Skilled Worker eVisa: Digital Immigration Status Explained

The Move to Digital Status

The UK has moved from physical documents — biometric residence permits and visa vignettes — to digital immigration status. Biometric residence permits stopped being issued on 31 October 2024, and GOV.UK now says all of them have expired and been replaced by eVisas. If you hold a Skilled Worker visa, your status is stored as an eVisa in the Home Office system.

This means your immigration status is not tied to a physical card. Instead, it exists online and can be accessed and shared digitally. For your initial biometrics appointment, you will set up the identity that links to your digital status.

Accessing Your eVisa

To access your eVisa:

1. Go to GOV.UK's View and Prove your immigration status page.
2. Log in with your UKVI online account credentials.
3. View your immigration status, including visa type, conditions, and expiry date.

If you do not yet have a UKVI online account, create one and link it to your immigration status. You will need your passport, or your expired biometric residence permit, to do this — an expired card can still be used to create the account or view your eVisa, for up to 24 months after it expired or until 31 December 2026, whichever comes first. For help, see the Home Office contact guide.

Using Share Codes

When you need to prove your immigration status (for example, to an employer conducting a right-to-work check or a landlord conducting a right-to-rent check), you generate a share code:

1. Log into your UKVI account.
2. Select "Get a share code."
3. Choose the purpose (right to work, right to rent, etc.).
4. A code is generated, valid for 90 days.
5. Give the code and your date of birth to the person who needs to check your status.

The checker enters the code on GOV.UK and sees a summary of your status, including your photo, visa type, and any work/study restrictions.

Updating Your Details

Keep your UKVI account up to date:

• New passport: If you renew your passport, link the new one to your account immediately. Your eVisa is tied to your passport, so failing to update this can cause problems at the border.
• Change of name: Report name changes to the Home Office.
• Change of contact details: Update your email and phone number.

Travelling with an eVisa

When you travel to the UK, border officers can check your immigration status electronically using your passport details. There is no physical visa or permit to show at the border. This is why keeping your current passport linked to your UKVI account matters more than it used to.

If you are transiting through other countries, be aware that some airlines and border agencies may not yet be fully familiar with the UK eVisa system. Carry a printed summary of your eVisa status as a precaution. If your visa status changes while abroad, understand how Section 3C leave works and check the visa fees for any extension you may need.

Security

Your UKVI account contains sensitive personal and immigration information. Keep your login credentials secure:

• Use a strong, unique password.
• Do not share your login details with anyone.
• Be cautious of phishing emails claiming to be from UKVI. If you are unsure, contact the sponsor or employer who arranged your visa.
• Only access your account through the official GOV.UK website.

Next Steps

If you have not already, set up your UKVI online account and link your immigration status. Familiarise yourself with generating share codes before you need them.

Related guides:

• eVisa UK: Complete Guide
• Right to Work in the UK
• Right to Rent for Tenants
• Reporting Changes to the Home Office
• Skilled Worker Visa Guide

Questions and answers