UK eVisa for Indian Students in 2026: How the Digital Visa Works

If you’re planning to study in the UK in 2026, you’ll likely encounter one of the biggest changes to the UK’s immigration system in recent years—the eVisa. Instead of relying on a physical immigration document like the Biometric Residence Permit (BRP), many international students now prove their immigration status digitally through an online UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account.

For Indian students, understanding how the eVisa works is just as important as obtaining a university offer or Student visa. Your digital immigration status may be required when you travel, enrol at university, rent accommodation, or demonstrate your right to study or work in accordance with your visa conditions.

If you’re preparing for your higher education journey, our complete guide to studying in the UK explains university admissions, Student visas, accommodation, scholarships, and everything you need to know before moving abroad.

In this guide, we’ll explain what the UK eVisa is, why BRPs are being phased out, how to set up your UKVI account, and what Indian students should know before travelling.

Quick Answer: What Is a UK eVisa?

A UK eVisa is a digital record of your immigration status held by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). Instead of relying solely on a physical immigration document, eligible visa holders can access and manage their immigration status online through a UKVI account.

Your eVisa confirms your permission to stay in the UK and allows you to prove your immigration status digitally when required, such as for study, work, or renting accommodation.

What Is a UK eVisa?

An eVisa is not a separate visa category. It is simply the digital version of your immigration status.

When your Student visa application is approved, your permission to stay in the UK may be recorded electronically and linked to your UKVI account.

Through this online account, you can:

• View your immigration status.
• Check your visa conditions.
• Confirm the validity of your permission.
• Generate a share code when you need to prove your status to authorised organisations.

Unlike a physical document, an eVisa can be accessed online whenever required, provided your account information is up to date.

Why Has the UK Replaced BRPs?

For many years, international students received a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) after arriving in the UK. This plastic card acted as proof of immigration status.

The UK Government is now moving towards a fully digital immigration system by replacing physical BRPs with eVisas for most visa holders.

The change aims to:

• Reduce reliance on physical documents.
• Make immigration records easier to access online.
• Improve security by maintaining digital records.
• Simplify the process of proving immigration status to authorised organisations.

Although many BRPs have been phased out, students should always follow the latest instructions issued by UKVI regarding their individual immigration status and travel documentation.

BRP vs eVisa: What’s the Difference?

The key difference is that your immigration status now exists primarily in a secure digital format rather than on a physical card.

Who Needs a UK eVisa?

The eVisa system is relevant for many people who hold UK immigration permission, including international students.

Depending on your circumstances, you may:

• Apply for a Student visa with digital immigration status.
• Transition from an existing BRP to an eVisa.
• Use your UKVI account to access your immigration record.

Not every applicant will have identical documentation, so always follow the instructions included with your visa decision.

Students planning different UK education opportunities should carefully read all communications from UKVI and their university before travelling.

How Does the UK eVisa System Work?

The process is designed to be straightforward.

Step 1: Apply for Your Student Visa

After receiving your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from your university, you’ll submit your Student visa application.

Step 2: Receive Your Immigration Decision

If your application is successful, UKVI will notify you of your immigration permission and explain how to access your digital status if applicable.

Step 3: Create or Access Your UKVI Account

You’ll use your UKVI account to:

• View your immigration status.
• Check visa details.
• Update certain personal information where permitted.
• Generate share codes when necessary.

Step 4: Use Your eVisa When Required

Your digital immigration record can be used to demonstrate your permission to:

• Study.
• Work within your visa conditions.
• Rent accommodation where required.
• Confirm your immigration status to authorised organisations.

How to Set Up Your UKVI Account

Setting up your UKVI account is an important step for students using the eVisa system.

Although the exact process may vary depending on your circumstances, it generally involves the following steps:

Create or Sign In

Visit the official UK Government website and create your UKVI account or sign in using your existing credentials.

Verify Your Identity

You may be asked to verify your identity using:

• Your passport.
• Your visa application details.
• Other information requested by UKVI.

Link Your Immigration Status

Once your identity has been confirmed, your immigration permission can be linked to your online account, allowing you to access your eVisa securely.

Check Your Details Carefully

Before travelling, review your account to ensure that important information—such as your name, passport details, and visa validity—is accurate.

If you notice any discrepancies, contact UKVI promptly using the official guidance rather than waiting until your arrival in the UK.

Why Keeping Your Passport Details Updated Matters

Your eVisa is linked to your identity. If you renew your passport or change personal details, you should update your UKVI account where instructed.

Keeping your information current helps avoid unnecessary complications when:

• Boarding your flight.
• Passing through UK border checks.
• Accessing university services.
• Demonstrating your immigration status.

Taking a few minutes to verify your account before departure can help ensure a smoother travel experience.

Accessing and Managing Your eVisa

Once your UKVI account has been set up, you can access your eVisa online whenever you need to check your immigration status.

Through your UKVI account, you can typically:

• View your immigration status.
• Check your visa conditions.
• Confirm the expiry date of your permission (where applicable).
• Update certain personal details, such as a new passport, following UKVI guidance.
• Generate a share code to prove your immigration status to authorised organisations.

