Why This Change Matters Right Now
If you’ve ever applied for a UK visa, you know the routine: biometric appointments, passport submissions, and waiting for a little sticker called the “vignette” to arrive. That sticker was your golden ticket into the UK.
But as of 15 July 2025, that system is officially changing — and it changes everything for international students and professionals.
The UK is now going fully digital. For many visa categories, you will no longer receive a visa stamp in your passport. Instead, your visa will exist online as something called an eVisa, which will be linked to your passport and managed through your UKVI account.
Wait, What Exactly Is an eVisa?
Think of it as your digital visa identity. An eVisa is a secure online record of your UK immigration status. Instead of having a sticker in your passport, you’ll use a UKVI online account to:
- Prove your right to enter or remain in the UK
- Share your immigration status with landlords, employers, or universities
- Check your visa details anytime
Your passport number will be digitally linked to your visa. When you travel, immigration officers will scan your passport and pull up your eVisa details from the system — no physical sticker required.
Who Does This Apply To?
You will get an eVisa (no passport sticker) if:
- You’re applying as the main applicant under one of these routes:
- Student Visa
- Skilled Worker
- Global Talent
- Youth Mobility Scheme
- Temporary Worker
- International Sportsperson
- Graduate Route or High Potential Individual (HPI)
You may still get a physical visa (for now) if:
- You’re applying as a dependent (spouse/child)
- You’re coming under visit, family, or settlement routes
This rollout is stage-wise, but for most international students starting courses in September 2025 or later, eVisa is the new normal.
What You Need to Do Differently
Here’s how the process looks now:
Old Way (Before July 15, 2025):
- Submit biometrics
- Hand over passport
- Wait for sticker (vignette)
- Travel with passport + visa
New Way (After July 15, 2025):
- Submit biometrics
- Keep your passport
- Wait for UKVI approval
- Create a UKVI account
- Receive eVisa linked to your passport
- Travel with your passport (no sticker) + optional eVisa printout or screenshot
You no longer have to worry about visa stickers getting smudged, lost, or delayed.
What About the CAS and Credibility Interviews?
This doesn’t change university-level requirements like:
- Receiving your CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies)
- Attending credibility interviews to prove your intent and readiness to study
- Uploading financial documents, language scores, or academic transcripts
In fact, with increasing visa scrutiny across countries like India, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Bangladesh — many UK universities are tightening their internal checks before issuing a CAS. Expect more credibility interviews and document verifications as part of their quality assurance process.
But once your CAS is issued and visa approved, your entry clearance process will now be digital.
What Happens at the Airport?
If you’re nervous about not having a visa in your passport when you arrive at Heathrow or Gatwick — don’t be.
Here’s what border officers will check:
- Your passport
- Your eVisa (which they’ll access electronically)
- Your enrolment letter or CAS, in some cases
- Proof of funds or accommodation, if asked
Pro tip: Carry a printed PDF of your UKVI account status or a screenshot on your phone. Just in case someone asks — it helps.
Why Is the UK Doing This?
This is part of the UK government’s broader strategy to:
- Modernise and digitise immigration systems
- Eliminate forgery risks associated with physical documents
- Make immigration status easier to access and prove
The goal is that by the end of 2025, all UK visa holders — including those with BRPs (Biometric Residence Permits) — will transition to a fully digital system.
How Erudmite Helps Students Prepare
At Erudmite, we’ve already started preparing our students for this new reality. We:
- Guide you step-by-step on how to create and manage your UKVI account
- Offer mock credibility interviews to help you pass university checks
- Double-check your CAS application documents for errors
- Educate families on what to expect from this new visa system
Whether you’re applying from the UAE, India, Nigeria, Egypt, Pakistan, or elsewhere — our team ensures you’re ready for both the university admission and the UKVI process.
And remember — we never outsource your journey to third parties. You get direct, personalised support.
Final Thoughts: It’s Just a System You Still Need Strategy
The shift to eVisas doesn’t reduce the importance of:
- Picking the right course
- Having a clear purpose in your SOP
- Preparing for university checks
- Ensuring your post-study goals are realistic
Technology might simplify logistics. But clarity, credibility, and career alignment are still the core of a successful international education journey.
And that’s exactly what Erudmite stands for.
FAQ
Q1. Do I need to give biometrics with an eVisa?
Yes, biometric data collection remains a mandatory part of the process.
Q2. Will I get any visa stamp on my passport?
No. From July 15, 2025, eligible applicants will not receive any visa vignette in the passport.
Q3. What if I change my passport after getting the eVisa?
You must update your UKVI account with the new passport number to ensure your visa remains valid.
Q4. Is the eVisa accepted at all UK airports?
Yes, all UK border control points are integrated with the eVisa system.
Q5. What if there’s a technical issue at the airport?
Always carry a printed or digital copy of your eVisa and CAS details as backup.
Q6. Can dependants also get eVisas?
Not yet. As of now, dependants still receive physical vignettes, but this may change in future phases.
Q7. Is there a deadline to switch from a BRP to an eVisa?
Yes. Those already in the UK must transition to eVisa by 31 December 2024.
Q8. How can Erudmite help me with the eVisa process?
We guide you through every step — from university application to visa approval to post-arrival support.
