Set up your UKVI e-Visa account
Your next steps
- View previous steps
- Pay your deposit
- Get your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)
- Apply for a visa
- Set up your UKVI eVisa account
- Credibility interviews
- Additional payments
- Prepare for your Right to study check
- Check your campus location
- Prepare for your arrival
- Get your finances in place
- Check your application is complete
- Complete your enrolment
- Create your student account
- Check your contact details
- Confirm your support needs
- Prepare for your arrival
- Access your learning materials
- View further steps
Important update for international students travelling to the UK
From 2025, most international students will not receive a visa vignette (sticker) in their passport. Instead, the UK government is moving to a fully digital immigration system using e-visas.
This means you must set up your UKVI e-visa account to view and prove your immigration status before you travel to the UK.
What is an e-visa?
An e-visa is a digital record of your immigration status. It replaces the physical visa vignette and is used to prove your right to enter and stay in the UK.
When do I set it up?
You will be invited to set up your e-visa account after your visa application is approved.
Do not try to create an account before this, the system needs to link your visa decision to your account.
Once your visa is granted, you’ll receive an email from UKVI with instructions.
Where will the invitation come from?
You’ll receive an email from UKVI (GOV.UK) at the email address you used in your visa application. This email will:
- Confirm your visa has been granted
- Include a link to set up your UKVI account
- Provide instructions to access your digital immigration status
Check your inbox and spam/junk folders regularly.
What do I need to do?
- Wait for your visa decision
- Look out for the UKVI email invitation
- Follow the link to create your UKVI account
- Log in to view and prove your immigration status
- Save a copy (PDF or screenshot) of your digital status to carry with you when travelling
Why is this important?
If you don’t set up your e-visa account before travelling:
- You may not be allowed to board your flight
- You could face delays or issues at the UK border
- You might not be able to leave your home country
What do I need to show when travelling with an e-visa?
When travelling to the UK with an e-visa, you must ensure that:
- Your UKVI account is set up and contains your most recent passport details.
- You carry a copy of your digital immigration status (PDF or screenshot) with you.
- You use the same passport linked to your UKVI account when travelling.
Border officials will check your immigration status digitally when you present your passport. You may also be asked to provide a share code to prove your status in certain situations (e.g. opening a bank account or renting accommodation).
If you have a physical immigration document, carry it with you as well, especially if your e-visa transition is still in progress.
Already arrived in the UK?
Visit our Meet your visa requirements page to learn how to use your e-visa and complete your Right to Study check.
