How to Apply for Your eVisa After Reaching the UK

If you’re an international student or someone arriving in the UK for the first time, you’ve probably heard about something called the eVisa. And if you haven’t yet—no worries. We’ve got you covered.

What is an eVisa?

Before 31 December 2024, people coming to the UK were issued a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP). It was a physical card that proved your immigration status—useful for things like opening a bank account, enrolling at university, or renting accommodation.

But things have changed.

The UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) department officially phased out BRPs at the end of 2024. Now, we have eVisas—a fully digital visa system that shows your immigration status online. This new system is designed to make things simpler, safer, and more accessible, as you won’t need to carry around a physical document anymore.

Do I need to apply before arriving in the UK?

Nope. When you first travel to the UK, all you need is your entry clearance vignette—that’s the sticker in your passport. This gives you permission to enter the UK, typically for 90 days.

You only apply for your eVisa after you arrive in the UK. This is really important because some universities might ask for proof of your eVisa before they can enrol you or complete your registration. So, don’t delay this step!

How to Apply for Your eVisa in the UK

Here’s the part you’ve been waiting for—how to apply for your eVisa after reaching the UK. The good news? It’s not as complicated as it sounds.

Step 1: Create a UKVI account

• Visit the official UKVI view and prove service.
• Click on ‘Start now’ and create an account using your email address.
• You’ll be asked for basic details including your date of birth and passport information.

Step 2: Link your visa to your account

• You’ll need the reference number from your visa decision letter (sent via email).
• This is usually called a ‘Visa Application Number’ or ‘UAN’.
• Follow the steps to link your visa to your UKVI account.

Step 3: Verify your identity (if required)

• In most cases, your identity will already be verified through the UKVI app if you applied using the UK Immigration: ID Check app.
• If not, you might be prompted to upload documents or attend an identity verification point.

Step 4: View and prove your status

• Once your visa is linked, you’ll be able to view your eVisa online, showing your permission to stay, work, or study in the UK.
• You can generate a share code to send to your university, employer, or landlord when they ask for proof of your immigration status.

Important Tips

• Check your emails regularly for updates from UKVI.
• Keep your UKVI account login details safe—you’ll need them often.
• If anything seems off (like wrong dates or personal info), contact UKVI immediately to correct it.

The transition from BRP to eVisa might seem like a big change, but it’s part of a broader shift to make the UK immigration system more secure and user-friendly. As long as you apply for your eVisa soon after arriving in the UK, you’ll be all set.

If you’re starting university, it’s best to sort this out quickly—some universities won’t finalise your enrolment until your eVisa is linked and visible. So don’t leave it to the last minute!

And remember, it’s all online now—no cards, no queues, just clicks.