How to create a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account and get access to your eVisa

Summary

This video tutorial guides individuals through creating a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account to access their eVisa as the UK transitions to a digital immigration system. It outlines the prerequisites, including a BRP number or application number, and the steps to set up the account, confirm identity using the 'UK Immigration: ID Check' app, and link the account to the eVisa. The process ensures a smooth travel experience and can be completed with the help of family or friends, emphasizing the importance of accurate documentation for immigration verification.

Takeaways

• 🇬🇧 The UK is transitioning to a digital immigration system, replacing physical documents with eVisas.
• 🔍 If you have a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) or vignette visa sticker, this video will guide you on accessing your eVisa.
• 🆔 To create a UKVI account, you'll need your BRP number or application number, which starts with 'GWF' or is referred to as a UAN.
• 📧 Your application number was provided via email or post during your visa application process.
• 👪 A family member or friend can assist you in setting up your UKVI account.
• 📱 You'll need a device with internet access, your identity document (BRP or passport), your BRP or application number, your date of birth, an email address, and a mobile phone number.
• 📸 The 'UK Immigration: ID Check' app is required to confirm your identity by scanning your document and taking a photo of your face.
• 🔗 The process involves three steps: creating an account, confirming your identity, and linking your account to your eVisa.
• 🔗 If you can't complete the process, you'll receive an email to resume where you left off.
• ✈️ Ensure your travel document is linked to your eVisa before leaving the UK to avoid issues when re-entering.

Q & A

Why is the UK moving towards digital immigration status documents?

The UK is transitioning to a digital system to replace physical documents like the Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) and vignette visa stickers, making the process more efficient and secure.

What is an eVisa and how does it relate to my immigration status in the UK?

An eVisa is an online record of your immigration status and the conditions for you to stay in the UK. It serves as a digital equivalent to a physical document and does not change your current immigration status.

What are the prerequisites for creating a UKVI account?

To create a UKVI account, you need your BRP number or application number (which might be called a UAN or start with GWF), a copy of which was sent to you during the visa application process.

What should I do if I don't have a BRP number or application number?

If you don't have the required numbers, you should visit GOV.UK/eVisa for advice on the next steps to take.

Can someone else help me create a UKVI account?

Yes, a family member or a friend can assist you in creating a UKVI account.

What equipment and information do I need to start creating my UKVI account?

You need a device with internet access, your identity document (BRP or passport), your BRP or application number, your date of birth, your email address, a mobile phone number, and access to the 'UK Immigration: ID Check' app.

How do I create a UKVI account if I received instructions to do so?

Follow the instructions provided in the letter or email, or go to GOV.UK/eVisa to access the Create a UKVI account service, fill in your details, and click 'Create account'.

What is the purpose of the 'UK Immigration: ID Check' app during the account creation process?

The app is used to confirm your identity by scanning a QR code with your smartphone's camera or by using a connection code. It also helps verify your document's information and takes a facial picture for proof of your immigration status.

How do I link my account to my eVisa after confirming my identity?

You need to complete all sections on the task list and confirm that you have read the declaration before clicking 'Submit'. You will then receive an email when your eVisa is ready to view.

What should I do if I cannot finish confirming my identity or linking my account to my eVisa?

If you are unable to complete the process, an email link will be sent to you so you can resume where you left off.

How do I ensure a smooth journey when returning to the UK after traveling abroad?

Check that your current travel document is linked to your eVisa by using the 'Update your UK Visas and Immigration account details' service on GOV.UK before you travel.

Where can I find support or more information about eVisas and their impact on me?

Visit GOV.UK/eVisa for support and more information about eVisas and how they will affect you.

