How do I set up my UKVI account for my eVisa?

Go to the UKVI online service at gov.uk and select 'Create a UKVI account'. You will need your BRP number or other immigration document, your passport, and an email address. The system will verify your identity — you may need to use the UK Immigration: ID Check app on your smartphone to scan your passport using the NFC chip. Once verified, your immigration status and conditions will be visible in your account.

Does my employer need to do anything for the eVisa transition?

Yes. Employers must transition from checking physical BRP cards to using the online right-to-work checking service. For existing employees, they should conduct a follow-up right-to-work check using the share code system. Care employers with a sponsor licence must also ensure they update their SMS (Sponsor Management System) records. The Home Office expects all employers to have transitioned to digital checks.

What happens if the online system is down when I need to prove my status?

The Home Office has a dedicated helpline for eVisa issues. If the system is temporarily unavailable, your employer can use the Employer Checking Service (ECS) to verify your right to work. For travel, airlines have access to the Advance Passenger Information (API) system which checks your status against your passport details. Carry your expired BRP as additional backup documentation.

Updated February 2026

eVisa Transition for Care Workers: Everything You Need to Know (2026)

Q: When do BRP cards expire for care workers?

All Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) expired on 31 December 2024, regardless of the date printed on the card. Since 1 January 2025, all immigration status in the UK is held digitally as an eVisa. If you still have a BRP card, it is no longer a valid proof of your immigration status. You need to set up a UKVI account and access your eVisa instead.

Q: Can I still travel with an expired BRP?

Your expired BRP should not be used as your primary travel document. Since January 2025, your immigration status is held digitally. When travelling to the UK, airlines and border officers can verify your status electronically. However, you should carry your valid passport (linked to your eVisa) and have your share code ready. Some airlines may still ask to see your BRP — carry it as a backup but know that your eVisa is the official record.

Q: How do I prove my right to work to my care employer?

Generate a share code through your UKVI account at gov.uk/prove-right-to-work. The share code is valid for 30 days. Give this code and your date of birth to your employer. They enter it into the Home Office employer checking service to verify your right to work, your visa conditions, and the hours you can work. This replaces the old process of showing a physical BRP card.

Q: What if I changed my passport since getting my visa?

If you have a new passport, you must link it to your UKVI account. Go to gov.uk and use the 'Update your UKVI account details' service. You will need to verify your identity with the new passport (using the NFC scanning process). Until you link your new passport, your eVisa may not be visible to airlines and border officers when they check against your travel document. Do this well before any travel.

Q: Will the eVisa transition affect my ILR application?

No. The switch from BRP to eVisa is purely a change in how your immigration status is recorded and displayed — from a physical card to a digital record. It does not affect the substance of your visa, your conditions, or your eligibility for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). When you apply for ILR, you will use your UKVI account and digital status rather than a BRP card. All your immigration history remains intact in the system.

The UK has moved to a fully digital immigration system. Your BRP card has been replaced by an eVisa. This guide explains what care workers need to do, how to access your digital status, and how to share it with your employer.

Updated February 2026 12 min read

Key Dates

31 Dec 2024 All BRP cards expired — regardless of the expiry date printed on the card

1 Jan 2025 UK fully switched to digital immigration status (eVisas) for all visa holders

NOW If you have not yet set up your UKVI account, do it today. You need it to prove your status.

1. What Happened: BRP to eVisa

The UK government has replaced all physical immigration documents with a digital system called eVisa. This is the biggest change to the UK immigration system in decades, and it affects every care worker on a Health and Care Worker visa, Skilled Worker visa, or any other work visa.

What Is an eVisa?

An eVisa is a digital record of your immigration status. It replaces the physical Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) card that you previously carried. Your eVisa contains all the same information that was on your BRP:

Your name and photograph
Your immigration status (e.g., Health and Care Worker visa)
Your visa conditions (right to work, hours, public funds access)
Your visa start and end dates
Your biometric information

The difference is that instead of carrying a plastic card, you access this information through an online UKVI account. You can view it yourself and share it securely with employers, landlords, and others who need to verify your status.

Why Did This Change?

The government says digital immigration status is more secure, harder to forge, always up-to-date, and easier to share. Physical BRP cards could be lost, stolen, or counterfeited. An eVisa cannot be lost and is always accessible from any device with internet access.

2. Why This Matters for Care Workers Specifically

As a care worker on a sponsored visa, the eVisa transition affects several aspects of your daily working life:

Right to Work Checks

Your employer can no longer accept a physical BRP as proof of right to work. They must use the online checking service with a share code you generate. This applies to both new employees and follow-up checks on existing staff.

DBS Checks

Care workers require enhanced DBS checks. The DBS process has been updated to work with eVisas. Your identity verification for DBS may now involve your digital immigration status rather than a physical BRP.

Travel and Re-entry

If you travel abroad and return to the UK, border officers will check your status digitally. You must ensure your current passport is linked to your eVisa before travelling.

Switching Sponsors

If you change care employers, your new employer will verify your right to work through the digital system. Having your UKVI account set up and accessible makes this process smoother. See our switching sponsors guide for more details.

