UK eVisa Updates 2025: What the 11 November UKVI Announcement Means for All Visa Applicants

Key Takeaways

• UKVI stopped issuing visa vignette stickers to successful new applicants on 1 July 2026, and every BRP has now expired and been replaced by an eVisa.
• From 30 October 2025, most work, Study (Dependants), family and settlement applicants will not receive a vignette and must access their digital status through a UKVI account.
• UKVI is sending email invitations from 11 November 2025 for more people to set up their accounts and access their eVisa.
• More groups, including FAV holders and applicants without valid ID, can now access eVisas.
• Employers must shift to digital Right to Work checks (online 'share code' system) and update HR systems to avoid compliance risks.
• New applicants and anyone who held a BRP must set up a UKVI account to view and manage their status. For holders of a vignette that is still valid, an account is optional until the vignette expires.
• Applicants must test their UKVI account, keep passport details updated, and ensure their digital records match before travelling.

Introduction

The UK Government’s update on 11 November 2025 marks one of the most significant steps yet in the move towards a fully digital immigration system. Physical immigration documents, including visa vignette stickers and Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs), have been replaced by secure online eVisas. Every BRP has now expired, and UKVI stopped issuing vignettes to successful new applicants on 1 July 2026.

These changes affect a wide range of people: new visa applicants, dependants, students, workers, long-term residents, sponsors, employers, landlords, and anyone who needs to prove immigration status in the UK. The shift will influence how people travel, access services, and complete right to work or right to rent checks.

This guide explains everything you need to know about the latest UKVI announcement, including:

• What eVisas are and how they work
• When physical visa stickers will end
• What changes take effect from 30 October 2025 and throughout 2026
• Who must set up a UKVI account, and who should wait
• The latest UKVI updates (community support, FAV users, applicants without valid ID)
• What employers and sponsors must do to stay compliant
• Practical steps you should take now to avoid delays or travel disruption

What is an eVisa?

An eVisa is a secure digital record of your identity and immigration status. It replaces physical evidence such as:

• Visa vignette stickers
• Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs)
• Biometric Residence Cards (although a BRC may still be usable in some situations)
   

Your eVisa is accessed through a UKVI account, where you can:

• View the type of permission you hold
• Check your visa conditions such as visa type and duration
• Prove your right to work, right to study or rent
• Share your status using a secure share code
• Update your details
   

An eVisa does not change your immigration status or rights, only how you access and prove them.

Why the UK is Moving to a Digital System

The Home Office says digital status offers major advantages:

• More secure: Digital records cannot be lost, damaged, forged, or stolen.
• Faster processing: You won’t need to wait for physical documents after a visa decision.
• Easier to prove your status: A simple share code replaces the need to present a passport sticker.
• Better border experience: Your status can be checked automatically during airline checks and at the UK border.
• Automatic data-sharing with government departments: Where appropriate, UKVI will share immigration status data with HMRC, DWP, NHS, and other public authorities.

This move is part of the UK’s long-term plan to modernise immigration systems and reduce reliance on physical documents.

Key UKVI Updates (Published 11 November 2025)

The eVisa rollout is a phased approach, but the recent updates confirm a major expansion across core visa routes.

1. Visa Stickers Were Replaced by eVisas on 1 July 2026

UKVI stopped issuing visa vignette stickers to successful new applicants on 1 July 2026. A vignette already issued remains valid until it expires.

From early 2026

Most applicants for visit visas and certain other routes will receive both:

• a visa vignette AND
• an eVisa

This is a transitional stage.

From 1 July 2026

UKVI no longer issues visa vignette stickers.

All successful applicants receive only an eVisa.

This applies to all visa categories, including visitors.

2. UKVI Is Inviting More People to Set Up UKVI Accounts (From 11 November 2025)

Some applicants who originally received a visa vignette sticker (instead of an eVisa) will now be invited by email to:

• Create a UKVI account
• Link their identity
• Access their eVisa

Important:

If you hold a vignette that is still valid, setting up a UKVI account is optional and you can keep using the sticker until it expires. Setting one up before it runs out avoids problems later.

Once an account is set up, applicants can use either: their eVisa or their existing visa vignette to prove their status.

3. Major Change from 30 October 2025: Many Applicants Will Not Receive a Vignette

For applications made on or after 30 October 2025, the UKVI will largely stop issuing physical visa vignettes (stickers) for successful applicants in several major long-term routes.

Crucial Point: If your application falls into one of these categories on or after this date, you must access your eVisa through your UKVI account before travelling to the UK to check the permission you have been granted.

This change already applies to some work and study applicants who applied on or after 15 July 2025.

You must check your emails and application correspondence carefully to avoid travel disruption.

4. Additional Funding for Digital Support (Announced 1 September 2025)

UKVI has allocated £400,000 for community and national organisations to support vulnerable users who may struggle with digital access.

This funding covered the period up to 31 March 2026. You can find more information about this here: eVisa: community support for vulnerable people.

5. More People Can Now Access an eVisa, Including Those Without Valid ID

Two additional groups can now create a UKVI account and access an eVisa:

✔ People issued with a Form for Affixing a Visa (FAV)

This includes individuals whose visa sticker had to be added manually later.

