Replacement of BRPs with eVisas
If you were granted your Student visa prior to November 2024, you may have received a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) as physical evidence of your immigration permission. All BRPs expired on 31 December 2024, even if your course and visa continue after this date, and BRPS have been replaced with an online proof of immigration status called an eVisa.
If you held a BRP, you should have already created a UKVI account in order to access your eVisa. If you still need to do this, further information and instructions are provided on the government website.
BRPs are no longer being issued for new student visas. Instead you will be able to access your eVisa online. Instructions on how to do this should be provided by UKVI in the communication confirming your visa has been granted. If you applied for your visa outside the UK and you are not an EEA or Swiss national, you will also receive a 90-day entry vignette in your passport.
Checking your eVisa
It is important to check your eVisa to ensure the details are correct.
Your eVisa will confirm the full duration of your immigration permission. The expiry date should cover the duration of your course, as stated by the course end date on your CAS used to support your student visa application, plus an additional:
- four months for undergraduate and PhD courses;
- two months for Masters courses of less than 12 months;
- four months for Masters courses lasting 12 months or more;
- two months for other courses lasting less than 12 months, e.g. exchange students.
You should also check your personal details on your eVisa are correct, that your visa status is ‘Student’ and your work conditions allow you to work up to 20 hours a week during term-term (though note the University’s expectations around work and study).
Evidencing your status and keeping your details updated
Once you have your UKVI account, you will be able to provide time-limited access to your online immigration status with third parties if required by generating a share code.
Ensure you keep your personal details updated in your UKVI account, including address, telephone number and passport number.