UK immigration is becoming more and more digitalised. And if you are used to having that familiar 90-day passport sticker (the ‘physical visa vignette’) to work or study in the UK, then this article will tell you what you need to know about the changes that are coming in from 15 July 2025. It’s also important for employers to take note of this as well.
So, from 15 July, the UK will stop issuing physical visa vignettes to many work and study visa applicants as the government shifts to a digital eVisa system. This will achieve a number of goals, not least streamlining the visa application process and ending the need to return to visa application centres to collect documents.
Instead, the eVisa will be a more secure, digital record of your immigration status which can be accessed through a newly created UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account. So, it’s quite a substantial change in how individuals both enter the UK and prove their right to be here.
Before we get started on these latest updates, if you want to read more about the wider shift to eVisas you can read my earlier blog here. It’s also worth checking out last month’s article about the penalties involved in not making the switch to an eVisa in time.
So, let’s start with who will be affected – both applicants and employers – by these changes from physical visa vignette to eVisa.
Ending physical visa vignettes: Will you be affected by the move to eVisas?
Starting 15 July 2025, the following visa routes will move to eVisa-only entry clearance:
- Skilled Worker (including Health and Care visa)
- Global Business Mobility
- Temporary Worker
- International Sportsperson
- Dependants and applicants for other visa types will continue to receive both a physical vignette and an eVisa during this phase of the rollout.
Vignette to eVisa: What employers and applicants should do now
To ensure a smooth transition, it’s essential to take the following steps:
- Create your UKVI account: Creating a UKVI account means you can access your eVisa. This is the important first step. You can find out more about how to do this on the Home Office website.
- Verify your information: Before travelling, check your eVisa for accuracy and ensure it’s linked to the correct travel document. You can make sure your eVisa is correct and learn about linking your travel document (passport) to your eVisa before travelling here.
- Share your status: Employers can verify immigration status using a share code and the applicant’s date of birth via the UKVI online checking service. As an applicant, you can get your share code here.
Update internal processes: Employers should ensure HR and compliance teams are ready for the shift. Familiarity with eVisas and digital right-to-work checks will be vital.
eVisas: Part of a larger shift in UK immigration
As mentioned, this change is part of the UK government’s goal of building a modern, digital immigration system that enhances both security and improves user experience.
In practical terms, it should mean fewer administrative tasks and faster processing for applicants, while employers and sponsors get a more efficient method to verify immigration status.
This shift is a complete change in how the UK manages and communicates immigration status. While the transition may require some initial adjustments, the long-term benefits in terms of efficiency and accessibility should be significant for all concerned.
Now is the time for employers to get ahead of the curve to make sure your systems, staff, and processes are ready for a digital-first immigration future.
Working with an immigration lawyer
Working with an immigration lawyer who is ahead of the curve when it comes to the latest changes to UK immigration regulations brings great peace of mind.
As it stands, over four million people have already created their UKVI account, with around 300,000 people still needing to do so. I can’t stress enough that for anyone living in (or frequently travelling to) the UK, staying ahead of these requirements is essential. This means setting up your UKVI account and making sure you check it regularly to ensure all your details are up to date.
As you can see if you look back over my blogs from this year so far, regulations are moving incredibly quickly and don’t seem to be slowing down. I strongly recommend keeping an eye on updates on the UK government website. And if you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to me. Having a professional immigration advisor – particularly one with a legal background – can be invaluable in helping you navigate and interpret these complex regulations. With an unrivalled success rate, YI Solutions works with both individuals and businesses to ensure you are able to complete your immigration applications successfully. Contact us for a free consultation today.