In our previous blog we discussed the Home Office’s transition away from physical immigration documents and the subsequent introduction of eVisas; how and why there is now the need for those who live in the UK under immigration control to have both a UKVI account and the eVisa. However, although synonymous, it is important to understand that they are not one and the same thing. So, in order to shed clarity on this, here’s a clear breakdown for you.
What is a UKVI Account?
A UKVI account is a secure online platform allowing users to log into various UK immigration services such as “View and Prove.” It’s created automatically for everyone using the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check mobile App’ for immigration applications. As explained previously, this may have already happened for some depending on how they last applied for a visa, but for many who still hold physical documents such as BRP cards, you will need to create UKVI account in order to access your eVisa.
With a UKVI account, customers can:
- View their eVisa.
- Share immigration status information via differing share codes, providing time-limited access to the relevant data to landlords, employers and government departments/agencies
- Update personal details like addresses and contact information, current valid identity document, a service available for free.
What is an eVisa?
An eVisa is an electronic record of a person’s immigration status. Unlike physical documents, it’s entirely digital and can be easily accessed and shared through the UKVI account. When you first create an account, you will need to ‘marry’ your current status with the account through a submission process. After this though, theoretically, each time a new immigration application is made, your account should be updated with your new status.
Key Difference
So, the key difference between the UKVI account and the eVisa is that whilst the UKVI account provides the gateway to manage your immigration details, the eVisa is the digital proof of your status. One can have a UKVI account without an eVisa, such as in cases where the application was refused or the individual’s permission to be in the UK has expired, but not vice-versa.
Continuing rights for those with BRPs and other physical proof of status
It is important to emphasise that eVisas and physical documents are simply ways to evidence your status when you are required to do so e.g. to employers, airline staff and immigration officials. Therefore, while you can continue using legacy paper documents like passports with ink stamps it’s highly recommended to transition to a UKVI account to reduce the chance of any delays when proving your status. Not having an eVisa is not proof that your right to be here has expired and even those with expired BRPs can still use online right to work and rent services, provided their immigration status is valid. Nevertheless, the UKVI account’s “View and Prove” service will soon be the primary way to view and prove your status and rights in the UK.