Renting Accommodation

Landlords must check your right to rent. Like employers, they now use the online checking service rather than accepting a physical BRP. Generate a share code for right-to-rent checks just as you do for right-to-work checks.

3. How to Set Up Your UKVI Account

If you have not yet set up your UKVI account, follow these steps:

Go to the UKVI Online Service

Visit the GOV.UK website and search for “get access to your eVisa” or “create UKVI account”. Select the appropriate option based on your current immigration document type.

Enter Your Immigration Details

You will need your BRP number (the number on your old BRP card), or another immigration reference number. Also have your passport ready.

Verify Your Identity

You may need to download the UK Immigration: ID Check app on your smartphone. This app uses your phone’s NFC reader to scan the chip inside your passport. Hold your passport against the back of your phone where the NFC sensor is located. If your phone does not have NFC, you may be able to visit an IDVT (Identity Document Validation Technology) service point.

Set Up Your Email and Password

Create your login credentials. Use an email address you check regularly — UKVI will send important notifications here. Use a strong password and enable two-factor authentication if available.

Check Your Immigration Status

Once logged in, you should see your current immigration status, visa type, conditions, and expiry date. Verify that all information is correct. If anything is wrong, contact UKVI immediately.

Trouble logging in? If you cannot create your account or verify your identity, contact the UKVI Resolution Centre. They can help with technical issues. Do not delay — you need your UKVI account to generate share codes for your employer.

4. Linking Your Passport to Your eVisa

Your eVisa is linked to a specific passport. If your passport has changed since you were granted your visa, you must update the link. This is essential for travel and for generating share codes.

When You Need to Update

You renewed your passport since getting your visa
You changed your name (e.g., after marriage) and got a new passport
You obtained a different country’s passport
Your passport was lost or stolen and you got a replacement

How to Link a New Passport

1.Log into your UKVI account
2.Select “Update your details” or “Report a change of circumstances”
3.Select “I have a new passport” or “Link a new travel document”
4.Scan your new passport using the UK Immigration: ID Check app (NFC)
5.Take a selfie photo when prompted for facial recognition matching
6.Wait for confirmation — this usually takes a few minutes to a few days

Before you travel: Update your passport link at least 2 weeks before travel. Airlines check your passport against immigration records at check-in. If your new passport is not linked, you may be denied boarding. Do not leave this to the last minute.

5. Proving Your Right to Work to Your Care Employer

Under UK law, your employer must verify that you have the right to work before you start employment, and must conduct follow-up checks before your visa expires. Here is how the process works with the eVisa system:

Step-by-Step Process

You Generate a Share Code

Log into your UKVI account and go to “Prove your right to work”. The system generates a unique 9-character alphanumeric code (e.g., W1X2Y3Z4A). This code is valid for 30 days.

You Give the Code to Your Employer

Share the code along with your date of birth with your employer (or their HR department). You can share it verbally, by text, by email, or on paper. The code alone is not sensitive — it requires your date of birth to work.

Employer Checks Online

Your employer visits the Home Office online right-to-work checking service, enters your share code and date of birth, and instantly sees your right-to-work status, visa type, conditions (e.g., which employer you can work for), and visa expiry date.

Employer Records the Check

The employer saves or prints the verification result as evidence of a compliant right-to-work check. This gives them a statutory excuse against a civil penalty if it later turns out you did not have the right to work (provided the check was done correctly).

Tip: Generate a fresh share code the day before your employer needs to check. Codes expire after 30 days, so do not generate one too far in advance. If your employer’s check fails, generate a new code and try again.

6. Understanding Share Codes

Share codes are central to the eVisa system. Here is what you need to know:

Feature	Details
Format	9-character alphanumeric code (letters and numbers)
Validity	30 days from generation
Uses	Unlimited within the 30-day window
Types	Right to Work, Right to Rent (separate codes for each)
Security	Requires your date of birth to verify — code alone is not enough
Cost	Free — no charge to generate share codes
Generation limit	No limit — generate as many as you need

Multiple checks: If you are renting accommodation AND starting a new job, generate separate share codes — one for right to work and one for right to rent. Using the correct type of code ensures the checker sees the relevant information.

7. What Your Care Employer Must Do

The eVisa transition creates responsibilities for your employer as well. Understanding these helps you work together smoothly:

Employer Obligations

Use the online checking service — Employers can no longer accept a physical BRP as the sole proof of right to work. They must verify online using your share code.
Conduct follow-up checks — For visa holders, the employer must do a follow-up check before your current visa expires. They should ask you for a new share code in good time.
Update sponsor records — Care employers with a sponsor licence must keep their Sponsor Management System (SMS) records up to date. This includes recording that they have completed digital right-to-work checks.
Keep evidence — The employer must save or print the result of each online check as their record. This is auditable by the Home Office.
Not discriminate — Employers must not treat you differently because you have an eVisa instead of a British passport. The online check gives them the same legal protection as a manual document check.

If your employer is unsure: Some smaller care providers may not be familiar with the online checking process. If your employer asks you for a physical BRP, explain that BRPs are no longer valid and offer to generate a share code instead. Direct them to the GOV.UK employer right-to-work checking service guidance.

