Short answer: In the UK, an eVisa is the digital record of your immigration status, and it has replaced physical documents such as the biometric residence permit (BRP). To view your eVisa you need a free UKVI account linked to it. From there you can get a share code to prove your immigration status to an employer, landlord or airline. An expired BRP can still be used to sign in for 24 months after its printed expiry date or until 31 December 2026, whichever comes first.

When we first wrote this guide in January 2025, the UK was in the middle of moving from physical cards to eVisas. That move is now complete: all BRPs have expired and eVisas are the standard proof of status. This updated eVisa UK guide, checked against GOV.UK on 14 October 2026, explains what you need to do if you hold a UK visa or settlement.

Video: how to set up a UKVI account and get your eVisa

Watch our 3-minute explainer on setting up a UKVI account, linking it to your eVisa and getting a share code for an employer or landlord.

Video summary. Physical immigration documents have been replaced by eVisas (a digital record of your immigration status). To view yours you need a free UKVI account, and partners and children each need their own. Before you start, check whether you already have one: if you used the ID Check app, applied to the EU Settlement Scheme or received a UKVI confirmation email, do not create a second account. You will need a phone number and email, and a valid passport or BRP (an expired BRP can be used for 24 months after its expiry date or until 31 December 2026, whichever comes first). Confirm your identity in the UK Immigration: ID Check app, then link your account to your eVisa. To prove your status, give an employer or landlord a share code with your date of birth. Each share code lasts 90 days. This is general information, not advice on your case.

Read the full video transcript

Your visa isn't a card any more. It's online. So can you actually get to it?

It's called an eVisa. It's a digital record of who you are, your immigration status and what you're allowed to do, like work or study. The old physical documents? Replaced. If you hold a UK visa or settlement, you need one thing to see yours: a UKVI account. Your partner and children each need their own. And setting one up costs nothing.

But before you click anything, stop. You may already have an account. Used the ID Check app for a visa? Applied to the EU Settlement Scheme? Had a UKVI confirmation email? Then you're already in. Don't make a second one.

Ready? Get these to hand. A phone number and email you'll use every time you sign in. A valid passport, with your visa application number or BRP number, or your expired BRP. Expired, but it still counts, for a limited time. And a smartphone makes the next part much quicker.

Now go to GOV.UK and select "Create a UKVI account". Enter your document details, then your phone and email. Simple so far. Now comes the important part.

You need to prove it's really you. Open the UK Immigration: ID Check app. Scan your document. Rest your phone on it so the app can read the chip. Then scan your face. No smartphone, or no valid passport or expired BRP? You're not stuck. There's another way to confirm your identity.

Here's the step people miss. You have to link your account to your eVisa. Until you do, you can't see it. Skipped it? You can go back and link it later.

So why does this matter? Because one day a landlord or an employer will ask for proof. Sign in with your document details and a code sent to your phone or email. Get a share code. Give it to them with your date of birth. They don't need your eVisa itself. Each code lasts 90 days, and you can get a new one whenever you need it.

But it doesn't end there. New passport? Changed your name, phone, email or address? Update your account. If you don't, you could face delays when you travel or while you wait for a decision. And your eVisa only travels with you once your passport details are added.

Something gone wrong? Here's what to do. Wrong details on your eVisa? Report the error. Can't sign in? Use the account recovery help on GOV.UK. Can't see your eVisa at all? Check that you finished linking it. For anything else, there's UKVI webchat.

Everyone's situation is different. If yours doesn't fit neatly into these steps, you don't have to work it out alone. Worldwide Immigration can help. Book your free 15-minute consultation.

What is an eVisa?

An eVisa is a digital record of your identity, your immigration status (for example the visa you hold, or indefinite leave to remain) and the conditions attached to it, such as whether you can work or study. You get one automatically when a visa or other permission is granted. It is not the same as an electronic travel authorisation (ETA), which is for visitors who do not need a visa.

