UK Spouse Visa eVisa: Your Digital Immigration Status Explained

What Is an eVisa? The Replacement for BRPs

An eVisa is a digital record of your UK immigration leave, linked to your biometric details and your UKVI online account. It replaces the plastic Biometric Residence Permit card that was previously issued to non-EEA nationals granted leave to remain in the UK.

What changed on 31 December 2024:

New spouse visa grants are issued digitally — no physical BRP card
Existing BRP holders should have transitioned to an eVisa through the UKVI account system
Right to work, right to rent, and border checks now use the online share code system
BRP cards are no longer accepted as evidence of immigration status for most purposes

Your underlying immigration leave has not changed. What has changed is how you evidence that leave.

How to Set Up Your UKVI Online Account

Go to gov.uk/evisa
Sign in with or create a GOV.UK One Login account
Enter your passport details and, if you previously held a BRP, your BRP reference number
Verify your identity (you may be asked to use the UKVI app to scan your passport chip)
Your immigration status will appear in the account

Once set up, the account shows your current leave — visa type, expiry date, and any conditions — and allows you to generate share codes. If you have difficulty setting up the account, the UKVI resolution centre handles account problems.

A share code is generated from your UKVI online account. The process: log in, navigate to "Prove your right to work" or "Prove your immigration status", generate a share code for the relevant purpose, and provide the code and your date of birth to the employer, landlord, or other checker.

Each share code:

Is valid for 90 days from generation
Can only be used once — generate a new code for each separate check
Is tied to a specific purpose — a work share code is different from a rent share code

Using Your Share Code for Travel

Your passport must be linked to your UKVI account. If you are travelling on a different passport from the one associated with your account, border staff may not be able to locate your status. UK Border Force officers can verify your eVisa directly using your passport details at the border.

Updating Your Account When Your Passport Changes

This is the step most people miss. When you renew your passport, your UKVI account remains linked to the old passport number. To update: log in to your UKVI account, go to account settings and update passport details, and verify the new passport using the UKVI app. Do this as soon as you receive your new passport — not on the day you plan to travel.

Right to Rent and Right to Work Checks

Since December 2024, right to rent and right to work checks for non-EEA nationals must be done using the online share code system. Landlords and employers are no longer permitted to accept a BRP as proof of status.

For employees: Generate a share code from your UKVI account under "Prove your right to work." Give the code and your date of birth to your employer.

For tenants: Generate a share code under "Prove your immigration status." Give it to your landlord or letting agent with your date of birth.

What to Do If Your BRP Has Expired Without an eVisa

Your underlying leave has not expired — only the card evidence of it. Steps to take immediately:

Go to gov.uk/evisa and set up your UKVI online account
Link your existing passport (or new passport if you have renewed)
Verify that your immigration status is showing correctly

If you encounter errors, contact the UKVI resolution centre. Do not attempt to travel or start a new job using an expired BRP without first resolving the eVisa issue.

Common eVisa Problems and How to Resolve Them

Account creation fails: Usually caused by a mismatch between the passport details entered and the details held by UKVI. Check the passport number, date of birth, and nationality exactly as they appear on the document.
Status shows as expired: May occur if a leave extension was granted but not linked to the account. Contact the UKVI resolution centre with your BRP reference and evidence of the extension grant.
Cannot generate a share code: Ensure you are using the correct share code type for the purpose (work vs rent vs other).
Employer or landlord cannot verify the code: The code may have already been used or may have expired. Generate a new code.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a UK spouse visa eVisa?

A digital record of your immigration leave, stored in a UKVI online account. It replaced the physical BRP card from December 2024.

What is a share code?

A nine-character code generated from your UKVI account, used to prove your immigration status to employers, landlords, or border officers. Single-use, valid for 90 days.

What if I change my passport?

Update your UKVI account immediately with the new passport details before you travel.

My BRP has expired. What should I do?

Create a UKVI account at gov.uk/evisa. Your underlying leave is still valid — only the card has expired. You need a working eVisa to evidence your status for work, rent, and travel.