From 1 January 2025 onwards, UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) will switch from physical immigration documents (including BRPs) to an eVisa system.
Anyone with a Biometric residence permits (BRP), or an old-style immigration document (such as a passport stamp or vignette) should create an online UKVI account. If you don’t already have an account, you can create one through the link below:
To check if you already have an eVisa follow this link:
If you already have an eVisa, you will be able to view the type of visa and when it expires - those with indefinite leave to remain (ILR) will have no time limit on their stay.
If you need to set up an eVisa, you will be asked to verify your ID (using the ‘UK Immigration: ID check’ app) and complete a brief form. Once the details are submitted you will receive a reference number. You should then wait for UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) to email you to confirm the eVisa is set up. You don’t need to do anything else in the meantime to activate the eVisa.
The eVisa will be linked to your passport so it’s very important to make sure your passport details have been provided. If you set up your UKVI account to log in using your passport, it should already be on the account and ‘linked’ to the eVisa. However, if you log in to your UKVI account with your BRP, you will have to add your passport details.
If you obtain a new passport (including one for a second nationality), make sure this is updated on your UKVI account.
UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) have issued new guidance on checking your eVisa before you travel in and out of the UK:
From 2025 you must use the ‘prove my status’ service instead to prove your right to live and work in the UK.
If your BRP expires on 31 December but the visa is valid beyond this, you will have the right to work until your visa expires. However, the University may not have confirmation of this and may request a share code through the right to work check process.
If you have any queries in relation to this, please raise a Service Request to the HR Helpline: HRHelpline@ed.ac.uk
If you have any questions on your immigration status (other than right to work checks), please contact the Staff Immigration Service:
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