Get access to your online immigration status (eVisa)

An eVisa is an online record of:

  • your immigration status
  • the conditions of the type of permission you have to enter or stay in the UK

To get access to your eVisa you need to create a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account. 

Once you have access to your eVisa, you can sign in to your UKVI account to view your eVisa and prove your immigration status.

Using an eVisa does not affect your immigration status or the conditions for you to enter or stay in the UK.

If you have a physical immigration document then you can continue to use it until it expires. 

If your document shows that you have settlement in the UK (for example indefinite leave to remain) you can either:

  • continue to use your physical immigration document
  • choose to transfer it to an eVisa -  this is known as a ‘no time limit application’

Create a UKVI account to get access to your eVisa

To access your eVisa you must have permission to stay in the UK:

  • for longer than 6 months
  • which was granted in England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland (not the Channel Islands or Isle of Man)

You cannot get access to an eVisa if you:

  • have a visa for less than 6 months, such as a visitor visa
  • have an EU Settlement Scheme family permit
  • have an electronic travel authorisation (ETA)
  • are exempt from immigration control, including if you’re a diplomat or have ‘right of abode’

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Before you start

You’ll need to give a phone number and email address you can use again. You’ll use them each time you prove your immigration status online.

You’ll also need one of the following, if you have them: 

  • a valid passport and your visa application number - this is a global web form (GWF) number or unique application number (UAN)
  • a valid passport and your biometric residence permit (BRP) number
  • your BRP card

If you do not use your passport to get access to your eVisa, you’ll need to update your UKVI account with your passport details before you can use your eVisa to travel to the UK.

If you have a valid passport or BRP, you’ll need access to a smartphone so that you can install an app to confirm your identity. If you do not have a valid passport or BRP, you will not need a smartphone.

Replace your settlement document with an eVisa

If you’re making a no time limit application you’ll also need:

  • your settlement document, for example a passport containing a stamp or vignette sticker
  • the passport or travel document you used when you most recently entered the UK

It can take up to 6 months to get your eVisa. You can continue to use your document to travel until you get it.

Helping someone else

You can help someone else to create their UKVI account, for example, your child or someone who cannot use the internet.

You can manage their account for them if you’re acting on their behalf, for example if you have power of attorney.

Get help

Contact UK Visas and Immigration to get help with your UKVI account or guidance about how to access your eVisa.

You can get additional help if you’re in the UK and either:

  • you do not have access to the internet or do not feel confident using it
  • you’re vulnerable

If you do not have access to the internet or do not feel confident using it

You can get help setting up access to your eVisa if you:

  • do not feel confident using a computer or mobile device
  • do not have internet access
  • do not have access to a device like a laptop or smart phone

If you’re vulnerable

You can get help setting up access to your eVisa if you’re vulnerable, for example if you:

  • are elderly
  • are isolated
  • are disabled
  • are a child in care
  • have significant language or literacy problems
  • have mental health issues
  • do not have a permanent address
  • are in an abusive or controlling relationship, or are experiencing domestic violence
  • are the victim of human trafficking

Part of Apply for a Parent of a Child Student visa: step by step

  1. Step 1 Check if you need a visa

    You might be eligible for different visas depending on why you're visiting the UK and how long for.

    1. Check if you need a visa

  2. Step 2 Prepare the evidence you need

    1. Check what you need to show evidence of
    2. Check what documents you can use as evidence
    3. If your visa is for more than 6 months, check if you need a TB test

  3. Step 3 Apply

    1. Apply for a visa and book an appointment £637
    2. Check where your visa appointment will be

    You should get a decision within 3 weeks of your appointment.

    You might be able to pay an extra £500 for a decision within 5 working days or £1,000 for a decision within 24 hours (not including weekends or bank holidays). Check with your visa application centre.

  4. Step 4 Attend an appointment

    1. What you need to prove at your appointment

    You'll be told when a decision has been made about your visa.

  5. Step 5 Get access to your eVisa

    If your visa allows you to stay in the UK for longer than 6 months, you'll get an eVisa. This is an online record of your immigration status.

    1. You are currently viewing: Get access to your eVisa by setting up a UKVI account

    You’ll need to link your travel document to your UKVI account. This should be the travel document you use to come to the UK.

    1. You may have to prove your immigration status when you travel to the UK

  6. Step 6 Travel to the UK

    1. Check what you need to show at the UK border
    2. Check what you can bring with you

    Keep the documents that prove why you're visiting the UK in your hand luggage so you can show them if asked.

    1. Check the documents you can use to show why you're visiting the UK

  7. Step 7 After you arrive in the UK

    1. Find out how to get your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) if you were told you'd get one when you applied

    Check your visa to find out when you must leave the UK. You may be able to extend your visa if you want to stay for longer.

    1. Extend your visa

    If you break the conditions of your visa you may not be able to return to the UK again.

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