UK Visas and Immigration are introducing eVisas.

eVisas are set to replace biometric residence permits and cards, passport ink stamps and visa endorsements. An eVisa is a digital record of somebody's immigration status.

What this means for international colleagues

International colleagues and their dependants will need an eVisa to demonstrate their right to work or rent in the UK and travel overseas more easily.

UKVI recommend that people take action now to create a UKVI account. The action required depends on what immigration documents you currently hold:

  • People with a biometric residence permit/card or settlement stamp in a passport may need to make a 'no time limit' application if they don't already have a UKVI account. This includes people with indefinite leave to remain in the UK.
  • People with a BRP and an eVisa should ensure their UKVI account is linked to their current passport, as the BRP currently used when travelling outside the UK will expire by the end of this year.
  • People with an eVisa only should keep their UKVI account up to date with their passport and personal details if these change.

Obtaining an eVisa

There are 5 main steps:

  1. Create a UKVI account - provide personal details and a current or expired BRP number. People without a BRP can use an immigration application number, or may need to submit a 'no time limit' application first.
  2. Link your eVisa to the account - once your UKVI account has been created, you will see an option to link the eVisa to the account - this may take several days to appear.
  3. Complete an identity check - download the UK Immigration ID Check app using a Near Field Communication device and connect the UKVI account to the app. A digital photo and a scan of the BRP will be uploaded at this point.
  4. View the eVisa - once the ID check is complete, you should receive a notification to confirm the eVisa is ready to view. It is important that you check that your personal details, photograph, immigration status and conditions on the eVisa are accurate.
  5. Add your passport to your UKVI account using the 'update your details' link and 'add a new identity document'. This is essential to link your eVisa to your passport and prove your immigration status when leaving or entering the UK.

Important: Keep a copy of the identity document you use to create your UKVI account, as well as your immigration application reference numbers, as you may need this information to access your account in the future.

Help and support

There is further information about online immigration status, eVisas and UKVI accounts.

UK Visas and Immigration have also created some help videos:

If you have any queries about the move to eVisas, please email hr-compliance@york.ac.uk.