What is an e-visa?
An e-visa is an online record of your visa status, it will state your visa end date, the permissions that you have in the UK and any conditions on your visa, for example limits on working. This online record is set to replace physical BRP cards which are no longer issued from December 2024.
Take a look at the UKVI video 'What is an e-visa?' here.
Why are they being introduced?
The introduction of e-visas should prevent documents being lost or stolen and means you will not have to wait for or collect a physical card to prove your status moving forward.
It will also make it simpler and easier to enter and re-enter the UK with the introduction of electronic or e-gates.
How do I register for my e-visa?
UKVI have put together a video on how to create a UKVI account and how to access your e-visa here.
You should set up your e-visa as soon as you can after receiving a decision on your Student Route visa application.
You can do this through your online UKVI account. If you do not already have an online account you can set this up as part of the e-visa process. You will also need to confirm your identity as part of this.
You will need your passport and access to a smart device, a mobile phone number and an email address.
This is a free process and you will not be charged an additional fee on top of your visa application fee to set up your e-visa.
This will not change the permissions you have been granted in your initial decision letter from UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) when you applied for your Student Route Visa.
You can register for your e-visa via the Gov.uk website here.
How do I prove my status via an e-visa?
You can watch a video on how to prove your immigration status here.
Once you have your e-visa you can create a sharecode to share with the University, any potential employers or your landlord to prove your right to live, work or reside in the UK.
For more information on how to obtain a share code and for proving your status please visit the Gov.uk website here.
When travelling you will just need your passport but you may need to show your e-visa to border officials like you previously would have done with your BRP card.
UKVI have put together a video on travelling with your e-visa here.
What if there is an error on my e-visa?
If there are any errors with the information on your e-visa, for example, it displays the wrong visa end date please contact IAG for more advice via: iagteam@liverpool.ac.uk. We can then apply to UKVI to have this corrected for you.
Further external guidance on e-visas:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/online-immigration-status-evisa
https://www.ukcisa.org.uk/Information--Advice/Visas-and-Immigration/eVisas
Speak to a International Advice and Guidance advisor
If you are unable to find an answer to your query on our web pages email iagteam@liverpool.ac.uk or book an online confidential one-one appointment.