Most main applicants travelling to the UK on study or
work-related visas will no longer need a physical sticker visa in
passports from today (15 July).
The UK Government is replacing physical immigration documents for
most student and worker visas with a digital proof of immigration
status, an eVisa. An eVisa is an online record of a person's
immigration permission in the UK, and any conditions which apply,
which can be viewed by creating and accessing an online UK Visas
and Immigration (UKVI) account.
eVisas are part of an enhanced border and immigration system that
will not only make the visa process easier, but is more secure,
digital and streamlined. eVisas are tried and tested, with
millions of people already using them on select immigration
routes.
British High Commissioner, Jane Marriott CMG OBE,
said:
These changes to the UK visa system will make it much simpler for
students and workers to prove their identity and visa status. It
also means applicants can hold onto their passports, saving them
time.
Updating from a physical document to an eVisa does not affect
anyone's immigration status or the conditions of their permission
to enter or stay in the UK.
E-visas are being rolled out for the main applicants for:
-
Students, including short term study for 11 months
-
Global Business Mobility routes (specifically, Senior or
Specialist Worker, Graduate Trainee, UK Expansion Worker,
Service Supplier, Secondment Worker)
-
Global Talent
-
International Sportsperson
-
Skilled Worker (including Health and Care)
-
Temporary Work routes (specifically, Charity Worker, Creative
Worker, Government Authorised Exchange, International
Agreement, and Religious work routes)
-
Youth Mobility Scheme
Holders can link their travel document (such as passport) to
their UKVI account to facilitate straightforward international
travel. People who have created a UKVI account will be able to
use the view and prove service to prove their status securely
with third parties, such as employers or landlords (in England).
Applicants applying as a dependant, or as a main applicant for
visas other than study or work, e.g. general visitor visas, will
still need a physical sticker visa. Anyone with existing, in
date, physical visa stickers do not need to take any action.
This will eventually be rolled out to all visa routes meaning a
more secure and streamlined process for all UK visa customers.
