UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) has issued a further update on the move from physical immigration documents to digital status records (eVisas). The GOV.UK guidance, updated on 12 January 2026, sets out what is changing now and the schedule for the remainder of the year. ([gov.uk](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/updates-on-the-move-to-evisas/updates-on-the-move-to-evisas))
From 12 January 2026, most successful visit visa applicants, and some other routes, are being told they will receive an eVisa alongside a visa sticker. UKVI intends to stop issuing visa stickers later in 2026, at which point new grants will be digital only. Earlier phases already apply: for applications made on or after 30 October 2025 in certain work, study and family routes, applicants may not receive a vignette and must view their permission online; since 15 July 2025, some main applicants on work and study routes have been issued eVisas rather than stickers. ([gov.uk](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/updates-on-the-move-to-evisas/updates-on-the-move-to-evisas))
To use an eVisa, individuals need a UKVI account. People can usually access an eVisa if they have permission to stay for more than six months or settlement, and in some shorter-stay cases. You do not need an eVisa if travelling under an Electronic Travel Authorisation or if exempt from immigration control; holders of Standard Visitor visas issued from 3 November 2025 and EU Settlement Scheme family permits from 17 November 2025 may be contacted to enable access. Dependants require their own accounts. ([gov.uk](https://www.gov.uk/get-access-evisa))
Creating or accessing a UKVI account typically involves linking a passport and confirming identity, usually via a smartphone app; alternative routes exist for those without a valid passport or access to the app. If an account already exists from a previous application, EU Settlement Scheme status or use of the ID Check app, a duplicate should not be created. ([gov.uk](https://www.gov.uk/get-access-evisa))
For travel, UKVI advises checking that eVisa details and the passport in the account are correct before departing or returning. Carriers will check eVisas automatically when a passport is presented, but travellers can be asked for a share code and should ensure booking details match their account. If personal details change while outside the UK, a temporary visa may be needed to re-enter. Travellers should carry any valid physical evidence they hold; carriers unable to confirm status can contact the Border Force carrier support hub. ([gov.uk](https://www.gov.uk/evisa/travel-with-evisa))
Within the UK, status is proved online using a share code generated from the eVisa service. A share code lasts for 90 days, can be reused during that period, and can be replaced at any time. Employers, landlords and other third parties view a profile generated by the code; they do not need to see the eVisa itself. ([gov.uk](https://www.gov.uk/evisa/view-evisa-get-share-code-prove-immigration-status))
Biometric residence permits (BRPs) are no longer issued (since 31 October 2024) and existing BRPs have now expired, with eVisas replacing them. An expired BRP cannot be used for a manual right to work check, but can be used to generate an online check or to create a UKVI account for up to 18 months after the expiry printed on the card, provided the person still has valid permission. ([gov.uk](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/right-to-work-checks-employers-guide/employers-guide-to-right-to-work-checks-26-june-2025-accessible?utm_source=openai))
Employer compliance remains based on the online check. Home Office guidance requires employers to retain the online ‘profile’ page as evidence and confirms that expired BRPs are not acceptable for manual checks. As vignettes are decommissioned, applicants increasingly rely on their eVisa as proof of permission to enter and work. ([gov.uk](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/right-to-work-checks-employers-guide/employers-guide-to-right-to-work-checks-26-june-2025-accessible?utm_source=openai))
The transition is already large in scale. UKVI’s operational statistics show 4.5 million UKVI accounts were created to access an eVisa up to 31 July 2025, with the data drawn from live systems and scheduled for further updates. ([gov.uk](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/online-immigration-status-evisa-ukvi-account-creation-data/online-immigration-status-evisa-ukvi-account-creation-data))
Targeted support is in place. From 1 September 2025, up to £400,000 was made available to 25 national and community-based organisations to assist vulnerable users through to 31 March 2026. ([gov.uk](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/updates-on-the-move-to-evisas/updates-on-the-move-to-evisas))
People with indefinite leave evidenced by a stamp or vignette with no expiry can opt into digital status via a free ‘no time limit’ application. Processing can take up to six months, during which physical evidence can continue to be used. ([gov.uk](https://www.gov.uk/evisa/get-evisa-settlement-uk))
UKVI notes it will continue to share relevant immigration status information with government departments and some public authorities when requested, reducing repeat checks for service users. With visa stickers due to end later in 2026, setting up and maintaining a UKVI account-especially keeping passport details current-should now be treated as routine by applicants and organisations that rely on immigration status checks. ([gov.uk](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/updates-on-the-move-to-evisas/updates-on-the-move-to-evisas))