Outlines

00:00

📝 Creating a UKVI Account and eVisa Access Guide

This paragraph provides a step-by-step guide on how to create a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account and access your electronic visa (eVisa). It highlights the shift from physical documents like the Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) to digital eVisas. The process requires a BRP number or application number, which can be found in emails or post correspondence related to visa applications. It also mentions the need for a device with internet access, an identity document, date of birth, email address, and a mobile phone number. Additionally, it introduces the 'UK Immigration: ID Check' app, which is crucial for identity confirmation and linking the account to the eVisa. The paragraph outlines three main steps: account creation, identity confirmation using the app, and linking the account to the eVisa by completing the task list and submitting the declaration. It also advises checking the travel document linkage to the eVisa before traveling outside the UK and provides a resource for further support or information.

Keywords

💡UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI)

UK Visas and Immigration is the division of the UK government responsible for managing the country's border and immigration system. In the context of the video, UKVI is transitioning to a digital system, which includes the creation of eVisas to replace physical documents. The video's main theme revolves around guiding individuals on how to create a UKVI account to access their eVisa.

💡eVisa

An eVisa is an electronic version of a visa, serving as an online record of an individual's immigration status and the conditions for staying in the UK. The video explains that physical documents like the Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) are being replaced by eVisas, emphasizing the digital transformation of the UK's immigration system.

💡Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)

The Biometric Residence Permit is a physical document that serves as proof of an individual's immigration status in the UK. The video mentions that BRPs are being phased out in favor of eVisas, and individuals with a BRP will need to create a UKVI account to access their corresponding eVisa.

💡Application number

The application number, which may also be referred to as a UAN or start with GWF, is a unique identifier created during the visa application process. It is required to create a UKVI account, as mentioned in the video, and is an essential part of accessing one's eVisa.

💡UK Immigration: ID Check app

The UK Immigration: ID Check app is a mobile application that plays a crucial role in the process of creating a UKVI account. As described in the video, the app is used to confirm an individual's identity by scanning a QR code or using a connection code, and it captures a facial image to link to the eVisa.

💡Identity document

An identity document, such as a passport or BRP, is a form of identification used to verify an individual's identity. In the video, it is mentioned that applicants need to have their identity document handy during the account creation process to confirm their identity using the ID Check app.

💡Digital transformation

Digital transformation refers to the shift from traditional, physical methods to digital, online processes. The video discusses the UK border and immigration system's digital transformation, where physical documents like BRPs are being replaced by digital eVisas, making the immigration process more efficient and accessible.

💡Task list

A task list in the context of the video refers to the series of steps or sections that an individual must complete to link their account to their eVisa. Completing the task list is part of the process of confirming one's identity and accessing their eVisa through the UKVI account.

💡Declaration

In the video, a declaration is a statement that individuals must confirm they have read and understood before submitting their application to link their account to their eVisa. This is part of the final step in the account creation process, ensuring that applicants are aware of the information they are providing.

💡Travel document

A travel document, as mentioned in the video, is an essential item that individuals must check to ensure it is linked to their eVisa before traveling outside the UK. This is to guarantee a smooth journey when re-entering the country, and the video advises using the 'Update your UK Visas and Immigration account details' service for this purpose.

💡GOV.UK/eVisa

GOV.UK/eVisa is the official website provided in the video for individuals seeking advice or more information on creating a UKVI account or understanding eVisas. It serves as a resource for those who need guidance on the digital immigration process in the UK.

Highlights

The UK border and immigration system is becoming digital with eVisas replacing physical documents.

Physical proof of immigration status such as BRP or vignette visa stickers are being phased out.

This video tutorial guides on creating a UKVI account to access eVisas.

An eVisa is an online record of immigration status and conditions for staying in the UK.

Creating a UKVI account does not affect current immigration status.

To create an account, you need a BRP number or application number, which starts with GWF or is a UAN.

If you lack the required numbers, visit GOV.UK/eVisa for advice.

A family member or friend can assist in creating a UKVI account.

A device with internet access, identity document, BRP/Application number, date of birth, email, and mobile number are required.

The 'UK Immigration: ID Check' app is necessary for identity confirmation and can be found on app stores.

