What is the UK E-Visa?
The UK E-Visa represents a significant step forward in how Britain manages immigration. Unlike the old paper-based system, the E-Visa exists only in digital form. This means you no longer need to worry about physical visa stickers in your passport or carrying a separate Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) card.
Think of your E-Visa as a digital stamp of approval linked directly to your passport. Immigration officers, employers, and other officials can check your status through secure online systems rather than examining physical documents.
Why Has the UK Moved to E-Visas?
The UK government has introduced E-Visas to:
- Make the visa process quicker and more straightforward
- Reduce fraud by making visas harder to fake
- Cut down on the risk of important documents being lost
- Create a more modern system that works better in today’s digital world
- Save money by reducing paperwork and postage costs
Who Can Get a UK E-Visa?
The E-Visa system covers most people who want to come to the UK, including:
- Workers: If you have a job offer from a UK employer who is licensed to sponsor foreign workers
- Students: If you’ve been accepted onto a course at a UK educational institution
- Family members: If you’re joining a relative who already lives in the UK
- Visitors: If you’re coming for a short holiday, business trip, or family visit
- Business people: If you’re involved in trading with or investing in the UK
If you had previously qualified for a traditional visa, you can now get an E-Visa instead.
The Advantages of E-Visas
For Visa Holders
- No more lost documents: You can’t misplace or damage a digital visa
- Easy access: Check your immigration status online anytime, anywhere
- More straightforward renewal: Update your visa with fewer forms and no posting documents
- Quicker processing: Digital applications can be processed faster than paper ones
- Less paperwork: No need to send your passport away during the Application
For Employers
- Faster checks: Verify a person’s right to work in minutes through an online portal
- Lower risk: Avoid fines for employing people without proper documentation
- Clear records: Keep digital proof that you’ve checked someone’s work status
- Real-time updates: See when a worker’s visa is about to expire
How the UK E-Visa Works in Practice
- Application: You apply online and provide your details
- Decision: The Home Office reviews your Application
- Approval: If successful, you will receive an email confirmation
- Digital Status: Your visa is linked to your passport electronically
- Border Control: When you travel, officers can see your status on their systems
- Employment: Employers check your right to work through an online service
- Updates: Any changes to your status happen digitally
What You Need to Apply
Basic Requirements
- A valid passport or travel document
- Your details (address, contact information)
- Details of why you want to come to the UK
- Proof you can support yourself financially during your stay
- Any specific documents for your visa type (job offer, course acceptance, etc.)
Technical Requirements
- Access to the internet
- An email address
- Ability to upload documents in digital format
- A way to pay the application fee online
Step-by-Step Application Process
1. Prepare for Your Application
- Check that you meet the requirements for your chosen visa
- Gather all necessary documents
- Make sure your passport is valid for the whole time you plan to stay
2. Create Your Account
- Go to the UK government visa website
- Set up a personal account with a secure password
- Keep your login details safe – you’ll need them to check your status later
3. Fill in the Application
- Answer all questions honestly and completely
- Double-check personal details, especially your name and passport number
- Make sure the dates match those in your passport and supporting documents
4. Upload Your Documents
- Scan or photograph all required documents
- Make sure images are clear and complete
- Follow the size and format guidelines for uploads
5. Pay and Submit
- Check the current fee for your visa type
- Pay using a credit or debit card
- Submit your completed Application
6. After Applying
- You may need to provide biometric information (fingerprints and photo)
- Some applicants will need to attend an appointment at a visa application centre
- Others can use a smartphone app to verify their identity
7. Receiving Your Decision
- You’ll get an email when a decision is made
- If approved, you can view and prove your status online
- There’s no physical document to wait for
Important Time Frames and Costs
Processing Times
- Standard service: Usually 2-8 weeks, depending on the visa type
- Priority service: Typically 5-10 working days (for an extra fee)
- Super priority: Decision within 24 hours (where available, for a higher fee)
Costs
Visa fees vary widely depending on:
- The type of visa you’re applying for
- How long do you want to stay
- Whether you use priority services
- Your nationality (some countries have different fee arrangements)
Current fees are available on the UK government website and are updated regularly.
Employer Information: Checking Right to Work
The New Digital Check Process
- Ask the worker for their share code and date of birth
- Go to the Home Office online checking service
- Enter the details to see the person’s right-to-work status
- Keep a secure record of the check, including when it was done
What Employers Must Remember
- Checks must be done before employment starts
- You cannot insist on seeing physical documents if someone has an E-Visa
- You must still check that the person in front of you matches the details on the system
- Records of checks must be kept throughout employment and for two years afterwards
Living with Your E-Visa
Keeping Your Status Updated
You must update your details if:
- You get a new passport
- Your personal details change (name, gender, etc.)
- Your contact information changes
Travel Considerations
- Always use the passport linked to your E-Visa when travelling to the UK
- You don’t need to print anything before you travel
- Border officers can see your status on their systems
Extending or Changing Your Stay
- Apply online before your current visa expires
- You don’t need to send your passport anywhere
- Updates to your status happen electronically
Moving Towards Settlement
If you’re on a visa that leads to settlement (also called Indefinite Leave to Remain), you:
- Still need to meet the usual requirements (time in the UK, language, life in the UK test)
- Apply online when you’ve completed your qualifying period
- Receive digital confirmation of your settled status if approved
Getting Expert Help
For many people, getting a visa is straightforward. But if your situation is complicated or you’re not confident with online systems, it might be worth getting professional help.
Immigration advisers and solicitors can:
- Check if you’re applying for the proper visa
- Help you gather the correct documents
- Review your Application before submission
- Advise on complex cases or previous refusals
- Help with appeals if your Application is refused
Make sure anyone giving you immigration advice is correctly registered with either the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC) or is a solicitor regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.
For specialist guidance on UK E-Visa applications, contact Davenport Solicitors today.
We provide expert guidance and support to businesses and individuals using the UK’s digital immigration system. Whether you’re managing sponsorship duties or submitting visa applications, our team is here to help you understand and complete each step of the process with confidence. Contact now.
FAQs
What if I don’t have internet access?
You can ask a friend, family member, or support organisation to help you access your account. Libraries often offer free internet access, too.
How do I prove my status to my landlord?
You can generate a share code through your online account that allows landlords to check your right to rent.
What happens at the border since I have no visa in my passport?
Border officers will automatically scan your passport and see your visa status on their systems.
Can I switch from my old BRP to an E-Visa?
Yes, the UK is gradually moving everyone to the new system. You’ll receive instructions when it’s time to switch.
What if something goes wrong with the electronic system?
The Home Office has backup systems in place. Border officers can also make manual checks if needed.
How secure is my information?
The system uses high-level security like online banking to protect your data.
Can I use my E-Visa status for identification purposes?
The E-Visa isn’t an ID document, but you can use the online service to prove your immigration status to organisations that need to check it.
What if my application is refused?
You’ll receive information about why it was refused and whether you can appeal or apply again.
How do I get help if I struggle with the digital system?
The UK Visas and Immigration has a contact centre that can help with technical problems. Some charities also offer support with digital visa issues.
Disclaimer
The material contained on this website contains general information only and does not constitute legal or other professional advice and should not be relied upon as such. While every care has been taken in the preparation of the information on this site, readers are advised to seek specific advice in relation to any decision or course of action.