Student visa approved, but your UK eVisa is not showing?
Do not create repeated accounts or submit a new visa application. First check whether you already have a UKVI account, complete the eVisa link, confirm the passport attached to it and use the correct official service for the error you can see.
Quick answer
UK eVisa Not Showing in 2026: What to Check First
Try to view the eVisa
If you used the ID Check app or created an account during your visa application, you may already have a UKVI account. Do not create a duplicate.
Finish the account link
If no eVisa appears, check that the UKVI account has been linked to the granted permission.
Use the correct help service
Recover the account for sign-in problems, update it for a new passport, or report an eVisa error when the record is missing or wrong.
Common causes
Why Your eVisa May Not Be Showing After Approval
You already have an account but used different sign-in details
A person who used the UK Immigration: ID Check app, created an account during the application, replaced a physical document with an eVisa or applied to the EU Settlement Scheme normally already has a UKVI account.
The account was created but not linked to the eVisa
Creating the account and linking the granted status are connected but separate steps. GOV.UK provides a link service if the eVisa was not linked during account creation.
You cannot access the old email address or phone number
The sign-in service normally sends a security code to the email address or mobile number held on the account. Use account recovery instead of opening another account.
The passport details do not match
A renewed passport, different passport number or an unreported change in personal details can cause travel or account problems until the UKVI account is updated.
A technical error is hiding the record
If you are signed in but cannot view the eVisa, GOV.UK directs you to the official eVisa error-reporting service.
The eVisa details themselves are wrong
An incorrect name, date of birth, photograph, immigration status or expiry information must be reported or updated through the route GOV.UK specifies for that field.
Official guidance does not give a fixed waiting time between every Student visa decision and eVisa display. Complete the required account steps first; if the record is still unavailable because of a technical error, report it through the official form.
Step-by-step solution
How to Access or Fix Your UKVI Account
- 1
Read the visa decision email
Use the instructions and reference numbers in the message sent for your application. Keep the GWF or UAN available.
- 2
Check whether you already have a UKVI account
Try the official “View your eVisa” service. If you used the ID Check app or received a UKVI account confirmation email, do not create another account.
- 3
Create an account only when you do not have one
You will need an email address, phone number and, where available, a valid passport with a GWF/UAN or BRP number. An eligible expired BRP may also be used within the official time limit.
- 4
Confirm your identity
The service may use the UK Immigration: ID Check app. GOV.UK also says another method is available if you cannot access a smartphone or use the app, and publishes a Web ID check route.
- 5
Link the account to the eVisa
If the eVisa was not linked when the account was created, use the official link service shown on the UKVI account setup page.
- 6
Choose the correct next action
Recover the account if you cannot sign in; update the account for a changed passport or contact detail; report an eVisa error if you are signed in but the status is missing or incorrect.
Do not pay an agent to “activate” an eVisa and never share a one-time security code. UKVI account creation and eVisa access are free.
Passport troubleshooting
Fix a Passport That Is Missing or Not Linked to Your eVisa
Your current passport or travel document should be added to your UKVI account. UKVI says an out-of-date account can cause delays when you travel or while you are waiting for a visa decision.
You renewed your passport
Add the new passport number and expiry date to the UKVI account before travelling. If the document is biometric, more changes may be completed online.
You have more than one nationality
Add the passport you will use for the journey. GOV.UK allows more than one passport to be added to the account.
Your name or nationality changed
Use the update service and provide an identity document showing the change. Different instructions apply if you do not have such a document.
A visa decision is still pending
GOV.UK says you cannot change the name or passport/travel document through the standard account service while waiting for a visa decision.
Before your journey
Travel Checklist for a Student Using an eVisa
Sign in and check that your eVisa shows the correct identity and immigration permission.
Travel with the valid passport or travel document added to your UKVI account.
Update a renewed passport before travel and allow time to resolve any account issue.
Generate a travel share code if a carrier or border official asks for additional proof.
Keep the decision email and your university contact details accessible as supporting information.
Since 2 June 2025, expired BRPs and EUSS BRCs are no longer accepted as evidence of immigration status when travelling to the UK. Travel using the passport or travel document linked to your eVisa.
2026 document changes
What Happened to BRPs and Visa Vignettes?
Most BRPs reached their printed expiry
The expiry of the physical card did not by itself cancel the immigration permission. eVisas became the main way to view and prove status.
Expired BRPs stopped being accepted for travel
People with continuing status need an eVisa and should link their current passport or travel document before travelling.
Some study and work applicants began receiving no vignette
Official overseas guidance warned that applicants might not receive a sticker as the eVisa rollout expanded.
UKVI stopped issuing vignettes to successful new applicants
Current UKVI guidance says successful new applicants receive an eVisa. Some people may receive a Form for Accompanying an eVisa (FAV) where applicable.
An expired BRP can still be used to create a UKVI account for up to 24 months after the printed expiry date or until 31 December 2026, whichever comes first. It is an account-setup option, not a valid travel document.
If the problem continues
What Happens After You Report an eVisa Error?
Provide your contact details, name, date of birth and nationality.
Enter an identifier such as your passport, expired BRP, GWF, UAN or UKVI customer number.
UKVI aims to fix most issues within five working days; complex cases can take up to 15 working days.
UKVI will email you if it needs more information or expects the issue to take longer.
Your university’s international student support team may help you understand the steps or submit information on your behalf, but only UKVI can correct the immigration record.
Common questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my UK eVisa not showing after my Student visa was approved?
You may already have a UKVI account but be using different sign-in details, the account may not be linked to the eVisa, or a technical error may be preventing the record from displaying. First try the official view service, then complete the link or use the appropriate recovery or error-reporting service.
Should I create a new UKVI account if I cannot see my eVisa?
Not until you check whether you already have one. If you used the UK Immigration: ID Check app, created an account during the application or received a UKVI account confirmation email, GOV.UK says you should not create another account.
Can I access an eVisa without the ID Check app?
GOV.UK says another identity-confirmation method is available if you cannot access a smartphone or use the app, and UKVI also provides a Web ID check journey. Follow the options shown by the official account-setup service.
How long does a UK eVisa share code last?
A share code lasts for 90 days. It can be used more than once before expiry, and you can generate a fresh code whenever you need one.
What should I do after renewing my passport?
Add or update the new passport details in your UKVI account before travelling. You must travel with a valid passport or travel document that is linked to the account holding your eVisa.
Can I travel using an expired BRP?
No. Expired BRPs and EUSS BRCs stopped being accepted as evidence of immigration status for travel to the UK from 2 June 2025. Use the passport or travel document linked to your eVisa.
How long does UKVI take to fix an eVisa error?
UKVI aims to fix most reported eVisa issues within five working days. A complex issue can take up to 15 working days, and UKVI says it will email you if it expects the case to take longer or needs more information.
Does it cost money to create a UKVI account or generate a share code?
No. Creating a UKVI account, accessing an eVisa and generating a share code are free. Do not pay an unofficial person to activate an eVisa.
Related guidance
Continue Your UK Student Visa Research
Primary references