Having trouble with your UK eVisa application? Here’s what could be wrong

May 29 2025

UK Immigration

As the UK makes a major shift towards a more digital immigration system, individuals are transitioning from having physical documents, such as Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs), to eVisas. This change promises greater convenience and security, but as with any new system, errors have arisen. If you encounter mistakes on your eVisa, it’s crucial to understand how to address them promptly to ensure that your immigration status remains correct.

Common mistakes on eVisas

While eVisas offer a range of advantages, they are still relatively new and errors have occurred. The types of mistakes you may encounter include, but are not limited to:

  • Incorrect personal details (e.g. your name, nationality, your photo or date of birth)
  • Errors with visa conditions, such as your start and end dates
  • Issues with restrictions on what you can or cannot do while in the UK (e.g. whether you can work or study)

If you notice any of these mistakes, it is essential to take prompt action to correct them.

What to do if you’re a student

For students experiencing issues with their eVisa, UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) has put in place a temporary correction process through your institution. This system is designed to resolve errors such as:

  • Permission start and end dates
  • Work conditions
  • Incorrect details related to the institution’s sponsor licence number
  • Dependants not matching the main applicant’s details

If your institution has the appropriate Unique Application Number (UAN), they can raise these issues on your behalf with UKVI. However, this process only applies to certain visa types (Student, Child Student, Graduate, Dependant Partner, Dependant Child, Parent of a Child Student). If your issue is not covered by this temporary correction process, or if you hold a visa not listed here, you will need to follow alternative steps.

Correcting mistakes on your eVisa

If you do not qualify for the student institution’s correction process or your error does not fall within the permitted categories, you can follow these steps to correct mistakes:

Reporting errors online

UKVI provides a straightforward form for reporting errors on your eVisa. Common mistakes that can be reported include incorrect names, visa restrictions and immigration status. To report the error, you will need to provide:

  • Your full name, date of birth and nationality
  • Passport number, BRP number, UKVI customer number or Unique Application Number (UAN)
  • Details of the error

Once submitted, UKVI will contact you within 10 working days to confirm whether they have corrected the error or require more information. It is important to note that UKVI recommends not chasing up the resolution of the error directly via phone, as they will reach out to you once complete.

Contacting UKVI by phone

If you prefer to speak to someone directly, you can contact UKVI’s Resolution Centre. The contact numbers for calling from within the UK are:

  • +44 (0) 300 790 6268 (select option 3, then 2, then 2 again)
  • +44 (0) 203 875 4669 (for those unable to call 0300 numbers)

Be prepared for possible long waiting times and note that the operator may not be able to resolve the error immediately. Phone lines are open Monday to Friday from 8am to 8:30pm and Saturday-Sunday from 9:30am to 4:30pm.

Using the eVisa support chatbot

For immediate assistance, you can make use of the eVisa Webchat function. The chatbot offers real-time support for common questions, and it can direct you to additional resources or escalate your issue if necessary.

Filing a complaint if the issue remains unresolved

If the above methods do not resolve your issue, you may consider filing a formal complaint with UKVI. You can do so by completing an online complaint form or by writing to:

Complaints Allocation Hub
7th Floor, Lunar House,
40 Wellesley Road,
Croydon, CR9 2BY.

Be sure to detail all the attempts you have made to resolve the error and include relevant application details. However, it is important to remember that complaints are generally aimed at service dissatisfaction rather than technical correction, so this process may take longer and might not directly resolve your error.

Updated: 29.05.2025

How Gherson can assist

Gherson’s Immigration Team are highly experienced in advising on UK visa matters. If you have any questions arising from this blog, please do not hesitate to contact us for advice, send us an e-mail, or, alternatively, follow us on XFacebookInstagram, or LinkedIn to stay-up-to-date.

The information in this blog is for general information purposes only and does not purport to be comprehensive or to provide legal advice. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information and law is current as of the date of publication it should be stressed that, due to the passage of time, this does not necessarily reflect the present legal position. Gherson accepts no responsibility for loss which may arise from accessing or reliance on information contained in this blog. For formal advice on the current law please do not hesitate to contact Gherson. Legal advice is only provided pursuant to a written agreement, identified as such, and signed by the client and by or on behalf of Gherson.

©Gherson 2025

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