UKVI Is Transitioning to Digital eVisas: What Applicants and Employers Need to Know Today
Overview
As of today, UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) has already begun phasing out physical visa vignette stickers for selected visa categories, moving toward a fully digital immigration status system known as eVisas.
While the complete transition is expected by 2026, many applicants are already receiving digital-only status confirmations, signalling a significant operational shift in how UK immigration permissions are issued and verified.
What Is a UK Digital eVisa?
A digital eVisa is an online record of an individual’s immigration status, stored securely within UKVI systems. Instead of relying on a visa sticker in a passport or a physical residence permit, status is accessed through a UKVI online account.
Visa holders can digitally share their right to work, study, rent, or travel using secure verification links or codes.
What Has Already Changed?
As of today, UKVI has implemented the following changes for certain visa types:
Some applicants no longer receive a physical visa vignette in their passport
Immigration status is issued digitally via UKVI accounts
Employers and landlords are increasingly expected to rely on online status checks
Physical documents are being gradually replaced, ahead of the 2026 deadline
These changes are being rolled out in phases, with further expansion expected.
Who Is Currently Impacted?
The transition already affects:
Selected overseas visa applicants
Employers conducting right-to-work checks
Visa holders required to prove status digitally
Individuals travelling to the UK without physical visa stickers
All visa holders will eventually need to rely on digital proof of status.
Why the UK Is Moving to eVisas?
The UK government has positioned this change as part of its broader digital transformation strategy, aiming to:
Improve immigration security and fraud prevention
Enable faster updates when personal or passport details change
Streamline compliance checks for employers and institutions
Applicants outside the United States are particularly affected, as they cannot adjust status domestically while consular processing remains on hold.
Key Challenges Emerging Today
Despite the benefits, early-stage challenges are already being observed:
These risks underline the importance of early awareness and preparation.
What Visa Holders Should Do Now
As of today, visa holders should:
Confirm whether their status is issued digitally
What Employers Should Be Doing Today?
Employers and HR teams should:
Review right-to-work processes to ensure digital readiness
Monitor UKVI updates as rollout continues
Key Takeaway
The UK’s shift away from physical visa documentation is already in progress, with digital eVisas set to become the standard well before 2026. Organisations and individuals who adapt early will face fewer disruptions as the system expands.
In practice, this means visa holders should not wait until their current documents expire to familiarise themselves with the UKVI digital platform, and employers should begin updating internal policies, checklists and onboarding workflows to reflect digital-only status evidence. Early testing of online right-to-work checks, clear communication with mobile employees, and proactive verification of digital records will significantly reduce the risk of last-minute issues at the border, during hiring, or in compliance audits as physical documents are fully phased out.
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About Anywr
Anywr is a French international group specializing in international mobility and workforce solutions.
Founded in 2012, Anywr operates in 12 countries across 4 continents. Our mission is to support companies in addressing their Human Resources challenges. We respond to your needs in terms of international mobility, particularly in terms of immigration policies, relocation, the implementation of mobility policies and EOR.
Do you have a mobility project for your teams? Contact us!