The UK is replacing physical immigration documents for most student and worker visas with a digital proof of immigration status (e-visa).
E-visas are being rolled out for:
- Students, including short-term study for 11 months
- Global Business Mobility routes (senior or specialist worker, graduate trainee, UK expansion worker, service supplier, secondment worker)
- Global talent
- International sportsperson
- Skilled worker (including health and care)
- Temporary work routes (charity worker, creative worker, government authorised exchange, international agreement, and religious work routes)
- Youth mobility scheme
The changes were introduced for applications submitted and paid for online from July 15. Applicants need to link their travel document to their UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account to access their e-visa. Applications are done via the GOV.UK website.
Applicants applying as a dependant, or for visas other than study or work, still need a physical sticker visa. This will eventually be rolled out to all visa routes, according to GOV.UK.
