UK eVisa Digital System: What Employers Need to Know About the UKVI Account Transition

The UK government has completed the phase-out of physical immigration documents, such as Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) and visa vignettes (stickers), fully replacing them with digital eVisas. This transition to a completely digital UKVI immigration system is now in effect as of 2026, significantly impacting employers who sponsor and manage foreign workers in the UK. For HR and mobility managers, adapting to this digital framework is critical for maintaining compliance, conducting efficient right-to-work checks, and ensuring smooth operations for sponsored employees.

What Is the UK eVisa Digital Immigration System?

The UK Home Office has implemented a fully digital immigration process where all visa holders receive an online eVisa linked directly to their passport. This eVisa serves as the sole proof of immigration status, replacing physical documents entirely. Visa holders access, view, update, and share their status through a secure UKVI account.

The shift eliminates paper-based risks, streamlines border and status checks, and makes the system more secure and efficient for both individuals and employers. The transition, which began in phases from 2023–2024, reached full implementation in 2026, with no new physical documents issued.

What Employers and HRs Need to Do

With the digital system fully live in 2026, HR and mobility teams must prioritize these steps to avoid compliance issues:

1. Confirm UKVI account setup. Ensure all sponsored employees (former BRP holders) have created and linked their UKVI accounts to access their eVisa. Accounts can still be set up using expired BRPs in some transitional cases (up to around mid-2026), but digital access is now mandatory.
2. Maintain passport alignment. eVisas are tied to the passport number used at grant. Employees must promptly update their UKVI account if they renew or replace their passport to avoid mismatches during checks or travel.
3. Shift to digital right-to-work verification. Replace physical document checks with online verification: employees generate a share code via their UKVI account, which employers use to confirm status instantly.
4. Revise internal processes and systems. Update HR platforms, onboarding procedures, and compliance workflows to integrate eVisa/share code checks instead of scanning or storing physical documents.
5. Guide and support employees. Many global workers may still need assistance navigating the UKVI portal. Provide resources, training, and reminders to prevent disruptions in employment, travel, or extensions.

Why the eVisa Transition Matters for Employers

The fully digital system offers significant advantages: quicker right-to-work verifications, lower risk of lost or fraudulent documents, enhanced data accuracy, and simplified audits. However, non-adaptation risks compliance breaches, fines, sponsorship licence issues, or onboarding delays for sponsored staff.

Proactive employers who train teams, communicate clearly with employees, and integrate digital tools demonstrate robust immigration governance and position themselves as leaders in global talent management.

How Jobbatical Helps HR Teams Prepare

At Jobbatical, we support employers through the complete shift to digital immigration systems like the UK eVisa. Our platform manages sponsored employee data, tracks compliance requirements, and streamlines verification processes to keep your HR team compliant amid policy changes.

With our technology and expertise, we simplify visa sponsorship, status monitoring, and relocation—so your focus stays on attracting and developing global talent, not navigating paperwork.

Disclaimer:

Immigration laws and policies change frequently and may vary by country or nationality. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we recommend doing your own due diligence or consulting official sources. You're also welcome to contact us directly for the latest guidance. Jobbatical is not responsible for decisions made based on the information provided.