For international students targeting the September 2026 intake in the UK, the immigration process has undergone a massive digital transformation. Physical Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) and passport vignettes (visa stickers) are a thing of the past. Your immigration status is now entirely managed through an online eVisa.
While this modernized system is highly secure and prevents issues like lost or stolen cards, it means you are fully responsible for setting up and managing your digital profile. To help you navigate this transition smoothly, this comprehensive guide breaks down the exact steps you need to take before your flight.
1. Understanding the UK eVisa System
An eVisa is a secure digital record that confirms your identity, your right to study, and your work conditions in the UK. It completely replaces physical documents. Because it is entirely online, you do not need to collect a card upon arrival, and border control officers will verify your status instantly by scanning your passport.
2. Setting Up Your UKVI Account
Before you travel, you must create a UKVI account to access and view your eVisa. Here is how to do it correctly:
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Use the Official Government Portal: Always start your process on the official page at gov.uk/evisa.
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Register Your Details: You will need to input your visa application number (such as your GWF number), your email address, and your phone number.
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Verify Your Identity: You must confirm your identity using the “UK Immigration: ID Check” smartphone app. The app will ask you to scan the biometric chip on your passport and capture a live photo.
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Check Your Dashboard: Once logged in, review your course duration, university sponsor details, and your allowed working hours (usually up to 20 hours per week) to ensure everything is correct.
3. The Crucial Step: Linking Your Passport
Because your eVisa is a digital record, it must be digitally attached to your current travel document. When you check in at the airport, airlines will check their systems to confirm you have permission to travel.
If you get a new passport after your visa is approved, you must update your UKVI account with the new passport details immediately. Failure to link your active passport can result in boarding denials.
4. Generating a Share Code in the UK
Without a physical card, you will need a digital way to prove your legal status to landlords and employers. The UK government provides a “View and Prove” service for this exact purpose:
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Log into your UKVI account and select the reason you need to share your status (e.g., proving your right to work or rent).
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The system will generate a secure 9-character alphanumeric Share Code that is valid for up to 90 days.
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You provide this code and your date of birth to the required party, allowing them to instantly verify your status online.
5. How Span International Prepares You
Span International ensures your digital transition is flawless by providing:
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Step-by-step assistance in establishing your UKVI account right after your visa approval.
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Pre-travel verification to confirm your current passport is accurately linked to your eVisa profile.
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Onboarding support on how to generate Share Codes, ensuring you can sign a lease or start a part-time job without delays.
BRP vs. eVisa: What Changed in 2026?
| Feature | Old System (BRP / Vignette) | 2026 System (eVisa) |
| Entry Clearance | Visa sticker in passport | Digital permission linked to passport |
| Immigration Proof | Physical plastic card | Digital online dashboard |
| Proving Status | Physical check or limited code | Instant 9-character Share Code |
FAQs – Navigating the UK eVisa
1. Will I still receive a visa sticker in my passport?
No, the UKVI has completely transitioned away from physical vignettes for new long-term student visa applicants.
2. How do I prove my status to my airline?
You do not need a physical document. Because your eVisa is linked to your passport, the airline’s system will automatically verify your status when they scan your passport at check-in.
3. Can I use a screenshot of my eVisa?
No, screenshots or printouts are not legally valid. Employers and landlords must use your generated Share Code to verify your status directly through the government portal.
4. What happens if I lose access to my UKVI account?
You can recover your account using your identity document (like your passport) and the email address or phone number you registered with.
Final Thoughts
The transition to a completely digital visa framework means you need to be tech-ready before you depart. By setting up your UKVI account early and making sure your passport stays synced, you can avoid any delays at the airport and hit the ground running when you arrive in the UK.
