eVisas

UKVI are replacing physical documents, such as BRPs and vignettes in passports, with an online record of your immigration status.

You will be able to use an eVisa to travel to the UK. You will not need to carry a physical document, except for your passport, which must be registered to your UKVI account. You must keep your passport details up to date in your UKVI account. 

UKVI say the benefits of eVisas include:

  • They are secure and cannot be lost, stolen or tampered with, unlike a physical document.
  • You will not need to wait for, or collect, a physical document after your application is decided. You might still need to provide biometric information in person, UKVI will tell you if you need to do this.
  • It will be quicker and easier to prove your status at the UK border, and share your status with third parties like your University and landlords.

You can watch a video on what an eVisa is.

Why you need a UKVI account

You will need to create a UKVI account to access your eVisa and share information about your immigration status and conditions, such as your right to work or rent in the UK, using the view and prove service. You do not have to pay to create a UKVI account.

How to Create a UKVI account

You will have a UKVI account if you have:

  • already used the 'UK Immigration: ID Check app',
  • created an account when applying for a visa - you’ll have received a UKVI account confirmation email,
  • replaced a physical immigration document with an eVisa, for example a biometric residence permit (BRP).

Or will be given sign up information to create your UKVI account in your Visa Decision email.

You will need documents in which to do this, such as your expired BRP or passport.

If you have already set up a UKVI account, you should not create another one.

Read more about eVisas on GOV.UK's website. 

How you will use your UKVI account

Once you have created your UKVI account you will be able to view the details of your eVisa online, for example your type of permission, when it expires and your conditions of stay in the UK.

You can update your personal information in your UKVI account, such as your contact details.

Your eVisa will be linked to your passport in your UKVI account. You must keep your passport or ID card details up to date in your UKVI account. You must tell UKVI about any changes, so that your immigration status can be easily identified at the UK border.

You will still need to carry your current passport with you.

Travelling with an eVisa

Your eVisa will be linked to your passport. You must keep your passport details up to date in your UKVI account. Before you travel you must ensure the information in your eVisa account is correct. If there are any errors, please report those as soon as possible via the gov.uk website. When booking travel make sure the information you use on your travel booking matches the details in your passport linked to your eVisa account.

When crossing the UK border, you usually only need to show your passport to the UK border official. 

UKVI have produced a helpful video about using your eVisa to travel.

If you have any questions about this please email the International Advice Team on internationaladvice@ljmu.ac.uk.

eVisa share codes

Visas are now being processed online and BRP cards are no longer being issued. New students will be required to upload an eVisa share code as part of the registration process. This code will allow LJMU to access their immigration status on the Home Office website.

Students must complete this step before collecting their student ID cards.

Please note:
Since reviewing eVisas requires additional time, we advise students not to pick up their student ID cards until they have been notified that their registration is complete, and their ID card is ready for collection.

Please visit the enrolment webpage for more information on enrolment and student ID cards.