--- title: "eVisa and UKVI Account: Access Your UK Immigration Status" country: "united-kingdom" service: "evisa-immigration-status" category: immigration difficulty: moderate estimated_time: "30-60 minutes (account setup); share code generation in minutes" cost_range: GBP 0 last_verified: 2026-05-11 canonical: https://publicservices.guide/united-kingdom/evisa-immigration-status/ status: current confidence: low tags: - evisa - "ukvi-account" - "share-code" - "immigration-status" - "first-week" sources: - https://www.gov.uk/evisa - https://www.gov.uk/biometric-residence-permits - https://www.gov.uk/evisa/set-up-ukvi-account - https://www.gov.uk/view-prove-immigration-status - https://www.gov.uk/evisa/travel-with-evisa - https://www.gov.uk/evisa/update-ukvi-account - https://www.gov.uk/evisa/get-evisa-settlement-uk --- # eVisa and UKVI Account: Access Your UK Immigration Status **Country:** 🇬🇧 United Kingdom **Last verified:** 2026-05-11 **Estimated time:** 30-60 minutes (account setup); share code generation in minutes **Cost:** GBP 0 ## Required documents - **Valid passport or travel document** - Required: Original; matches the document you used for your visa - Cost: Free (you already hold this) - _Note:_ This is the document linked to your UKVI account and the one you carry when you travel. - **Visa application reference (GWF or UAN), BRP number, or expired BRP card** *(GWF/UAN/BRP number)* - Where to get: GWF or UAN appears on visa application correspondence; BRP number is on the front of the card - Required: One of these is needed at account setup - _Note:_ An expired BRP (biometric residence permit, the legacy card replaced by the eVisa) can still be used to set up your UKVI account. - **Mobile phone number and email address** - Required: These become your sign-in identifiers - _Note:_ You must keep access to the phone or email used to sign in. UKVI uses these to contact you. - **Smartphone with camera (recommended)** - Required: Used to confirm identity via the UK Immigration: ID Check app - _Note:_ Alternative identity-confirmation methods are available if you cannot use the app. ## Costs - **UKVI account setup:** 0 GBP — Free. gov.uk/evisa: 'You do not need to pay to set up a UKVI account or access your eVisa.' - **Access to your eVisa:** 0 GBP — Free as part of the UKVI account. - **Share code generation:** 0 GBP — Generated on demand inside the UKVI account; no fee published on gov.uk/view-prove-immigration-status. - **No time limit (NTL) settlement-route eVisa application:** 0 GBP — Free per gov.uk/evisa/get-evisa-settlement-uk. A separate UKVCAS biometrics-enrolment fee may apply at the appointment provider; that figure is set by UKVCAS at booking and is not published on gov.uk. - **Update UKVI account details:** 0 GBP — No fee published on gov.uk/evisa/update-ukvi-account. ## Steps ### 1. Confirm You Need a UKVI Account - You need a UKVI account if you have a UK visa for England, Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland, or if you have settlement in the UK - If you previously held a BRP that has now expired and you still have permission to stay, you also need a UKVI account to access your eVisa - If your indefinite leave to remain is recorded only as a wet ink stamp or vignette in an old passport (not a BRP, BRC, or EU Settlement Scheme record), use the no time limit (NTL) settlement route described later > **Tip:** If your partner and children are joining you as dependants, each one needs their own UKVI account. _Links:_ - [gov.uk — eVisa overview](https://www.gov.uk/evisa) - [gov.uk — Set up a UKVI account](https://www.gov.uk/evisa/set-up-ukvi-account) ### 2. Gather Your Sign-In Documents - Have ready a valid passport, plus one of: your visa application reference (GWF or UAN), your BRP number, or your expired BRP card - Choose a mobile phone number and email address you will keep using — these become your UKVI account sign-in identifiers - Keep a smartphone available to use the UK Immigration: ID Check app for identity confirmation > **If this fails:** If you can no longer access the phone number or email you set up with, use the account-recovery service linked from gov.uk/evisa/update-ukvi-account before trying to generate a share code. ### 3. Create Your UKVI Account - Start at gov.uk/evisa/set-up-ukvi-account and follow the 'Create a UKVI account' link - Provide your phone number and email - Enter your sign-in document combination (passport plus visa application reference, passport plus BRP number, or expired BRP) - Confirm your identity via the smartphone app, or use one of the alternative methods if you cannot use the app > **Tip:** gov.uk/evisa states: 'You do not need to pay to set up a UKVI account or access