Overview
This update covers the Home Office move to eVisas. It highlights changes and actions to take.
Current Adoption Rate
By April 2025, more than 4.3 million people have created UKVI accounts to access eVisas visa.vfsglobal.com+13homeofficemedia.blog.gov.uk+13gov.uk+13.
An estimated 300,000 people still need to take action.
What You Should Do Now
If you lack a UKVI account, create one at:
https://www.gov.uk/get-access-evisa.
Travel Document Update
Since 2 June 2025, expired BRPs and BRCs are no longer acceptable for travel
No More Vignette Stickers from 15 July 2025
Main visa applicants will receive only an eVisa—no paper vignette.
Affected routes include:
- Students (including short‑term)
- Global Business Mobility
- Global Talent
- International Sportspersons
- Skilled Workers (include Health & Care)
- Temporary Workers
- Youth Mobility Scheme
Dependants and children will still get both a vignette and eVisa.
After Your eVisa Is Issued
Once granted an eVisa, you must:
- Follow your decision letter to set up a UKVI account.
- Access and verify your eVisa details.
- Link your passport to your eVisa.
- Generate a share code for your sponsor or education provider
Sponsor/Duty Requirements
You must continue recording arrival dates for all visa holders—even those without vignettes.
For ILR (Indefinite Leave to Remain) Holders
If you have ILR via ink stamp or vignette, you can apply for a No Time Limit (NTL) eVisa.
This is free, and simplifies future status proof.
You will need:
- Your ILR document
- Your passport showing your latest UK entry
- Possibly a yes/no answer about two‑year absences facebook.com+15homeofficemedia.blog.gov.uk+15mondaq.com+15thetimes.co.uktheguardian.com+8lewissilkin.com+8mondaq.com+8gov.uk+1thetimes.co.uk+1.
You may travel while your NTL application is processed.
For Those Without Valid ID
If you were granted permission before 1 November 2024 and lack valid ID, you can now set up a UKVI account yourself.
This option will be extended to more groups soon
Keep Your Expired BRP/BRC
Retain expired BRPs or BRCs for your records or future applications.