If unable to download the app, permission to use someone else's smartphone is needed.

The process to create a UKVI account involves three steps: account creation, identity confirmation, and eVisa linking.

Instructions or the GOV.UK/eVisa site are used to start the account creation.

The UK Immigration: ID Check app uses QR code scanning or a connection code for identity confirmation.

A clear photo is required for identity confirmation, similar to a passport photo.

Completing task list sections and submitting the declaration links the account to the eVisa.

An email notification is received when the eVisa is ready for viewing, which may take a few days.

If identity confirmation or eVisa linking is incomplete, an email link is provided to resume the process.

The eVisa is linked to the identity document used for account creation.

For travel outside the UK, ensure the current travel document is linked to the eVisa for smooth re-entry.

Use the 'Update your UK Visas and Immigration account details' service on GOV.UK for document updates.

Support and information about eVisas can be found on GOV.UK/eVisa.

Transcripts

How to create a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI)  account and get access to your eVisa.  

The UK border and immigration system is  becoming digital. Physical documents are  

being replaced by eVisas. If you currently have physical  

proof of your immigration status –  such as a Biometric Residence Permit,  

or BRP – or another immigration status document  – like a vignette visa sticker inside your  

passport – then this video is for you. This video will show you how to create your  

UKVI account, so you can access your eVisa. What you need to create your UKVI account.

Your eVisa is an online record of your  immigration status and the conditions for  

you to stay in the UK. Creating an account won’t  affect your current immigration status.

To create your UKVI account, you will need your  BRP number or application number – this might be  

called a UAN, or start with the letters GWF. Your application number was automatically created  

during the visa application process. A copy  of it will have been sent to you by email or  

post. If you do not have any of the above, go  to GOV.UK/eVisa for advice on what to do.

A family member or a friend can  help you create a UKVI account.

To get started, here’s what you need: A smartphone, laptop or any device with

internet access, you can borrow  someone else’s if needed.

Your identity document: This can  be your BRP or your passport.

Your BRP or Application number. Your date of birth.

Your email address. A mobile phone number; and

Access to the 'UK Immigration: ID Check' app,  which you can find in the Google Play Store or  

App Store. If you cannot download the app, you  can use a friend or family member’s smartphone,  

with their permission. How to create your UKVI account

There are three steps you need to take to create  a UKVI account and access your eVisa:

Step 1 – Create a UKVI account If you received a letter or email

telling you to create an account, follow the  instructions or go to GOV.UK/eVisa to access

the Create a UKVI account service. Fill in your details and click Create

account. You will then get confirmation -  via an email - that your UKVI account has

been created and you can Sign in. Step 2 – Confirm your identity

by using the UK Immigration: ID Check  app and following the instructions.  

If you are using a computer, laptop, or tablet  you will need to download the app on a smartphone  

and use the smartphone’s camera to scan a  QR code. Or, you can request a connection  

code to connect to the app instead. The app will ask you to take a picture

of your BRP or passport, check your document’s  information and take a picture of your face.

When taking the picture take the same care you  would when taking a passport photo; this will be  

used to prove your immigration status. Step 3 – Link your account to your eVisa

To do this, you will need to complete  all the sections on the task list.

Then, confirm you have read the  declaration and click Submit.

You will then receive an email when  your eVisa is ready to view and in some 

cases this could take up to a few days. If you are unable to finish confirming your  

identity or linking your account to your eVisa  we will send you an email link so you can start  

where you left off. And finally,

when your account is created, your  eVisa will be linked to the identity  

document you used to create your account. If you are planning to travel outside the UK  

you must check your current travel document  is linked to your eVisa before you travel;  

this will ensure you have the smoothest journey  when boarding to return to the UK.

You can do this by using the ‘Update your  UK Visas and Immigration account details’  

service, which you can find on GOV.UK. If you need support creating your account or  

want more information about how eVisas  will affect you, visit GOV.UK/eVisa