UK eVisa: A New Digital Chapter for UK-Bound Students and Workers
The UK government has officially launched the new UK eVisa, transforming the immigration process for most students and workers starting from July 15th.
This new system replaces the traditional physical visa sticker in your passport with a secure, digital proof of your immigration status. This is a major update for anyone applying for a UK student visa, and our Student Immigration Consultants at Trenity are here to guide you through this streamlined process. The move towards a fully digital system makes proving your right to study or work in the UK simpler and more efficient than ever.
How Does the New UK eVisa System Work?
The UK eVisa is an online record of your permission to be in the UK. When your visa is granted, you will create a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account. This account becomes your central hub for managing your immigration status.
Here’s what you can do with your new digital status:
Keep Your Passport: You no longer have to submit your passport to get a sticker, saving you valuable time.
Easy Travel: Simply link your passport to your UKVI account for seamless international travel.
Prove Your Status: You can use the online ‘view and prove’ service to securely share your immigration status with third parties like employers or landlords in England.
As British High Commissioner Jane Marriott noted, this change will “make it much simpler for students and workers to prove their identity and visa status.”
Which Visas Are Switching to the UK eVisa?
The UK is rolling out the UK eVisa for main applicants on the most popular study and work routes. It’s important to note that this digital change does not affect your immigration status or any conditions attached to your visa.
The new system applies to the following visa categories:
Students (including short-term study for 11 months)
Skilled Worker (including Health and Care)
Global Business Mobility routes
Global Talent
International Sportsperson
Temporary Work routes (Charity, Creative, Government Authorised Exchange, International Agreement, and Religious work)
Youth Mobility Scheme
Who Still Needs a Physical Visa Sticker?
For now, the digital system is focused on main applicants for the routes listed above. You will still receive a physical visa sticker if:
You are applying as a dependant.
You are applying for a visa not listed above, such as a general visitor visa.
You have an existing, valid physical visa sticker in your passport. You do not need to take any action until it expires.
The UK government plans to eventually expand the eVisa system to all visa routes, creating a unified and secure digital immigration process for everyone.
This forward-thinking approach simplifies procedures and enhances security. If you have any questions about how this affects your application, contact the Top Immigration Consultants in Abu Dhabi, UAE. At Trenity, we are always ready to provide you with the latest information and expert guidance for your journey to the UK.
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