From 15 July 2025, the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) is phasing out physical vignette stickers in passports for certain visa categories, replacing them with a digital immigration status known as an eVisa. This change affects new study and work visas, among other routes. (UK Visas and Immigration) GOV.UK+1 What’s Changing

• For applicants of work or study visas submitted on or after 15 July 2025: no physical vignette will be issued. Instead, successful applicants will access their eVisa through a UKVI account before travelling. GOV.UK+1
• If you apply for a visa and were required to attend a visa application centre and provide biometric data (fingerprints, photo), then some physical documents will still apply—but the vignette won’t be one of them for main applicants in these routes. GOV.UK
• Dependants and visa types other than work/study or their main applicants (or cases requiring specific physical documentation) may still receive a vignette sticker. GOV.UK+1

Benefits & Implications

• Security & convenience: eVisas are more secure, harder to lose/tamper with, and reduce delays associated with collecting or returning physical documents. GOV.UK
• Proof & sharing status: Visa holders can use their UKVI account to view their status and share it (for example with employers or schools) via digital tools like share codes. GOV.UK+1
• Border & travel: Even without a physical vignette, travellers must link their travel document (passport) to their eVisa before travel. GOV.UK

Who is Affected / What to Do

• If you’re applying for a work or study visa on or after 15 July 2025 — expect digital status instead of a vignette. GOV.UK
• You’ll need to create a UKVI account if you don’t already have one, link your passport/travel document in that account, and follow the instructions in your decision letter. GOV.UK+1
• Even if you have traditional visas or documents now, make sure you check if your status needs to be converted or linked. The UKVI account will be central to accessing your permission. GOV.UK+1

Strategic Context This move is part of the UK government’s broader effort to digitise the immigration system, improving efficiency and reducing dependency on physical documents. The transition to eVisas is meant to simplify many procedural steps and lower risks tied to lost or damaged documentation. GOV.UK+1

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Date: 15 July 2025 Source: UK Visas & Immigration — “Updates on the move to eVisas” published 15 July 2025, last updated 1 September 2025. (gov.uk)