In a significant shift aimed at modernizing immigration procedures, the UK government announced that from July 15, 2025, non-European nationals entering the country through work or other specified immigration routes will no longer receive physical visa stickers affixed to their passports. Instead, successful applicants will receive an approval notification via email, guiding them to create an account on the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) online portal where their electronic visa will be accessible. This change is designed to streamline the visa application and management process, reducing reliance on physical documentation and improving efficiency for both applicants and employers. However, authorities advise vigilance to promptly address any technical or procedural issues that might arise with the new electronic system.
The UK Home Office has updated its official electronic visa guidance to incorporate these changes, particularly within the section titled “If you apply for a visa from outside the UK,” providing applicants and employers with clear instructions on the new procedures.
Who Will Be Affected?
This policy update specifically impacts non-European nationals applying under a range of immigration categories, including:
Skilled Workers, covering sectors such as health and social care, where there is a recognized demand for qualified professionals.
Global Business Mobility, designed to facilitate international corporate transfers and business-related movements.
Global Talent, aimed at attracting individuals with exceptional skills in science, humanities, engineering, the arts, and technology.
International Sportspeople, allowing athletes and coaches to enter the UK for competitive purposes.
Temporary Workers, encompassing creative professionals and those participating in government-authorized exchange programs.
Youth Mobility Scheme participants, who are typically young people from qualifying countries engaging in work and travel.
Students, including those enrolled in courses shorter than 11 months.
Dependants, such as spouses and children, will continue to receive physical visa stickers in their passports if their intended stay is 90 days or less. For longer stays exceeding 90 days, dependants will also transition to electronic visas, consistent with existing protocols. Eligible European nationals will still be able to utilize the “UK Immigration: ID Check” app to apply instantly for electronic visas, maintaining a quick and paperless application route.
What Does This Mean for Visa Applicants?
Applicants will experience several practical changes under the new system:
No Need to Submit Passports for Visa Stickers: Previously, applicants had to physically send their passports to visa application centres to have visa stickers affixed. Under the new system, this step is eliminated, saving time and reducing the risk of passport loss or delays.
No Passport Collection or Mailing: Applicants no longer need to visit visa centres to collect passports or wait for postal delivery.
No Requirement for Blank Passport Pages: Since visas will be electronic, passports no longer need to have blank pages reserved for visa stickers, easing travel preparations.
Travel During Processing: Applicants may travel within or outside the country while their visa applications are being processed. However, it is recommended that applicants remain near their visa centre in case a temporary interview is requested, and they should consult legal advisers before travelling to the UK during this period.
Electronic Visa Confirmation: Successful applicants will be issued an electronic visa confirming their full immigration status and the duration of their permission to stay.
Before travelling to the UK, applicants must complete several important steps to ensure a smooth entry process:
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Create a UKVI account if they do not already have one.
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Log into the UKVI account regularly to monitor their application status.
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Verify that all personal and travel details in their application are accurate.
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Link their passport to their electronic visa within the UKVI system if not already done.
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Obtain an “S” share code, which serves as a backup method to show carriers proof of the electronic visa if it does not display correctly during travel checks.
Implications for UK Employers
Employers play a crucial role in the new visa system and should prepare for the following:
Ensuring Applicant Compliance: Employers must verify that prospective employees have completed all pre-travel checklist requirements, including creating and managing their UKVI accounts, to avoid disruptions at border control.
Online Right-to-Work Checks: Employers will need to conduct right-to-work verifications online using the electronic visa data, updating their internal compliance and immigration policies accordingly.
Policy Updates and Training: Human resources and immigration teams should revise their procedures to align with the electronic visa process, ensuring a clear understanding among staff responsible for recruitment and onboarding.
Advising on Dependant Applications: Employers assisting employees with visa applications should inform them that dependants still require physical visa stickers and must submit passports to visa centres as per the traditional process.
A Step Towards Modernization
This transition to electronic visas is part of the UK government’s broader effort to digitize immigration processes, aiming to enhance service efficiency, reduce paper use, and improve the overall applicant experience. By minimizing reliance on physical documentation, the government expects to streamline application workflows and reduce waiting times, benefiting both applicants and employers while maintaining robust immigration controls.
As the UK prepares for this major change, both visa applicants and employers are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the updated procedures and remain vigilant to ensure smooth compliance and entry under the new electronic visa system starting next summer.
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