your eVisa.' If a site asks you for payment, you are not on the official service. _Links:_ - [gov.uk — Set up a UKVI account](https://www.gov.uk/evisa/set-up-ukvi-account) ### 4. Sign In and View Your eVisa - Sign in to your UKVI account at the dashboard linked from gov.uk/evisa - Open your eVisa — it shows your identity and immigration status, including what rights you have in the UK such as to work, rent, or claim benefits - Confirm your details (name, date of birth, nationality, photo, current passport) match your physical documents > **If this fails:** If your eVisa shows wrong details, or if you can view it but cannot generate a share code, report an error via the link on gov.uk/view-prove-immigration-status (the page also handles the case where the Home Office set up your account and you have never been able to access it). _Links:_ - [gov.uk — View and prove your immigration status](https://www.gov.uk/view-prove-immigration-status) ### 5. Generate a Share Code to Prove Your Status - From your UKVI account, choose to generate a share code for the situation you need (right to work, right to rent in England, or general status) - Give the share code, together with your date of birth, to the employer, landlord, or carrier who needs to verify your status - The verifier sees only some of your personal details — the system tells you what they will see at the moment you generate the code - You will not need to show them your eVisa itself — the share code stands in for it > **Tip:** gov.uk/view-prove-immigration-status states: 'A share code lasts for 90 days. You can: use the share code as many times as you need before it expires; get a new share code whenever you need one.' Treat the 90-day timer as the operational chore of holding an eVisa — re-generate when it expires. _Links:_ - [gov.uk — View and prove your immigration status](https://www.gov.uk/view-prove-immigration-status) ### 6. Update Your Account Before You Travel - Sign in and confirm your UKVI account has your current passport and personal details - Confirm your eVisa is correct and shows the right immigration status - Confirm the details you give your carrier exactly match what is on your account - If anything has changed, update your account at gov.uk/evisa/update-ukvi-account before you book or travel > **Tip:** Carry a valid passport or travel document that you have added to your UKVI account. Your status is checked when you leave and enter the UK (by border control or eGates) and when you check in with your carrier. > **If this fails:** gov.uk/evisa/travel-with-evisa warns: 'Your carrier may not let you travel if your details are wrong. You may also be delayed at the UK border.' Update before booking, not at the airport. _Links:_ - [gov.uk — Travel with your eVisa](https://www.gov.uk/evisa/travel-with-evisa) ### 7. Keep Your UKVI Account Up to Date - Sign in to update your passport or travel document, name, mobile phone number, email address, home address, or postal address when they change - You can also correct your date of birth, add or change a nationality, add another passport or travel document, or change your photo - If you are updating your name, date of birth, or nationality, have an identity document ready that proves the change > **Tip:** gov.uk/evisa/update-ukvi-account notes: 'You cannot change your name or your passport or travel document if you're waiting for a visa application decision.' Wait until your decision is issued. > **If this fails:** If you cannot prove a change with a standard identity document, gov.uk/evisa/update-ukvi-account links a different process for those without such documents. Use that route rather than skipping the update. _Links:_ - [gov.uk — Update your UKVI account](https://www.gov.uk/evisa/update-ukvi-account) ### 8. Settlement Route: NTL Application (Stamp or Vignette Holders Only) _Applies when: If your only proof of indefinite leave to remain is a wet ink stamp or vignette in an old passport, a certificate of entitlement, or a Home Office travel document — and not a BRP, BRC, or EU Settlement Scheme record_ - Make a free no time limit (NTL) application via the link on gov.uk/evisa/get-evisa-settlement-uk - Create or link a UKVI account at the start (if you have a valid passport) or after approval (if you do not) - Attend a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) appointment for fingerprints and a photo - Submit supporting documents online or pay UKVCAS for scanning at the appointment > **Tip:** gov.uk/evisa/get-evisa-settlement-uk confirms: 'Getting an eVisa will not change your immigration status. You'll still be able to use your physical document.' Processing can take up to 6 months; your physical settlement document remains