UK immigration update: eVisas to phase out vignettes (visa stickers)

From 15 July 2025, the UK Home Office will stop issuing vignettes (visa stickers) in passports for many overseas visa applicants. Instead, eVisas will become the standard for those applying under specific UK immigration routes. This change is part of the government’s broader digital transformation of immigration services, aimed at streamlining the visa process and improving accessibility.

Who will be affected?

Starting mid-July 2025, the way UK visas are issued will change significantly for many categories of applicants. If you’re applying for a study or work visa, you will no longer receive a vignette in your passport. Instead, you will be required to create a UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration) account and access your eVisa online before travelling to the UK. Specific instructions will be provided during the application process to ensure that you can get your eVisa in time. You will be guided through how to access and manage your eVisa once your application is approved.

However, if you’re applying for a visa as a dependant or for any other visa (not related to study or work), you will still receive a vignette as usual.

What do you need to do?

Before travelling, make sure to follow this essential pre-travel checklist:

1. Create and/or log into your UKVI account
2. Verify all personal details on the account
3. Link your passport to your eVisa (if not already done)
4. Obtain an ‘S’ share code to show to your airline or travel provider in case of any display issues with your eVisa during travel

What do employers need to know?

This change brings new responsibilities for employers, too:

• Ensure that sponsored workers havecompleted all pre-travel steps to avoid disruptions at the border
• Conduct a Right-to-Work check using the applicant’s eVisa via the online checking service
• Update your internal processes and policies to align with the eVisa system and maintain compliance
• If you’re assisting applicants with dependants, remember their process remains different.

Conclusion

The shift to eVisas marks a significant advancement in the UK’s digital immigration system. While the new process offers simplicity and flexibility, applicants and employers alike must stay informed and ensure they follow the correct steps to avoid any last-minute complications. As always, professional legal advice is recommended if you’re unsure about your specific situation or requirements.

Updated: 18 June 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 X, Facebook, Instagram, 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.

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