UK Replaces Visa Stickers with eVisas: What International Students Must Know

Charlie UK Visa News 13 July 2025 | | 0

The United Kingdom is making a major change to its immigration process. Starting July 15, 2025, physical visa stickers (vignettes) will be replaced by digital eVisas for all new visa applicants, including international students.

If you're planning to study in the UK, it’s important to understand what this change means and how to prepare. This guide breaks down everything you need to do before you travel.

An eVisa is a digital record of your immigration status. Instead of a visa sticker inside your passport, your visa will now be stored online and linked electronically to your passport.

Once your visa is approved, you will no longer receive a vignette. Instead, you’ll get:

A visa decision letter
Instructions to create a UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration) account

Your UKVI account will allow you to view your visa details, prove your status, and update any changes.

Your Pre-Departure Checklist for eVisas

To avoid delays or problems when travelling to the UK, make sure you’ve done the following:

1. Set Up Your UKVI Account

You must create a UKVI account to access and manage your eVisa. Through this online system, you can:

View your visa status
Prove your right to study, rent accommodation, or work in the UK
Update your passport or personal details

Make sure you remember your login details and keep your contact information up to date.

2. Match Your eVisa With Your Passport

Border officers will check your eVisa by scanning your passport, so it’s essential that:

The passport number on your eVisa matches the one you're using to travel
If you renew your passport after your visa is approved, update your new passport details in your UKVI account before flying

3. Carry Supporting Documents

Even though your visa is now digital, you should still bring:

Your passport
A printed or digital copy of your visa decision letter

This ensures you can show evidence of your visa if needed at the border.

4. Prepare for University, Housing, and Job Checks

Your eVisa will be used by:

Universities and colleges to confirm your right to study
Landlords to verify your right to rent
Employers (if you're working part-time) to confirm your right to work

These organisations will access your status via the UKVI system, so always ensure your account details are correct and current.

5. Follow Your Visa Conditions

Once in the UK, it's important to comply with all visa requirements, such as:

Attending your classes
Reporting any changes in your circumstances
Sticking to your permitted work hours

Failure to follow the rules could lead to your visa being curtailed (shortened) or affect your eligibility for a post-study visa.

The move to digital visas is designed to make immigration easier—but only if you’re prepared. Take the time to:

Set up your UKVI account
Update your passport information if needed
Understand how to prove your visa status

This way, you’ll avoid delays and be ready for a smooth arrival in the UK.

Do you need to renew your passport? Talk to us in the comment section below. Or if you need more advice on the above, contact us for further travel & immigration advice.

Check out the deals we have found below and tell us your travel plans.

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And because of the pandemic, don’t forget to get your travel insurance, which will cover you for flight disruptions and pandemic related matters.

IaM can help with your visa application to Europe, the United States, the UK & other countries

If you need help with a US visa, a UK Visa, or a visa to Europe, including help with appointment booking obligations, IaM can help. For more information and advice on US immigration, UK immigration law and US visa applications or if you need any help or assistance please, reach out to your Visa Coordinator at IaM.

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About
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Charlie

Travel and Immigration Writer and Client Relationship Manager at IaM (Immigration and Migration)

Charlie is IaM’s resident Travel & Immigration Writer and Client Relationship Manager. They craft clear, engaging guides that demystify complex visa and migration rules - and then personally supports each client through every step of their journey.

Over the past 6+ years, with IaM, and working in the travel and immigration sector, Charlie has authored 200+ in-depth guides on Schengen, UK visas & other destinations they have relocated 1,000+ families safely through the system. A Clockwork Practitioner, Charlie also works hard to streamline operations and adheres to the mantra "Task Clients Well".

When they’re not translating policy into plain English, you’ll find them scouting new destinations, collecting local stories, and mastering a new language to better serve our global community.