A UK eVisa is a digital record of your immigration status held in the Home Office system. It replaced the physical Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) for most migrants from January 2025. You access it through a UKVI account online — there is no physical card. You share it with employers, landlords, and others using a time-limited digital share code.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| What it replaced | Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) |
| When introduced | January 2025 for new entrants |
| How to access | UKVI online account |
| How to share status | Digital share code |
| Share code validity | 90 days from date generated |
| Physical card | None — fully digital |
Quick Overview
✅ Your eVisa is your official digital immigration status — recognised by all UK institutions
✅ Share it with employers, landlords, DVLA, and DWP using a time-limited share code
✅ If you had a BRP, you need to create a UKVI account to access your eVisa
⚠️ There is no physical card — you cannot show a card as proof of status anymore
⚠️ If you cannot access your eVisa, contact UKVI before travelling internationally
📌 At the UK border, Border Force checks your status digitally via your passport
📌 Your share code expires after 90 days — generate a new one when needed
💡 Link your new passport to your UKVI account before any international travel
The UK eVisa is a fundamental change to how immigration status works in the UK. Most migrants are now fully digital — no card, no sticker, no paper document.
If you are preparing for ILR, the ILR checklist covers the current documentation requirements under the eVisa system.
What Is a UK eVisa?
An eVisa is a digital record of your permission to be in the UK. It holds the same information that was printed on a Biometric Residence Permit: your name, date of birth, nationality, and the conditions of your leave.
The eVisa is stored in the Home Office's system. You access it through your UKVI online account. You do not receive a physical document.
Your eVisa does not expire like a BRP did. The record itself is permanent. The permission it records has a valid-until date — which is what determines your right to work and live in the UK.
How to Access Your UK eVisa
You access your eVisa through your UKVI account.
If you arrived in the UK from January 2025 onwards: You created a UKVI account as part of your visa application. Log in to see your eVisa.
If you had a BRP card before January 2025: You need to create a UKVI account to access your eVisa. Your BRP information has been migrated to the system. You need:
- Your BRP card number
- Your date of birth
- Your passport details
Once set up, your eVisa is accessible immediately.
If you cannot access your eVisa: Contact UKVI. Do not travel internationally until the issue is resolved. Border Force checks status digitally — but you should be able to view and share your status if asked.
How to Share Your eVisa
You share your eVisa by generating a share code in your UKVI account. The share code lets another person or organisation check your immigration status online.
Common uses:
- Employer right-to-work check — your employer enters the code at the Home Office employer checking service
- Landlord right-to-rent check — your landlord verifies status before renting to you
- DVLA driving licence — some licence applications require status verification
- DWP benefit claims — for benefit eligibility checks
Each share code is valid for 90 days from the date you generate it. After 90 days, generate a new one.
Travelling With an eVisa
You travel on your national passport. At the UK border, Border Force checks your immigration status digitally using your passport details.
You do not need to carry any separate document. Your eVisa is linked to your passport in the Home Office system.
Before travelling internationally:
- Confirm your eVisa is accessible in your UKVI account
- Check that your underlying permission is still valid
- If you have recently changed passports, update your details in your UKVI account first — the eVisa must be linked to your current passport
What Happened to BRP Cards?
BRPs were phased out from January 2025.
- BRPs with a 31 December 2024 expiry date: the underlying immigration status continued beyond this date. The card was a transitional document — your permission was not lost when the card expired.
- Your eVisa was created from your BRP data. Create a UKVI account to access it.
- Old BRP cards are no longer accepted as stand-alone right-to-work or right-to-rent documents. Share codes are now the correct method.
If you never created a UKVI account and your BRP has expired, contact UKVI. Your underlying permission may still be valid — but you need to be able to evidence it digitally.
Common Mistakes
❌ Showing a BRP card as proof of status BRP cards are no longer the correct method for right-to-work or right-to-rent checks. Your employer or landlord needs a share code. Presenting a physical BRP card may cause confusion or a failed check.
❌ Assuming the eVisa expires when your permission expires The eVisa record is permanent. Your underlying permission has an expiry date — that is what you need to monitor. When you renew your visa or get ILR, the eVisa is updated automatically.
❌ Using an expired share code Share codes are valid for 90 days. After that, they no longer work. Generate a new share code when you need one — it takes 30 seconds in your UKVI account.
❌ Travelling after changing passports without updating your UKVI account Your eVisa is linked to your passport number. If you renew your passport, update your UKVI account before travelling. An unlinked passport can cause problems at the UK border.
❌ Not setting up a UKVI account before your BRP expired If you had a BRP and never created a UKVI account, you cannot evidence your immigration status. Contact UKVI immediately — this can be resolved, but it causes problems for employment and renting.
Expert Tips
1. Set up your UKVI account the day your visa is issued. Do not wait until you need a share code. Having the account ready means you can generate one within minutes when an employer or landlord asks.
2. Keep a screenshot of your eVisa status as a personal record. The digital system is reliable, but having your own record of conditions and expiry date helps you track renewals and ILR eligibility.
3. Check your UKVI account after any Home Office decision. When ILR is granted, your eVisa updates to show settled status. Confirm the name, conditions, and status are correct.
4. Generate a fresh share code for each new employer or landlord. It is cleaner and avoids confusion about when the code was generated. It is free and takes under a minute.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a UK eVisa?
A UK eVisa is a digital record of your immigration status held in the Home Office system. It replaced the physical Biometric Residence Permit from January 2025. You access it through a UKVI online account and share it with employers and landlords using a digital share code.
How do I access my UK eVisa?
Through your UKVI account on the Home Office online service. If you had a BRP card, create a UKVI account using your BRP number, date of birth, and passport details. If you arrived in the UK from January 2025, you were prompted to create an account as part of your visa application.
Do I need to show my eVisa at the UK border?
No. At the UK border, Border Force checks your immigration status digitally using your passport. You do not need to carry a separate document. Your passport must be linked to your current eVisa in your UKVI account.
What happens to my eVisa when my visa expires?
The eVisa updates to reflect your current status. When your permission expires, the eVisa is not deleted — it shows your status has ended. If you renew your visa or get ILR, the eVisa is updated to show the new permission.
What should I do if I cannot access my eVisa?
Contact UKVI. Do not travel internationally until the issue is resolved. The UKVI resolution service handles eVisa access problems — details are on GOV.UK.
How This Aligns With Official Guidance
The UK eVisa was introduced as part of the Home Office's digital transformation of immigration status documentation. The BRP phase-out and eVisa transition are published on GOV.UK. The share code system is the official method for right-to-work and right-to-rent checks under current Immigration Rules.
Official Resources
- UK eVisa — GOV.UK — how to access and use your eVisa
- Create a UKVI account — GOV.UK — set up your account to access your status
Our Free Tools
The Life in the UK test is required for ILR and British citizenship. Use the free practice questions to prepare. Once you pass, the ILR checklist guides you through every document required for your application.
Last reviewed: May 2026 — figures correct at time of publication. Always check GOV.UK for the latest eVisa guidance.