UK’s new e-Visa campaign: All international students need to know about the application process, rules and criteria for transition

E-Visa launched in UK: UK Home Office Major changes to the immigration system have recently been announced, including the transition from physical documents to a fully digital eVisa system. The move is aimed at streamlining processes and improving security. This guide will help International Students Understand the new rules, application processes and deadlines to ensure compliance and avoid any disruptions immigration status In Britain.
What is the recent notification from UK Home Ministry?
The UK government has launched a significant campaign urging all immigrants using physical immigration documents to transition to eVisa. This includes students and residents holding biometric residence permits (BRPs), passport visa vignette stickers, ink stamps confirming “indefinite entry/remain permission” or biometric residence cards (BRCs). The Home Office plans to phase out these physical documents by the end of 2024 and move to a fully digital immigration system. This transition will allow users to access their immigration status online through the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) system.
Overview of e-Visa System
The eVisa is an online record of a person’s immigration status, outlining the conditions of their permission to stay in the U.K. It replaces the need for a physical document such as a BRP or visa vignette. With the eVisa, students can prove their immigration status online to employers, landlords or educational institutions, providing a more secure and convenient way to manage their stay in the U.K. It does not change the visa conditions or the individual’s rights, but does simplify the verification process.
What is the new rule for international students?
International students enrolling at UK universities for September 2024 or January 2025 entry, starting in September 2024, who apply for their Student Route Visa Before November 1, 2024, these students can still get a BRP. However, these students will be contacted by the Home Office upon arrival in the UK to convert their BRP to an eVisa through a straightforward and free online process. It is important for students to complete this process, as instructed, to ensure they can correctly prove their immigration status in the UK.
Who needs to switch to e-Visa?

How to change to a UK e-Visa: A step-by-step guide

Step 1: Create a UKVI account
If you don’t already have a UKVI account, go to the UKVI website and create one. You will need:

Step 2: Confirm your identity
Use the ‘UK Immigration ID Check’ app to verify your identity. This step will link your eVisa to your UKVI account. Once verified, you will receive an email confirming that you can access your eVisa online.
Step 3: Access your eVisa
Log in to your UKVI account to view and manage your eVisa. You can use this account to share your immigration status with employers, landlords or educational institutions as needed.
Important deadlines and action steps for UK e-Visa transition

Exceptions and benefits of switching to an electronic visa
There are some exceptions to the eVisa requirement. If you plan to stay in the UK for less than six months, you do not need to switch to an eVisa. Additionally, individuals who were granted their immigration status in the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man are exempt from this transition. People exempt from immigration control, such as diplomats or individuals with a ‘right of abode’, also do not need to switch to an eVisa.
However, making changes to an eVisa comes with many benefits. From a security perspective, eVisas are far superior to physical documents as they cannot be lost, stolen or tampered with. In terms of convenience, they allow individuals to prove their immigration status online without the need to carry or present any physical documents. Furthermore, making changes to an eVisa is free, which means significant cost savings as it eliminates the need to replace lost or damaged physical immigration documents.