If you have a valid visa vignette (sticker), it stays valid until it expires. If you have a physical document with no expiry date that proves settlement, you can choose to get an eVisa through a free "no time limit" application.

How to create a UKVI account for your eVisa

You need a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account to see your eVisa. Setting it up and viewing your eVisa are free. Partners and children who are dependants need their own accounts.

Check first whether you already have one. You already have a UKVI account if you have ever used the UK Immigration: ID Check app when applying, received a UKVI account confirmation email, replaced a BRP or biometric residence card with an eVisa, or applied to the EU Settlement Scheme. If so, do not create a second account.

To create an account you will need:

  • a phone number and email address you can use every time you sign in
  • your identity document, such as a valid passport or your expired BRP

You confirm your identity in the UK Immigration: ID Check app, then link your account to your eVisa. You can usually see your eVisa straight away, though it can take up to 24 hours.

Can I still use my expired BRP?

All BRPs have now expired. You may be able to use an expired BRP for 24 months after the expiry date printed on the card, or until 31 December 2026, whichever comes first, but only to:

  • create a UKVI account to access your eVisa
  • sign in to view your eVisa and get a share code
  • apply to extend your permission to stay

For everything else, use your eVisa. You no longer need to post an expired BRP back to the Home Office. Destroy it by cutting through your personal details, the royal coat of arms and the chip. If your BRP is lost or stolen you must still report it, even though it has expired. Not reporting it can lead to a fine of up to £1,000.

How to get an eVisa share code

An eVisa share code is how you prove your immigration status to someone else, such as an employer, landlord or carrier. You give them the code and your date of birth; they do not need to see your eVisa itself. Employers use it for a right to work check and landlords for a right to rent check. If you are an employer, our guide on how UK employers run a right to work check with an eVisa share code covers your side.

  • Sign in to view your eVisa with your passport, national identity card, BRC, expired BRP or UKVI customer number, plus a code sent to your phone or email.
  • Each share code lasts 90 days and can be used as many times as needed in that period.
  • You can get a new code whenever you need one.

If your name, nationality or photo has changed, update your account before getting a share code.

Travelling with your eVisa

Before you travel, check that your UKVI account holds your current passport and that your eVisa shows the right status. Your details must match the passenger information you give your airline. Your eVisa is checked at the border and when you check in to return to the UK. If you are asked for extra proof, you can get a share code for travel, which is also valid for 90 days.

Keep your UKVI account up to date

Update your account if you change your passport, name, phone number, email or address. If it is out of date you could face delays when you travel or while waiting for a visa decision. You cannot change your name or passport while an application is pending.

What to do if something goes wrong

  • Wrong details on your eVisa, or you cannot get a share code: report an error with your eVisa.
  • Cannot see your eVisa after 24 hours: check you finished linking it, then report an error.
  • Cannot sign in: use the account recovery service on GOV.UK.
  • Cannot access an eVisa at all: employers and landlords can use other ways to check your right to work or rent.

eVisa FAQs

Do I need to pay for an eVisa or UKVI account?

No. Setting up a UKVI account and accessing your eVisa are free.

How long does an eVisa share code last?

90 days. You can use it as many times as you need before it expires, and get a new one at any time.

Can I still use my BRP?

Only in limited ways. An expired BRP can be used to create or sign in to your UKVI account and to apply to extend your stay, for 24 months after its expiry date or until 31 December 2026, whichever is sooner.

Does my family need their own UKVI accounts?

Yes. Partners and children who are dependants each need their own UKVI account to access their eVisa.

Need help with your eVisa?

Most people can set up their account in a few minutes. If your status is unclear, your eVisa shows the wrong details, or you are about to apply to extend or settle, Worldwide Immigration can help. We are IAA-regulated immigration advisers (IAA F201900032). Call 020 3488 2308 or email inquiry@worldwideimmigration.co.uk for a free 15-minute consultation.

This guide is general information, not advice on your case.

Sources (GOV.UK, checked 14 October 2026)