eVisas

The Home Office is currently changing the way that visas are issued.

Your Student visa will be issued as an eVisa which you will access through a UKVI account.

It is free to create a UKVI account and apply for an eVisa. Please be aware that there may be scams targeting international students asking for a fee to apply for an eVisa.

If you have previously been issued with a BRP, we would advise you to keep hold of your BRP after it expires, as you may need it to sign into your UKVI account and to extend your visa in the future.

To stay updated on the latest eVisa news visit www.gov.uk/evisa, and sign up for updates.

STEP 1 – Create a UKVI account

To ensure you can view and prove your eVisa, you will need to create a UKVI account.

You will need the following to create an UKVI account:

  • Full name
  • Date of birth
  • Passport number (or BRP if you have one)
  • Email address and mobile number
  • Smartphone or laptop

If you have previously applied for a UK visa using the UK Immigration: ID Check app, you will already have a UKVI account and eVisa.

STEP 2 – Link eVisa to your UKVI account

Once you have created your UKVI account, you will need to apply for an eVisa.

You will need the following to apply for an eVisa:

You will need to follow all the steps on the UK Immigration: ID Check app before you can submit your application for an eVisa - you only need to do this once.

You will receive confirmation by email from the UKVI once your eVisa is ready to view, this may take a few days.

STEP 3 – View and prove your eVisa

To view your eVisa, also referred to as ‘immigration status’, you will need to use the View and prove your immigration status: get a share code - GOV.UK service.

You will be able to generate a ‘share code’ which can be used by others, such as the university, to verify your Student visa.

Please check that all details on your eVisa are correct, including personal details, length and conditions of visa.  If you are unsure whether your eVisa is correct, please contact the International Student Advisor, visaadvice@aber.ac.uk, to request advice.

Errors on your eVisa can be reported to the UKVI using the on-line Report an error with your eVisa - GOV.UK service.

Updating your UKVI account

To avoid problems when travelling in and out of the UK, or, applying for a new visa, please update your UKVI account. This is particularly important for example, if you have changed your email or have a new passport.

How to travel to the UK with your eVisa

If you used your BRP as your identity document when you created your UKVI account, you will need to add your passport to your UKVI account and link it to your eVisa.

Go to Update your UK Visas and Immigration account details: Overview - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk), select 'Add identity document', and upload a copy of your passport.

You will receive an email confirmation from the UKVI once your passport has been linked to your eVisa.

You can watch a video on 'how to travel with your eVisa'. 

Further advice

We will be running on-line webinars and eVisa clinics at the start of academic sessions. Details will be made available nearer the time.

In the meantime, if you need any help with your eVisa please contact the International Student Advisor on visaadvice@aber.ac.uk.