The United Kingdom is taking another big step toward a fully digital immigration system. Starting October 30, 2025, the Home Office will extend the eVisa system to include dependents, family members, and applicants under work, study, and settlement (indefinite leave to enter) visa categories.

This update means applicants will no longer receive physical visa stickers (vignettes) in their passports. Instead, their immigration status will appear as a digital eVisa, available through a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) online account.

A Step Toward a Digital Immigration System

The UK government aims to create a paperless, modern immigration framework by 2025. The new eVisa will act as official proof of immigration status and will link directly to a passport or travel document.

This digital record replaces old physical documents such as Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) and passport vignettes. The goal is to make the system more secure, convenient, and efficient.

A Home Office spokesperson said the expansion of eVisas marks “another milestone” toward a simplified immigration service that helps people prove their status easily and enables organizations to verify it quickly.

Who Will Be Affected?

Before this update, eVisas applied only to main applicants for certain work and study routes. From October 30, 2025, the rollout will include:

  • Dependents and family members under various visa categories

  • Applicants for work and study visas

  • Individuals applying for indefinite leave to enter (settlement)

If you or your dependents apply successfully after this date, you will not get a vignette sticker in your passport. Your visa information will appear in your UKVI account instead.

The visa eligibility rules and requirements remain the same. Only the method of status verification will become digital.

How the eVisa System Works

Once approved, applicants can log in to their UKVI account to view their immigration status. This information can be shared with employers, landlords, airlines, and public authorities through secure online verification.

People who currently hold BRPs or vignettes should create a UKVI account soon. This will help ensure a smooth shift to digital records before physical documents are phased out.

Border systems will automatically match passport details with digital records, so travel in and out of the UK will remain seamless.

Benefits of the eVisa System

The Home Office lists several key benefits of the eVisa system:

  • Better Security: Digital records reduce the chances of fraud, loss, or damage.

  • Faster Processing: Airlines, employers, and officials can verify immigration status instantly online.

  • Easy Access: Visa holders can check or share their immigration status anytime through their UKVI account.

  • Eco-Friendly: Going paperless cuts printing costs and helps protect the environment.

The government has also provided £400,000 in funding to help community groups support vulnerable people during the transition.

Supporting the UK’s Digital Vision

This change supports the UK’s plan to modernize its immigration system. Moving from paper to digital records will:

  • Speed up entry and exit checks

  • Reduce administrative work

  • Improve data accuracy and security

Other countries are also adopting similar systems, showing a global shift toward digital immigration management. The UK’s move highlights its commitment to efficiency and innovation.

Preparing for the Change

Visa holders are encouraged to set up their UKVI online accounts early and keep passport details up to date. This will help avoid delays while traveling or using public services.

Detailed instructions for creating and linking your account are available on the official UKVI website.

The Road Ahead

With eVisas now extended to dependents and family members, the UK moves closer to its 2025 goal of a fully digital immigration system. The transition will simplify how visa holders manage and share their status, replacing paper documents with a secure, smart online process.

As the rollout continues, visa holders and organizations are encouraged to adapt early and prepare for a future without physical immigration documents.

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