8. Travelling with an eVisa

Many care workers travel abroad to visit family and then return to the UK. Here is how travel works under the eVisa system:

Before You Travel

Check your passport is linked — Log into your UKVI account and confirm your current passport is the one linked to your eVisa
Check your visa is still valid — Your eVisa must be valid for the dates of travel. If it expires while you are abroad, you may not be able to return.
Inform your employer — As a sponsored worker, you must keep your employer informed of absences. Extended absences may affect your sponsorship.
Keep your old BRP as backup — While it is no longer valid, carrying it provides additional evidence of your immigration history if needed at the border

At the Airport

Airlines check your immigration status using the Advance Passenger Information (API) system. They scan your passport and the system confirms whether you have permission to enter the UK. This happens automatically — you do not need to show a share code to the airline. However, if there is any issue, having your share code ready or your UKVI account login accessible on your phone can help resolve it quickly.

At UK Border

If you have a biometric passport with an NFC chip, you may be able to use the eGates for faster entry. Otherwise, border officers will check your passport and verify your immigration status digitally. You do not need to present a physical BRP.

9. Common Problems and Solutions

Problem: Cannot create UKVI account

Cause: Your details may not match the records, or there is a technical issue with the system.

Solution: Call the UKVI Resolution Centre. Have your BRP number, passport, and full name ready. They can manually verify your identity and help you set up the account.

Problem: NFC passport scan fails

Cause: Not all phones have good NFC readers, and some passport chips are weak or damaged.

Solution: Remove your phone case. Hold the passport against different positions on the back of your phone (the NFC sensor location varies). Keep still for 5–10 seconds. If it still fails, try a different phone or visit an IDVT service point.

Problem: eVisa shows wrong information

Cause: Data entry error when your visa was granted, or a change of circumstances not yet updated.

Solution: Report this to UKVI immediately. Do not wait. Incorrect information can cause problems with right-to-work checks and travel. Use the “Report a problem” option in your UKVI account or contact the Resolution Centre.

Problem: Employer says they cannot do online check

Cause: Employer may not know about the updated process or may be using the wrong website.

Solution: Generate a fresh share code and direct your employer to GOV.UK/view-right-to-work. The service is free and requires only the share code plus your date of birth. If the employer continues to insist on a physical BRP, this is not compliant with current right-to-work guidance.

Problem: Denied boarding for flight to UK

Cause: Passport not linked to eVisa, or the airline’s API check returned no record.

Solution: Show the airline staff your UKVI account on your phone (screenshot your status page beforehand in case of poor wifi). Ask them to use the Advance Passenger Information system to re-check. If still denied, contact the UKVI Resolution Centre urgently.

10. Data Security and Privacy

Your eVisa contains sensitive personal and immigration information. Here is how to keep it secure:

Use a strong, unique password for your UKVI account. Do not reuse passwords from other sites.
Enable two-factor authentication if offered. This adds an extra layer of security.
Never share your login details with anyone, including your employer. They only need your share code and date of birth.
Log out after each session, especially on shared or public computers.
Be wary of phishing emails claiming to be from UKVI. The Home Office will never ask for your password by email. Official communications come from GOV.UK addresses.
Only generate share codes when needed. While they expire after 30 days, there is no reason to generate them speculatively.

11. Frequently Asked Questions

When do BRP cards expire for care workers?

All BRPs expired on 31 December 2024, regardless of the date printed on the card. Since 1 January 2025, all immigration status is held digitally as an eVisa. You need to set up a UKVI account to access your digital status.

How do I set up my UKVI account?

Visit GOV.UK and search for “get access to your eVisa”. You will need your BRP number, passport, and email address. The system will verify your identity — you may need to scan your passport using the UK Immigration: ID Check app on your smartphone.

Can I still travel with an expired BRP?

Your expired BRP is no longer valid proof of immigration status. Travel using your valid passport linked to your eVisa. Airlines and border officers check your status digitally. Carry your old BRP as backup documentation but know that your eVisa is the official record.

How do I prove my right to work to my care employer?

Generate a share code through your UKVI account. Give this code and your date of birth to your employer. They enter it into the Home Office online checking service to verify your right to work. The share code is valid for 30 days and is free to generate.

What if I changed my passport since getting my visa?

You must link your new passport to your UKVI account. Use the “Update your details” option and scan your new passport with the ID Check app. Do this well before any travel — at least 2 weeks ahead. Until updated, your eVisa may not be visible when airlines check your new passport.

Does my employer need to do anything?

Yes. Employers must use the online right-to-work checking service with your share code instead of checking a physical BRP. Care employers with sponsor licences must also update their SMS records. They should conduct follow-up checks before your visa expiry date.

What if the online system is down?

If the system is temporarily unavailable, your employer can use the Employer Checking Service (ECS) to verify your status. For travel, airlines use the API system linked to your passport. Contact the UKVI Resolution Centre for urgent issues.

Will the eVisa transition affect my ILR application?

No. The switch from BRP to eVisa is a change in how your status is recorded, not the status itself. Your visa conditions, continuous residence, and eligibility for ILR are unaffected. When you apply for ILR, you will use your UKVI account and digital status.

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