Moving to a digital immigration system

UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) are developing a digital immigration system. This means we are replacing physical documents with a digital record of your identity and immigration status. This is known as an eVisa. We are doing this in a phased approach to manage the transition.

Find out more about eVisas and how to use them.

Since 2018, millions of people have received an eVisa. We regularly publish statistics on the number of accounts created.

Updating your existing physical document to an eVisa does not affect your immigration status or the conditions of your permission to enter or stay in the UK.

The benefits of an eVisa include:

• they are secure and cannot be lost, stolen or tampered with, unlike a physical document
• you will not need to wait for, or collect, a physical document after your application is decided – you might still need to provide biometric information in person, and we will tell you if you need to do this
• it will be quicker and easier to prove your status at the UK border, and share your status with third parties like employers and landlords

We’ll continue to share relevant information about your immigration status automatically with some government departments and other public authorities, if they request it, which will mean you don’t have to.

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What you need to do

What you need to do depends on your circumstances.

Check if you can get access to an eVisa.

Updates

eVisas will replace all visa stickers in 2026

From 12 January, most people granted a visit visa, and some other visa types will be told that they will get an eVisa as well as a visa sticker.

Most people with a valid UK visa sticker that was issued before 12 January will also be able to access their eVisa through their UKVI account.

Read more information on who does not currently need an eVisa.

Later in 2026, UKVI will stop issuing visa stickers. All successful applicants will only get an eVisa.

Making a new application for permission to come to the UK from 30 October 2025

If you or any of your dependants make successful applications for certain work, study and family visas, or for indefinite leave to enter (settlement) on any route, you may not get a visa sticker if you apply on or after 30 October 2025.

Instead, you will need to access your eVisa through your UKVI account to see the permission you have been granted before you travel to the UK.

You’ll be told how to access your eVisa and whether you’ll get a visa sticker.

eVisas have already replaced visa stickers for some main applicants on work and study visas for applications made on or after 15 July 2025.

Additional funding announced for community support

From 1 September 2025, we have made additional funding of up to £400,000 available to 25 national and community-based organisations until 31 March 2026.

For more information see eVisa: community support for vulnerable people.

More people can now access their eVisa

You can now create a UKVI account to access your eVisa if you were:

• issued with a Form for affixing a visa (FAV)
• granted an extension to your visa but do not have a valid identity document, such as a passport or expired biometric residence permit (BRP)

source: GOV