UKVI eVisa shift: visa stickers to end later in 2026

UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) has updated its official guidance confirming that eVisas will replace visa vignette stickers (passport “stickers”) in 2026, and that later in 2026 the UK will stop issuing visa stickers altogether—meaning successful applicants will only receive an eVisa (a digital record of immigration status). The guidance was updated on January 12, 2026.

For Indian students planning to study in the UK, the shift matters because travel and status proof will increasingly depend on having a UKVI account and ensuring the correct passport/travel document details are linked to the eVisa before flying.

Key changes UKVI has confirmed

UKVI’s update says that from 12 January 2026, most people granted a visit visa (and some other visa types) will be told they will get an eVisa as well as a visa sticker. It also says that many people who already have a valid visa sticker issued before 12 January will be able to access an eVisa via their UKVI account.

The same guidance makes two time-bound points that are important for students and dependants:

• From 30 October 2025: If you (or your dependants) make a successful application for certain work, study and family visas, or settlement, you may not get a visa sticker. Instead, you’ll need to access your eVisa through your UKVI account to see what permission you’ve been granted before you travel.
• Later in 2026: UKVI will stop issuing visa stickers, and successful applicants will receive only an eVisa.

UKVI also notes that eVisas have already replaced visa stickers for some main applicants on work and study visas for applications made on or after 15 July 2025.

What is an eVisa and how students will use it

UKVI describes an eVisa as a digital record of your identity, immigration status and conditions (for example, whether you can work or study). The government says eVisas are replacing physical immigration documents, including vignettes (stickers) in passports.

Students will typically need to:

• Set up (or sign in to) a UKVI account to access their eVisa.
• Use the online service to view their status and generate a share code when proving immigration status for work, renting, etc.
• Add or update passport/travel document details in their UKVI account so their eVisa can be used for travel.

UKVI account access: what changed in the Jan 12 update

UKVI’s January 12 update includes an “access expansion” point: people can now create a UKVI account to access an eVisa if they were:

• issued with a Form for affixing a visa (FAV), or
• granted a visa extension but do not have a valid identity document (such as a passport or expired BRP).

Separately, GOV.UK’s step-by-step guidance clarifies that:

• Dependants need their own UKVI accounts to access their own eVisas.

If you already have a UKVI account (for example via the UK Immigration ID Check app, EU Settlement Scheme, or BRP/BRC replacement), you should not create another one.

Next steps for Indian students applying in 2026

• Expect a digital-first outcome: As the UK phases out stickers, keep an eye on UKVI instructions in your decision email about how to access your eVisa.
• Set up your UKVI account early and ensure your passport details are linked, especially before travel.
• If travelling with dependants: ensure each dependant has their own UKVI account and can access their own eVisa.