You should check if you can get online evidence of your immigration status - also called an ‘eVisa’.
Most physical immigration documents are being replaced by eVisas. This includes:
Getting an eVisa is free and won’t change your permission to live in the UK.
You’ll need to create a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account before the end of 2024 to access your eVisa.
Most biometric residence permits (BRPs) have an expiry date of 31 December 2024 - because eVisas are replacing BRPs. This doesn’t mean your visa ends on this date.
You should create an account for your eVisa before your BRP expires.
If you’re not sure when your visa ends, you can check the letter you got from the Home Office when they approved your application.
If you still can't find when your visa ends, talk to an adviser.
When you'll get an eVisa depends on your situation.
The Home Office will ask you to create a UKVI account for your eVisa if you’re applying for:
You might need to create your online account during or after the application process. It depends what kind of visa you’re applying for.
If your application for a visa or indefinite leave is approved, you’ll get a temporary biometric residence permit (BRP) as well as an eVisa. The BRP will expire at the end of 2024. This doesn’t mean your visa ends on this date.
Later in 2024, the Home Office will stop issuing temporary BRPs and you’ll only get an eVisa.
You should create a UKVI account for your eVisa if you have:
When you create your account, make sure your contact details are correct. This is so you can check or share your status.
You’ll get an eVisa if you apply to extend your visa or get indefinite leave.
If your have an ILR stamp in your passport, you’ll need to get an eVisa before your passport expires.
You can apply for a free BRP. This will make it easier for you to set up a UKVI account when the Home Office contact you. You can apply for a BRP on GOV.UK.
If you get pre-settled or settled status through the EU Settlement scheme, you’ll get an eVisa.
If you’re not an EU Citizen, you’ll get a physical immigration document - but these will also be replaced by eVisas.
You don’t need to create a UKVI account if you already have one. You might already have one if you’ve applied for:
You can get help to recover it. You’ll need to have access to the phone number and email address used to create your account. Check how to recover your UKVI account on GOV.UK.
You’ll need to create a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account to get an online immigration status.
You’ll be able to use your UKVI account to:
To create your account, you’ll need:
If you’ve already proved your identity at a Visa Application Centre or Service Support Centre, you still need to create a UKVI account.
If you can’t see your eVisa straight away, don’t worry - the Home Office will email you when it’s ready to view in your UKVI account.
You can ask someone you trust - like a friend or family member.
If you can’t manage your own account, you can add someone to your account who can do it for you - known as a ‘proxy’. For example, you might need a proxy if you’re a child or you have a disability that means you can’t do it yourself.
If you still need help creating a UKVI account, talk to an adviser.
You can get help from the Home Office’s assisted digital service if you either:
The service is provided by We Are Group.
They can help you over the phone. You might be able to visit someone or they might be able to visit you at home - this will depend on where you live. Find out more about how to get help from We Are Group on GOV.UK.
We Are Group
Tel: 0333 344 5675 (Monday to Friday from 9am to 6pm)
Text: 07537 416 944 - text the word VISA
Textphone (using Next Generation Text): 18001 0333 344 5675
Your call is likely to be free of charge if you have a phone deal that includes free calls to landlines - find out more about calling 030 numbers.
You can use the internet free of charge at:
You can give a share code to someone who needs to check your immigration status - like your employer.
You can still use your expired BRP to get a share code until the end of 2025 - as long as your visa is still valid.
This code is only valid for 90 days - if it isn’t used within the 90 days you’ll need to get a new one.
You still need to show your physical immigration documents when you travel - for example, your BRP or stamp in your passport.
Before the end of 2024, you’ll be able to use your eVisa to enter the UK instead of your physical document.
If you don't keep your account details up to date, you might not be allowed to enter the UK.
You’ll need to update your UKVI account if:
You can add or change your identity document using your UKVI account. You might be asked to send your passport or national identity card to the Home Office.
It will be a number of weeks before you can log in with your new identity document details - make sure you keep the details of your old one until then.
When you add a new identity document to your account, you’ll need to sign in using that identity document in the future.
Don’t worry if you can’t see your old identity document on your account. It’s still there, but the system might only show the most recent one you’ve added.
If you don’t get confirmation after you've updated your account, or you’ve been waiting longer than 4 weeks, contact the UK Visas and Immigration contact centre.
If you need help sharing your status, updating your details or correcting an error, contact the UK Visas and Immigration contact centre.
UK Visas and Immigration contact centre
Telephone: +44 (0)300 790 6268 - select option 3
Telephone: +44 (0)203 875 4669, if you are unable to dial 0300 numbers
Monday to Friday, 8am to 8.30pm
Saturday and Sunday, 9.30am to 4.30pm
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Page last reviewed on 08 March 2024