United Kingdom eVisa replaces physical residence cards for foreign nationals

The United Kingdom previously relied on physical residence permits, but since Jan. 1, 2025, an eVisa has been the main way most foreign nationals prove their immigration status.

Physical permits no longer serve as primary proof

Most biometric residence permits, biometric residence cards and Frontier Worker Permits expired by Dec. 31, 2024. The remaining biometric residence permits expired between Jan. 1 and March 27, 2025, in line with their holders’ immigration permission.

The printed expiry date didn’t necessarily end a person’s right to remain. Instead, the Home Office moved the official record online, adding another administrative step for people settling under United Kingdom residency rules.

Status checks now run through UKVI accounts

An eVisa records a person’s immigration permission and its conditions in Home Office systems. Holders access it through a UK Visas and Immigration account and the View and Prove service.

For employment, housing, university enrollment and some other checks, the holder generates a share code. The employer, landlord, university or other authorized organization enters that code with the holder’s date of birth to view the relevant status.

Airlines and other carriers may check eVisa records for returning residents. A temporary transition arrangement allowed carriers to accept qualifying expired residence permits as travel evidence until at least March 31, 2025, but eVisas remain the primary proof.

Residents, workers and students are caught by the change

The system covers most non-UK residents, including workers, international students and holders of biometric residence permits, biometric residence cards or Frontier Worker Permits. EU Settlement Scheme status was already digital.

Current permit holders who haven’t created or accessed a UKVI account need to do so before their next work, rent, study or travel status check, because the expired card generally can’t serve as the main evidence.

The change doesn’t mean every tourist receives an eVisa. Many short-term visitors still travel with a passport, visa vignette or visa-free permission, while the digital system primarily affects people holding UK immigration status.