From 31 December 2024, physical Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) were replaced by eVisas — a fully digital immigration status. If you had a BRP, it is now expired and your status lives entirely online. This guide explains what an eVisa is, how to access it, how to prove your right to work or rent, and what to do if you run into problems.
What is a UK eVisa?
An eVisa is a digital record of your UK immigration status held in a UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration) online account. It replaces the physical BRP card. You do not receive a document — your status is accessed entirely through a website or app. Employers, landlords, and the NHS can verify your status using a share code you generate from your UKVI account.
How to access your eVisa
- Step 1: Go to gov.uk/view-prove-immigration-status and sign in to your UKVI account
- Step 2: If you do not have a UKVI account yet, click "Create an account" — you will need your passport and the email address used for your original visa application
- Step 3: Verify your identity using your biometric passport (held near your phone) or a one-time code sent to your phone
- Step 4: Once logged in, you can view your visa conditions, expiry date, and generate share codes
💡 Tip
Use the email address you used when you originally applied for your visa — this is linked to your UKVI account. If you cannot remember it, try your most-used email addresses from 2–5 years ago.
How to prove your right to work or rent
Instead of showing a physical card, you generate a share code from your UKVI account. A share code is a 9-character code that is valid for 90 days. You give this code to your employer or landlord along with your date of birth — they enter both at gov.uk/prove-right-to-work or gov.uk/prove-right-to-rent to verify your status instantly.
What if my employer or landlord does not accept an eVisa?
Some employers and landlords are unfamiliar with the new system and may mistakenly ask for a physical document. They are legally required to accept a share code check — it satisfies the right to work and right to rent checks in full. If they refuse, point them to the official guidance at gov.uk/government/publications/right-to-work-checks-employers-guide.
Common eVisa problems and how to fix them
- Cannot create UKVI account: call the UKVI Resolution Centre on 0300 790 6268 (Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm)
- Wrong details on your eVisa (name, date of birth, visa conditions): contact UKVI at gov.uk/contact-ukvi-inside-outside-uk to request a correction
- Lost access to the email or phone linked to your account: contact UKVI Resolution Centre with your passport details for identity verification
- Share code not working: generate a fresh share code — they expire after 90 days
- Status not showing after a recent visa grant: wait 5 working days after your grant letter before contacting UKVI
Do I still need to carry anything physical?
Your passport remains your travel document — you still need it to enter and exit the UK. The eVisa proves your immigration status inside the UK but is not a travel document. When travelling, UK border staff check your status digitally when you scan your passport — no separate eVisa document is needed at the border.
💡 Tip
Save your UKVI account login details somewhere safe. You will need it every time you change jobs, rent a new home, or travel. Losing access to the account is fixable but takes time.
Access your UK eVisa and view your immigration status
View Your eVisa →