The End of Physical Documents
For decades, Indian nationals travelling to the UK received a visa sticker (vignette) in their passport and, for longer stays, a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) card upon arrival. This is no longer the case. The UK has transitioned to a fully digital
system where your permission to enter, study, work, or live in the country is held in a secure online record called an eVisa. This change is part of a broader initiative to modernise the UK's borders. More than 500,000 visas were issued to Indians in the year ending March 2026, all of whom will now manage their status digitally. This means that instead of carrying a BRP card, your immigration status is verified electronically.
Your UKVI Account: The Digital Gateway
The United Kingdom Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account is the secure online portal where your eVisa is held. Think of it as your personal digital immigration file. This account is not just a one-time registration; it is the primary tool you will use to manage your status throughout your time in the UK. You will typically be prompted to create a UKVI account during the visa application process itself. It's crucial to use a personal, accessible email address and phone number for this, as they will be used for security verification every time you log in. All individuals, including dependent children, need their own UKVI account, which a parent or guardian can create and manage for them.
Proving Your Rights with a Share Code
Without a physical BRP card, how do you prove your right to work to an employer or your right to rent to a landlord? The answer is a 'share code'. From your UKVI account, you can generate a unique, time-limited alphanumeric code. You provide this code, along with your date of birth, to the employer or landlord. They then enter it into a dedicated portal on the GOV.UK website to instantly verify your rights and any associated conditions, such as the type of work you are permitted to do. This online check replaces the need for them to inspect a physical document. Share codes are typically valid for 90 days and you can generate a new one whenever needed.
Managing Travel and Border Control
Your eVisa is digitally linked to your passport. When you travel to the UK, airlines will verify your permission to fly by checking their digital systems, which are connected to the Home Office database. This means it is absolutely critical that the passport you travel with is the same one linked to your UKVI account. If you renew your Indian passport, you must update the details in your UKVI account before you travel. Failure to do so could result in being denied boarding on a flight back to the UK from India. Upon arrival, border officials can also see your status digitally by scanning your passport.
Keeping Your Account Secure and Updated
Since your UKVI account holds your entire immigration record, maintaining access and ensuring its accuracy is your responsibility. Always keep your contact details—especially your email and phone number—up to date. Losing access to the email address associated with your account could make it very difficult to log in and prove your status. You must also inform UKVI of any changes to personal details like your name or address. It's wise to treat your UKVI login details with the same level of security as your online banking credentials. Use the official GOV.UK recovery services if you have trouble accessing your account, rather than creating multiple accounts which can cause confusion.
