UK’s Big Shift: eVisas Now Mandatory for Students and Skilled Workers

Starting July 15, 2025, the UK government will require international students and foreign workers to use electronic visas (eVisas) instead of the traditional passport sticker known as a vignette. This major change marks the beginning of a fully digital immigration system.

What Is Changing?

The UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) department is replacing physical visa vignettes with a secure, digital version called an eVisa. These changes affect applicants for UK work permits and study visas.

Here’s what to expect:

• If you apply for a study or skilled work visa on or after July 15, you will not receive a vignette sticker in your passport.
• Instead, you’ll need to create a UKVI account to access your eVisa digitally.
• Applications now allow you to submit biometrics and collect your passport on the same day, reducing back-and-forth trips to Visa Application Centres.

Learn more about UKVI athttps://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-visas-and-immigration

Who Needs an eVisa?

If you’re entering the UK for work or study, you’ll need to:

1. Create a UKVI account before travel: https://www.gov.uk/evisa
2. Access your eVisa online once approved.

You will still receive a vignette if:

• You’re applying as a dependant for any visa type.
• You’re the main applicant for visas other than work or study.

Applicants can expect a decision via email based on standard UKVI processing timelines.

Recommended: Unlock Your UK Dream: 5 Proven Paths After the Care Worker Visa Ban

Transition to Digital Immigration

UKVI is gradually moving toward a fully digital system, replacing physical documents like:

• Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs)
• Vignette stickers
• Visa stamps

If you currently hold a BRP or were issued a Form for Affixing a Visa (FAV), you’ll need to open a UKVI account to get your eVisa—especially if your passport or BRP has expired.

Get started on your UKVI account here:https://www.gov.uk/evisa

This updated system streamlines travel procedures and supports the UK’s long-term goal of a borderless, secure digital immigration process. For students and professionals, it’s now more important than ever to understand how eVisas work—and to set up your UKVI account well before your journey begins.

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