In a major step toward a fully digital immigration system, the United Kingdom has announced the expansion of its e-visa rollout to include dependents and applicants under work, study, and family visa categories. Starting November, 2025, successful applicants in these categories as well as those applying for indefinite leave to enter (settlement) will no longer receive physical visa stickers (known as vignettes) in their passports. Instead, their immigration status will now be issued and managed digitally.
According to the UK Home Office, this marks another milestone in the country’s mission to modernize immigration management by replacing physical documents with secure electronic records. Under the new system, each applicant’s immigration status will be recorded as an e-visa, linked directly to their passport or travel document and accessible through a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) online account.
A Seamless Move to Digital Immigration
The Home Office explained that this shift builds on the July 2025 policy, which had initially introduced digital status for main applicants in work and study visa categories. The latest expansion ensures dependents and family visa applicants are now included in the system, promoting consistency across immigration types.
Officials have clarified that while the verification process is changing, visa requirements and eligibility remain the same. The difference lies solely in how applicants will access and prove their immigration status.
E-visa holders will be able to log into their UKVI account to view and share their immigration information digitally whether for travel, employment, or renting a home in the UK.
Benefits of the E-Visa Transition
The move to a digital system promises several benefits:
- Faster verification: Border checks and status confirmation will become more efficient.
- Increased security: Eliminating physical documents reduces the risk of loss, theft, or forgery.
- Ease of access: Visa holders can manage and share their immigration status online at any time.
- Streamlined travel: Travellers will experience fewer document-related issues when entering the UK.
To support a smooth transition, the UK government has also committed £400,000 in funding to community organizations that assist vulnerable individuals adapting to the new system.
What Applicants Should Do
Individuals currently holding Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) or vignette stickers are being encouraged to set up a UKVI online account to prepare for the switch to digital status. This account will become essential for managing immigration information and accessing proof of lawful status in the UK.
Final Thoughts
The UK’s new e-visa expansion marks another step into a future of smarter, paperless immigration management. While the physical vignette era is coming to an end, the change promises smoother travel experiences and easier access for legitimate visa holders.
At JIT Travels, we stay on top of global immigration updates so you don’t have to. Whether you’re planning to study, work, or reunite with family in the UK, we’ll help you navigate every stage of the visa process from documentation to digital setup making your relocation journey simple and stress-free.