valid throughout. _Links:_ - [gov.uk — Get an eVisa if you have settlement](https://www.gov.uk/evisa/get-evisa-settlement-uk) ## FAQ ### Do I still need a BRP, or has it been replaced? All BRPs (biometric residence permits) have expired and have been replaced by eVisas. gov.uk/biometric-residence-permits states: 'All BRPs have now expired and have been replaced by eVisas.' The cut-over deadline was 31 October 2024. If you have an expired BRP and still have permission to stay in the UK, you need to create a UKVI account to access your eVisa. ### Does it cost anything to set up a UKVI account or get an eVisa? No. gov.uk/evisa states: 'You do not need to pay to set up a UKVI account or access your eVisa.' ### How long does a share code last? 90 days. gov.uk/view-prove-immigration-status states: 'A share code lasts for 90 days. You can: use the share code as many times as you need before it expires; get a new share code whenever you need one.' ### Can I still use my expired BRP for anything? Yes, for some things, for 18 months after the expiry date printed on the card. Per gov.uk/biometric-residence-permits, you can use it to get a share code to prove your right to work in the UK, get a share code to prove your right to rent in England, create a UKVI account to get access to your eVisa, and apply to stay in the UK. But you can no longer use an expired BRP for travel. ### What documents can I use to sign in to my UKVI account? Per gov.uk/evisa/update-ukvi-account: a passport, national identity card, valid or expired biometric residence card (BRC), expired biometric residence permit (BRP), or your UKVI customer number — plus access to the phone number or email you used to sign in. ### Do my partner or children need their own UKVI accounts? Yes, if they are joining you as dependants. gov.uk/evisa/set-up-ukvi-account states: 'If your partner and children are joining you in the UK as dependants then they need their own UKVI accounts.' ### What do I need to check before I travel? Per gov.uk/evisa/travel-with-evisa: confirm your UKVI account has your current passport and personal details, that your eVisa is correct, and that the details you give your carrier exactly match what is on your account. Carry 'a valid passport or travel document that you've added to your UKVI account.' ### What if my UKVI account details are wrong when I travel? gov.uk/evisa/travel-with-evisa warns: 'Your carrier may not let you travel if your details are wrong. You may also be delayed at the UK border.' Update your UKVI account before you travel. ### What if I cannot access my eVisa at all? Per gov.uk/view-prove-immigration-status: 'Check that you have finished setting up your UKVI account to access your eVisa.' The same page notes alternative routes: 'You can use different services to prove your right to work or prove your right to rent if you cannot access an eVisa.' ### I have indefinite leave to remain shown only by a stamp in an old passport — what do I do? Per gov.uk/evisa/get-evisa-settlement-uk, you can apply for an eVisa via the no time limit (NTL) route. The application is free; you will attend a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) appointment for biometrics; processing can take up to 6 months. The page confirms: 'Getting an eVisa will not change your immigration status. You'll still be able to use your physical document.' ## Sources - [GOV.UK / UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI)](https://www.gov.uk/evisa) — accessed 2026-05-11 — _T1_ — An eVisa is a digital record of identity and immigration status, including conditions such as the right to work or study. 'You'll usually get an eVisa when you successfully apply for a visa or other type of permission to be in the UK.' 'You need a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account to access your eVisa.' 'You do not need to pay to set up a UKVI account or access your eVisa.' - [GOV.UK / UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI)](https://www.gov.uk/biometric-residence-permits) — accessed 2026-05-11 — _T1_ — 'All BRPs have now expired and have been replaced by eVisas.' Cut-over deadline 31 October 2024. 'If you have an expired BRP and still have permission to stay in the UK, you need to create a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account to get access to your eVisa.' Expired BRP usable for 18 months after expiry to: get a share code to prove right to work; get a share code to prove right to rent in England; create a UKVI account to access your eVisa; apply to stay in the UK. 