Your eVisa

UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) have developed a digital immigration system with an online record of your immigration status. This is known as an eVisa
Passport and map, courtesy of Shutterstock
Please read these frequently asked questions below for more information about the eVisa.

Information about the eVisa

What is an eVisa?
An eVisa provides proof of your immigration status and allows organisations such as employers, landlords and universities, to check and verify your immigration status to assess your right to access those services. In most cases, an eVisa will be the only evidence you have of your permission to be in the UK.

Creating a UKVI account
If you used the UK Immigration: ID Check app as part of your visa application, you should already have an eVisa. Sign into the View & Prove service to view your eVisa. If you did not use the 'UK Immigration: ID Check' app, you will need to create an online account in order to access your eVisa.
  • Download the UK Immigration ID Check app.
  • Go to this Gov.uk page and scroll down to 'Start now'.
  • Answer the questions as they come up. You will be instructed to scan your passport (or your old BRP if you have one) via the app. You must complete all sections after the app to complete the account set up.
  • Wait for an email to confirm that your eVisa is ready to view.

Get a share code (Viewing and Proving your immigration status)
The type of share code you generate will depend on who you need to prove your status to. To evidence your Right to Study, you should select the ‘anything else' option when prompted to ensure the correct type of share code is generated for the University to view.

Updating your UKVI account
It is important to ensure that your details are kept up to date in your UKVI account.
This will prevent you from facing issues when you try to prove your immigration status to others, are awaiting a decision from the UKVI, or when you try entering the UK at the border.
You can update your details online through the government webpage: update your UK Visas and Immigration account details.
You should update your online UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account if you've changed your:
  • mobile phone number
  • email address
  • name
  • identity document, such as your passport or national identity card
  • UK address
You can also:
  • correct your date of birth
  • add an extra nationality – if you have dual nationality, for example
  • add an extra identity document
  • change your photo, for example if your appearance has changed and you can no longer be recognised from your photo
  • give someone else access to your visa applications, if you’d like them to help you apply
  • give someone else ownership of the UKVI account, if you set up the account on their behalf
You cannot change your identity document or name if you're waiting for a decision on a visa application.

Errors on your eVisa
If there are errors, you should report it to UK Visas & Immigration as soon as possible. UKVI will contact you within 10 working days to either confirm the correction or ask for more detail. If you need help making this report, please email studentimmigrationadvice@plymouth.ac.uk

Travelling with an eVisa
Before travelling
You can use an eVisa to travel to the UK together with your current passport which must be linked to your UKVI account. You should also get a share code to prove your immigration status before you travel. Your carrier may ask for it. A share code is valid for 90 days.
Travel date
When travelling to the UK for the first time using your eVisa, you must enter the UK after the visa start date listed on your status. If you enter before this date, you will likely need to leave the UK and come back again.
Going through Immigration Control
When you pass through UK immigration control, you will need to present your passport to the Border Force officer. Depending on your nationality, some students will have the choice of passing through the eGates instead of seeing an Immigration Officer. In this situation, it's vital that you make sure your passport details are up to date.
The UK Passenger Support Helpline is 0800 876 6921 and is available 24/7. This helpline is free to call.
When to call the Passenger Support Helpline
  • If your carrier is unable to verify your travel permission
  • If you are unable to show your travel permission to your carrier