UK Moves to eVisas from July 15, 2025: What International Students Need to Know

UK Introduces Fully Digital Visas: Key Changes for Indian Students and Migrants

In a major step towards modernising its immigration system, the United Kingdom will begin issuing fully digital eVisas from 15 July 2025, replacing traditional physical visa stickers. Under this new framework, all study and work visas granted from this date will be securely linked to the applicant’s passport and accessible through a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account. This change is expected to impact thousands of international students, particularly from India, who form one of the largest cohorts entering the UK for higher education. Authorities have stated that the shift to eVisas is designed to streamline immigration procedures, enhance security, and improve convenience. The traditional visa vignette will no longer be issued; instead, the eVisa will serve as a digital record of immigration status, directly tied to the passport used during the application process.

To comply with the new system, students must create a UKVI account to manage their visa details. This account allows them to update personal information, check visa status, and share proof of immigration status with landlords, employers, and universities. Officials have emphasised the importance of keeping login credentials secure and ensuring that contact and passport details remain current to avoid delays or compliance issues.

Universities and housing providers will use the UKVI system to verify students’ immigration status. Failure to maintain accurate digital records may result in complications during registration or accommodation checks. Although eVisas are entirely digital, students are advised to carry their passports and a printed or digital copy of their visa decision letter while travelling. Border officials will scan the passport to access eVisa details, which must match the passport linked to the UKVI account.

Students who renew their passports after visa approval must update the new passport details in their UKVI account before travelling. Upon arrival, universities will require students to present proof of immigration status via the UKVI portal during registration. Authorities have also reminded students to adhere strictly to visa conditions, including class attendance and reporting any changes in circumstances. Non-compliance may result in visa cancellation or affect eligibility for future visas, such as post-study work options.

Before departure, students should confirm that their eVisa is issued and linked to the correct passport, register for a UKVI account, keep login details safe, update all personal and passport information, and carry a printed or digital copy of their visa decision letter. They should also check with their university and accommodation providers for any extra verification requirements. These steps are essential to ensure a smooth arrival and compliance with the UK’s new digital visa system. The UK’s move to eVisas marks a significant shift in immigration policy, and students must take proactive steps to ensure a smooth and compliant transition to the digital system.

Editor’s Note:

The UK’s move to a fully digital eVisa system from July 2025 marks a major and much-needed step towards modernising its immigration process. For thousands of international students, particularly from countries like India, this change brings both opportunities and responsibilities. Gone are the days of relying on physical visa stickers. With eVisas linked directly to an applicant’s passport and managed through a UKVI account, the process becomes more secure, efficient, and easier to manage. It allows students to access and update their immigration details online and share their visa status instantly with universities, landlords, and employers. This shift reduces paperwork and the risk of document loss, and also helps speed up border checks and verification processes. However, the success of this digital system depends on how well students understand and adapt to it. Keeping login details safe, updating passport and personal information, and complying with visa rules will be essential to avoid disruptions.

Skoobuzz underlines that this positive step reflects the UK’s intent to create a smarter, more transparent immigration system, and also demands greater digital awareness and responsibility from students.