for new visas
- From January 2025: All new grants of leave are eVisa only — no physical card
- Existing BRP holders: BRPs remain valid until their stated expiry date, but you should create a UKVI account to access your digital status
- BRP expiry mismatch: Some BRPs show a December 2024 expiry date even if your visa permission extends longer — this was intentional. Your actual leave is in the system. Check your UKVI account for the real expiry.
Need Help With Your eVisa or UKVI Account?
If you're having trouble setting up your account or there's an error in your immigration record, our advisors can help you navigate the UKVI contact process.
Related Articles