How to Create a UKVI Account and Access Your eVisa (2026 Guide)

What is a UKVI account?

A UKVI account is your online account with UK Visas and Immigration. It is where you view your eVisa, the digital record of your immigration status that has replaced physical documents such as the BRP. From the account you can generate share codes to prove your status to employers and landlords, update your details and report problems with your eVisa.

Do you need a UKVI account?

Yes, if you have any UK visa or settled status. GOV.UK says everyone with an eVisa needs a UKVI account to access it, including dependants such as children. If you applied recently, you may have created an account during the application; if you held a BRP, you need to create one to move to an eVisa.

What do you need to create a UKVI account?

You need a phone number and an email address you can access, and one identity document: a valid passport together with your visa application number (a GWF or UAN reference), a valid passport with your BRP number, or an expired BRP that is still within 24 months of expiry and before 31 December 2026.

• Phone and email: used to sign in; you can use another person's details when helping a child.
• Identity document: one of the three options above.
• Smartphone (usually): to confirm your identity in the app. If you do not have one, or lack valid documents, GOV.UK offers an alternative route.

How to create a UKVI account step by step

Open the GOV.UK eVisa service, choose to create a UKVI account, enter your identity document details, add your email and phone number, then confirm your identity, usually by scanning your document and face in the smartphone app. Once your identity is confirmed, the account is linked to your eVisa and you can sign in to view your status.

1. 1

   Go to the GOV.UK eVisa page

   Start from Get access to your eVisa on GOV.UK. Avoid third-party sites offering paid account creation.

2. 2

   Enter your identity document

   Passport with your GWF/UAN or BRP number, or your expired BRP.

3. 3

   Add your contact details

   Set your email address and phone number for sign-in codes.

4. 4

   Confirm your identity

   Usually by scanning your document and taking a photo in the app on your smartphone.

5. 5

   Link to your eVisa

   Your account connects to your immigration record.

6. 6

   Sign in and check your details

   View your eVisa and report any errors straight away.

Can you create a UKVI account without a BRP?

Yes. If you do not have a BRP, you can use a valid passport together with your visa application number (GWF or UAN). If you have neither a valid identity document nor a smartphone, GOV.UK provides an alternative way to confirm your identity, so you are not locked out.

How to create a UKVI account for a child

A parent or guardian creates the child's account using their own phone number and email address, with the child's identity document. When the child can manage the account themselves, or turns 18, update it with their own email and phone number. Each family member needs their own account.

What can you do in your UKVI account?

• View your eVisa and the conditions of your stay.
• Get a share code to prove your right to work or rent.
• Update your details, such as a new passport, email or phone number.
• Report an error in your eVisa.

Keep your passport details up to date in the account, because your eVisa is linked to the passport you travel with.

Applying for your next visa?

Extensions, settlement and citizenship applications usually need an approved English test. See the IELTS requirements for UK visas and our overview of UK visa types.

How to sign in to your UKVI account

Sign in through the GOV.UK eVisa pages using the identity document and the email or phone number you registered with; you will receive a one-time code to confirm it is you. If you have changed your phone number or email, update them in the account so you do not lose access.

How to prove your immigration status with a share code

From your UKVI account you can generate a share code that lets an employer, landlord or other organisation check your status online. You choose what you are proving, such as your right to work or right to rent, and give the organisation the code and your date of birth.

1. 1

   Sign in to your UKVI account

   Use the GOV.UK eVisa service.

2. 2

   Choose what you need to prove

   For example, right to work or right to rent.

3. 3

   Generate the share code

   Give it to the employer or landlord with your date of birth.

Travelling with an eVisa

Your eVisa is linked to your passport. Before you travel, check that the passport you will use is the one shown in your UKVI account; if you have a new passport, update it in the account first. Carriers and border officers check your status digitally against your passport.

What if your eVisa details are wrong?

Report the error from within your UKVI account as soon as you see it. Wrong names, dates or conditions can cause problems with employers, landlords and travel, so do not wait until you need to prove your status.

Why BRPs were replaced by eVisas

The Home Office has moved from physical documents such as biometric residence permits (BRPs) to eVisas, a digital record of your immigration status that you access through your UKVI account. An expired BRP can still be used to create your account for 24 months after it expired or until 31 December 2026, whichever comes first.

Do not wait until you need to travel, start a new job or rent a home. Creating your account early gives you time to fix any problem with your identity check or eVisa details.