It’s good practice to log in periodically, especially before travelling, to ensure your information is accurate and linked to your current passport.

How to Prove Your Immigration Status

Unlike the previous BRP system, you generally won’t rely on a physical residence card to prove your immigration status. Instead, you’ll use your eVisa together with your UKVI account.

When an authorised organisation needs to verify your status, you may be asked to generate a share code through the official UK Government service.

The organisation can then use that code, along with your date of birth, to securely view the relevant immigration information.

This digital process is designed to make proving your status quicker and more secure than presenting a physical document.

Sharing Your Immigration Status with Your University

Most universities need to verify that international students have the appropriate immigration permission before enrolment.

Depending on your institution’s procedures, you may be asked to provide:

• Your passport.
• Your visa or eVisa details.
• Your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) reference.
• A share code, if requested.

Every university has its own enrolment process, so follow the instructions provided by your admissions or international student team.

If you’re exploring different UK study options, remember that universities may have slightly different document verification procedures.

Sharing Your Status with Landlords

Many landlords and accommodation providers must complete Right to Rent checks before a tenancy begins.

If you’re renting private accommodation, the landlord may ask you to prove your immigration status.

This is commonly done by:

1. Generating a share code through your UKVI account.
2. Providing the share code to the landlord.
3. Allowing the landlord to verify your immigration status using the official UK Government online service.

Student accommodation operated directly by universities may have different procedures, so check with your accommodation provider in advance.

Sharing Your Status with Employers

International students are often permitted to work within the conditions of their Student visa.

When applying for part-time jobs, internships, or graduate opportunities, employers may need to verify your right to work.

Instead of requesting a physical immigration document, many employers now complete this verification digitally using a share code provided by the applicant.

This helps employers confirm:

• Your immigration status.
• Your right to work.
• Any applicable work restrictions.

Always ensure that any employment complies with the conditions of your Student visa.

Travelling with an eVisa

Although your immigration status is digital, travel still requires careful preparation.

Before leaving for the UK—or returning after travelling abroad—you should:

• Carry the passport linked to your UKVI account.
• Check that your passport details are correct in your account.
• Confirm that your immigration status is accessible online.
• Keep copies of your university admission documents and accommodation confirmation.

Many students also keep printed copies of important documents for convenience, even when their immigration status is digital.

Our comprehensive guide to study in UK for international students includes additional advice on preparing for arrival, accommodation, and settling into university life.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Although the eVisa system is designed to simplify immigration, a few avoidable mistakes can cause unnecessary delays.

Not Creating a UKVI Account Promptly

If UKVI instructs you to create an account, complete the process as soon as possible rather than waiting until your travel date.

Forgetting to Update Passport Details

If you renew or replace your passport, follow the official guidance to update your UKVI account so your immigration status remains linked to the correct travel document.

Losing Access to Your Login Details

Keep your login credentials secure and ensure you can access the email address associated with your UKVI account.

Waiting Until the Airport to Check Your Status

Log in before travelling to confirm that your eVisa is visible and your personal information is accurate.

Sharing Information Through Unofficial Channels

Only access your immigration status through the official UK Government website. Avoid sharing sensitive account information with unauthorised individuals or third-party websites.

Practical Tips for Indian Students

To make your journey smoother:

• Save digital copies of your passport, CAS, and university documents.
• Keep your passport valid throughout your studies.
• Store emergency contact details separately from your luggage.
• Monitor emails from your university and UKVI for important updates.
• Familiarise yourself with the process for generating a share code before you need one.

Being proactive can save time during enrolment, accommodation checks, and future employment applications.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is an eVisa the same as a Student visa?

No. Your Student visa is your immigration permission, while an eVisa is the digital record that allows you to view and prove that permission online.

Will I receive a BRP in 2026?

Many visa holders are now using the digital eVisa system instead of a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP). The documentation you receive depends on your individual circumstances and the latest UKVI guidance.

Do I still need to carry my passport?

Yes. Your passport remains an essential travel document and should match the passport linked to your UKVI account.

What is a share code?

A share code is a temporary code generated through your UKVI account that allows authorised organisations—such as universities, employers, or landlords—to verify your immigration status securely online.

Can I access my eVisa outside the UK?

Yes. Your UKVI account can generally be accessed online, allowing you to view your immigration status before travelling or while overseas, provided you have internet access and your account credentials.

What should I do if my passport changes?

If you obtain a new passport, follow the official UKVI guidance to update your account promptly so your eVisa remains linked to your current travel document.

Final Thoughts

The UK’s move from physical BRPs to a digital eVisa represents a significant step towards modernising the immigration system. For Indian students beginning their studies in 2026, understanding how the eVisa works is just as important as preparing your university application or Student visa.

By creating your UKVI account, keeping your passport information up to date, and learning how to generate share codes when required, you’ll be better prepared to enrol at university, secure accommodation, and manage your immigration status confidently throughout your studies.

If you’re planning your journey to the UK, explore our complete guide to higher education in the UK for expert advice on admissions, visas, scholarships, accommodation, and student life.