Setting up your eVisa

Get ready to start

You’ll need the following to set up your eVisa:

• a valid passport
• a contact phone number and email address
• your visa application number – this can be a Global Web Form (GWF) number or a Unique Application Number(UAN)

You’ll be asked to use an app to confirm your identity. If you don’t have access to a smartphone or the app, there are alternative ways to do this.

Step 1: Create a UKVI account

Watch the Home Office’s help videos for detailed instructions. 

• Go to the GOV.UK's webpage to set up a UKVI account.
• Select Create a UKVI Account.
  You’ll be asked to confirm:
  • when your visa was granted
  • if you have pre-settled or settled status
  • your visa application reference number
• Click Create an Account. Then complete your personal details:
  • Name
  • Country of nationality
  • Passport details
  • Date of birth
  • Email address and mobile phone number, for two-factor authentication
  • Optionally, someone else who can access your account

Check the details carefully when creating the account, particularly the passport information and the date format before clicking on Create Account. 

Step 2: Confirm your identity

After creating your account, you’ll receive an email with instructions to link your eVisa. 

Most students will use the UK Immigration: ID Check app to confirm their identity. If you don’t have access to a smartphone, you can choose an alternative method – this may take longer.

Use the app to:

• Upload a clear photo of your passport’s biodata page.
• Scan your passport’s biometric chip. If it does not scan, try again. There should be an option to continue if you can’t scan.
• Complete a facial scan and take a photograph. This is the photograph shown on your eVisa. Stand in front of a plain background and look directly at the camera.

After this, you’ll be directed back to the online form to finish linking your eVisa. You can now delete the ID check app.

Step 3: Complete the form

Fill in the following sections:

• Confirm your application number
• Your location
• Contact preferences
• Account security questions

After submitting the form, you’ll receive a confirmation email. You’ll receive another email when the eVisa is ready to view. This may take a few minutes or up to five days. 

Step 4: View and share your eVisa

When your eVisa is available, you can generate a share code to prove your immigration status. 

You can also update your details through your UKVI account. 
If any of the information in your eVisa is incorrect, please report the errors online.

Travel to the UK with your eVisa

Before travelling to the UK, check that your eVisa details are correct, and generate a share code.

An eVisa is different from an electronic travel authorisation (ETA). An ETA allows people who do not need a visa to travel to the UK for up to six months.

Common problems

The app doesn't let you link your eVisa

If you can’t link your eVisa because the app says you’re already logged in, make sure you have closed any open UKVI webpages. Check all your browser tabs, you may have opened multiple UKVI webpages on different tabs.

If it continues to say you are logged in, you can:

• Create a UKVI account again. This may recognise a duplicate and redirect you into the account to finish linking the eVisa.
• Click the link to view your eVisa. This may direct you to a page with a link to finish linking your eVisa.

The app fails to scan your passport 

Try removing your phone case. The 'chip scan' part of the process is not a required step, but it can speed up the request. There should be an option to click if you are unable to scan, and the eVisa should still be created.

Your details have changed

If you are in the UK, update your details online on the GOV.UK website. 

If you are outside the UK, you have a new passport and only the passport number has changed, you need to update it on your UKVI account before you travel. 

You’ll need to apply for a temporary visa to enter the UK if any of your personal details have changed, such as: 

• name
• nationality
• date of birth
• sex

You’ll be able to update your UKVI account when you’re in the UK. 

Your eVisa is not visible in your account

After linking your eVisa, it can take several days for it to show on your UKVI account. If you cannot see your eVisa details after several days, you should report this directly to the Home Office using the Report an error with your eVisa form.

Your studies will end early

If you stop studying, the University will report this to UKVI and your permission may be cancelled according to current rules. The eVisa will be updated accordingly to reflect any cancellation decision. You will be notified by the Home Office of the cancellation of your permission using the most recent contact details, so it is important to keep your UKVI account details up to date.

Expired Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)

If you currently use the BRP number to sign in to your UKVI account, you should update the identity document on your account to your passport, so that you can sign in with your passport number instead of the BRP number. 

You should keep your expired BRP card for your records. 

Available support and guidance

The UKVI provide the following support:

• a step-by-step guide for people accessing their eVisa
• a variety of help videos, including how to create a UKVI account, update your account, view your immigration status, and travel with your eVisa.

The University's International Advice team can offer some support through Microsoft Teams and monthly drop-in sessions. To ask for help, email advint@st-andrews.ac.uk with your name, student ID number and a detailed description of your situation. Technical support is not available.