✔ People granted extensions without a valid ID document

For example, those with:

• Lost passports
• Expired passports
• Expired BRPs

These groups were previously unable to access an eVisa.

What You Must Do Now (Applicants & Dependants)

The move to eVisas shifts responsibility to you for managing your digital status. Here is what you need to do:

1. Create Your UKVI Account (If You Haven't Already)

This is the central portal for your immigration status. Instructions on how to set up your account will be provided in your visa decision letter. You can also follow the email instructions from UKVI. If invited, this is mandatory.

There is also a UKVI official page, eVisas: access and use your online immigration status to Set up a UKVI account to access your eVisa.

2. Ensure Your Passport Matches Your Account

Your eVisa is linked to the passport you used in your visa application. If you renew your passport later, you must update your UKVI account immediately.

3. Understand How to Prove Your eVisa Status

To demonstrate your right to work, right to rent, or right to access public services, you will need to generate a secure 'share code' from your UKVI account.

• The code is unique and lasts for 90 days.
• You provide this code to an employer or landlord, who then uses a separate Government online service to verify your status.

4. Test Your Account Before Travel

If your new application has resulted in an eVisa instead of a vignette, you must log into your UKVI account and verify that all details (such as your name, date of birth, and visa conditions) are correct before you travel to the UK.

Verify that you can: log in, view your status and access your share code. This prevents boarding or border delays.

5. Keep Your Details Up to Date

Your eVisa status is linked to your passport or travel document. It is essential to update your details on your UKVI account immediately if:

• You get a new passport or travel document.
• You change your name, address, or contact details.

Failure to do so could result in significant delays at the border or when trying to prove your status to an employer.

Implications for Employers and Sponsors

The shift to eVisas also changes how employers and sponsors conduct compliance checks.

1. Right to Work checks will be digital only

Physical vignette stickers will no longer be acceptable for new arrivals once the rollout completes. The employee will provide a share code and their date of birth. Your HR team must use this to check the individual's live, digital immigration status online.

2. Employers must update HR systems

Internal procedures should reflect:

• Digital onboarding
• Share code verification
• Passport-linked status records
   

3. Sponsors must plan for transitional cases

During 2025–2026, some workers may have:

• A vignette
• An eVisa
• An expired BRP, which no longer proves status on its own
• Or a combination
   

Sponsor files must clearly reconcile documents for audit purposes.

4. Contingency planning for travel & passport changes

Any mismatch in passport numbers can delay:

• Right to work checks
• Entry clearance
• Onboarding timelines
   

Compliance Risk: 

Failing to update internal systems, train staff, and correctly verify a digital status could expose your organisation to compliance risks and potential civil penalties.

We strongly advise all UK Sponsors to perform an internal audit of their onboarding and compliance procedures to fully align with the "digital by default" requirements.

Who Does Not Need to Do Anything Yet?

You do not need to take any action if:

• You hold a visa vignette that is still valid (an account is optional until it expires)
• You already use an eVisa and your account works correctly
• You held a BRP and have already created a UKVI account linked to your eVisa and current passport
• Your application is in progress and UKVI hasn’t issued instructions
   

Always wait for official guidance from UKVI before taking unnecessary steps.

Your Step-by-Step eVisa Transition Checklist

Summary of Timeline

15 July 2025

Some work & study visa applicants began receiving eVisas instead of vignettes.

30 October 2025

Many work, study, family, and settlement applicants stopped receiving vignettes entirely.

11 November 2025

Wider invitations to create UKVI accounts.
More applicants eligible for eVisas.

Early 2026

Applicants receive both a vignette and eVisa temporarily.

1 July 2026

UKVI stopped issuing visa vignette stickers to successful new applicants.

31 December 2026

The last date an expired BRP can be used to sign in, create a UKVI account or apply to extend. If the card expired earlier, the cut-off is 24 months after the date printed on it.

For the current position, kept up to date, see our eVisa and digital status guidance.

How Can WorkPermitCloud Help?

As a leading Legal and HR-tech firm, WorkPermitCloud specialises in navigating UK Business Immigration and compliance. With the move to eVisas, we are perfectly placed to ensure a smooth transition for both individuals and businesses:

• Digital Compliance: Leverage our advanced WPC RightToWork app, an automated solution that simplifies Digital Right to Work Checks using the new share code system, ensuring you avoid costly penalties.
• HR System Readiness: Utilise our WPC Compliant HR Software to manage employee digital status records, maintain Sponsor Licence compliance, and receive automated reminders for expiring permissions.
• Expert Guidance: Our legal experts provide advice to individuals on setting up their UKVI account, linking their digital status, and navigating the new eVisa requirements.

📞 Call us: +44 020 8087 2343 
📧 Email: info@workpermitcloud.co.uk 

Conclusion

The UK’s transition to eVisas marks a major shift in how immigration status is stored, verified, and shared. With every BRP now expired and vignettes no longer issued to new applicants, applicants and employers must understand the new system and ensure digital records are accurate and accessible.

By taking the right steps now, and getting expert support where needed, you can avoid disruptions to travel, onboarding, and compliance.

WorkPermitCloud is here to help you navigate every stage of the UK’s digital immigration transformation with confidence.

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