'You can no longer use an expired BRP for travel.' Lost/stolen reporting duty: 'You must report a lost or stolen BRP, even though it's expired. You can be fined up to GBP 1,000 and made to leave the UK if you do not report a lost or stolen BRP.' Returns Unit address: PO Box 195, Bristol, BS20 1BT. - [GOV.UK / UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI)](https://www.gov.uk/evisa/set-up-ukvi-account) — accessed 2026-05-11 — _T1_ — Eligibility: 'You can use this service to access an eVisa if you have: any visa for the UK (England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland) [or] settlement in the UK.' Dependants: 'If your partner and children are joining you in the UK as dependants then they need their own UKVI accounts.' Required at setup: phone number and email; valid passport plus visa application number (GWF or UAN), or valid passport plus BRP number, or expired BRP card. Identity confirmed via smartphone app with alternative methods available. - [GOV.UK / UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI)](https://www.gov.uk/view-prove-immigration-status) — accessed 2026-05-11 — _T1_ — 'Your eVisa shows your identity and immigration status. This includes what rights you have in the UK, for example to work, rent or claim benefits.' 'You can get a share code to prove your immigration status to people such as employers or landlords, or when you travel.' 'You'll need to give them your date of birth. You will not need to show them your eVisa.' 'A share code lasts for 90 days. You can: use the share code as many times as you need before it expires; get a new share code whenever you need one.' Same sign-in document set as gov.uk/evisa/update-ukvi-account; alternative right-to-work and right-to-rent service routes available if eVisa cannot be accessed. - [GOV.UK / UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI)](https://www.gov.uk/evisa/travel-with-evisa) — accessed 2026-05-11 — _T1_ — Pre-travel checks: 'your UKVI account has your current passport and personal details'; 'your eVisa is correct, for example it shows the right immigration status'; 'your details exactly match the passenger information you give to your carrier.' Document to carry: 'a valid passport or travel document that you've added to your UKVI account.' Status checked at border (border control or eGates) and at carrier check-in. 'A share code for travel is valid for 90 days so you can get it before you travel. It can be used more than once.' Warning: 'Your carrier may not let you travel if your details are wrong. You may also be delayed at the UK border.' - [GOV.UK / UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI)](https://www.gov.uk/evisa/update-ukvi-account) — accessed 2026-05-11 — _T1_ — Sign-in document set: 'passport; national identity card; biometric residence card (BRC) — this can be valid or expired; expired biometric residence permit (BRP); UKVI customer number.' Updateable details include passport or travel document, name, mobile phone number, email address, home address, postal address; date of birth corrections; nationality additions or changes; additional passport or travel document; photo. 'If you're updating your name, date of birth or nationality then you'll need an identity document that proves that it has changed.' Restriction: 'You cannot change your name or your passport or travel document if you're waiting for a visa application decision.' 'You can only use this service to update your UKVI account details. You cannot update any immigration details, for example a visa or a citizenship application.' Recovery: 'You can get help to recover your UKVI account if you're having problems signing in.' Webchat support and eVisa support videos linked from the page. Alternative update process exists for those without an identity document proving the change. - [GOV.UK / UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI)](https://www.gov.uk/evisa/get-evisa-settlement-uk) — accessed 2026-05-11 — _T1_ — Settlement route applies if you have 'physical proof of your immigration status, such as a wet ink stamp or vignette (sticker) which: has no expiry date' and which 'proves you have settlement in the UK — also known as indefinite leave to remain (ILR) or indefinite leave to enter (ILE).' Not this route for expired BRP, BRC, or EU Settlement Scheme holders. 'Make an NTL application' (free no time limit application). Biometrics required: 'You'll need to have your fingerprints and photo (biometric information) taken at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point.' 'It can take up to 6 months to process an NTL application.' 'Getting an eVisa will not change your immigration status. You'll still be able to use your physical document.' --- Verification pending — see the canonical page for the latest trust state. Canonical: https://publicservices.guide/united-kingdom/evisa-immigration-status/