Organising your E-Visa

Step 6: Organising your E-Visa

From 1st November 2024, the visa card (called BRP OR Biometrics Card) will no longer be used by the UK Visa & Immigration Department (UKVI) and will be replaced with an Evisa.

1. Receive the Confirmation Email:

You should also receive a letter from UK Visas and Immigration confirming your approved Visa status. This letter will be emailed to you either before or within a few days of receiving your passport. If you haven't received it, please check your junk/spam mail and contact the visa office if you do not have it. Print a copy of this letter out, and keep this letter safe and show it to the immigration officer upon your arrival.

Login to UKVI account

When you applied for the UK Youth mobility visa in step 2 you will already set up your UKVI account. Click on the link below to Login.

2. Registering under the new e-visa system

• Visit the eVisa Registration Portal.
• Create an account using your:
- Passport number.
- Visa reference number (from your vignette or decision letter).
• Follow the prompts to verify your identity and link your visa to the system.
If the system advises you that it is not yet possible, sign up to the updates and keep trying regularly. The link to registering for your e-visa is below.

3. Extending your visa

If you are a New Zealand, Australian or Canadian national, you can apply for a one year extension of your visa. This will bring the total period up to 3 years. You can make the application technically at any time, but they state on the website that you can do this some months before the expiry of your current visa and you must be in the UK to make this application under the terms of your YMS visa. Please do not plan any travel during this processing period.

4. Rules for entering the UK

Here is a link for information and rules for entering the UK

5. Migrant Health guide:

It is important that you are aware of how the UK Health system operates, what you are and are not covered for in case of needing medical help during your stay .

FAQ’S ABOUT THE NEW E-VSA

WHAT IS AN E-VISA?

A digital document proving your immigration status in the UK.
Accessible via your online account.
Linked to your passport electronically.

An eVisa is an online record of your immigration status and the conditions of your permission to enter or stay in the UK. You need to create a UKVI account to be able to access your eVisa.

Updating your physical document to an eVisa does not affect your immigration status or the conditions of your permission to enter or stay in the UK.

You can use an eVisa to travel to the UK together with your current passport which must be linked to your UKVI account. You should also get a share code to prove your immigration status before you travel. Your carrier may ask for it. A share code is valid for 90 days.

The benefits of eVisas include:

They are secure and cannot be lost, stolen or tampered with, unlike a physical document
You will not need to wait for, or collect, a physical document after your application is decided – you might still need to provide biometric information in person, and we will tell you if you need to do this
It will be quicker and easier to prove your status at the UK border, and share your status with third parties like employers and landlords

HOW WILL I USE MY E-VISA?

Proof of Immigration Status:
- Employers or landlords can check your right to work/rent using the eVisa system.
Travel:
- Your eVisa must be valid for re-entry if you leave the UK.

TRANSITION TIPS FOR E-VISA HOLDERS

Check Registration Deadlines: Ensure you register within the timeframe specified in your decision letter.
Avoid Travel Issues: Do not leave the UK until your eVisa registration is completed.
Keep Your Online Account Details Safe: Use a secure password and update your contact details if they change.

By understanding what to expect and preparing for the new eVisa system, you’ll have everything in place to start your journey in the UK confidently.

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