The UK Home Office has confirmed a significant change to the visa process that will come into effect from 15th July 2025.
As communicated via the Sponsor Management System (SMS), main applicants for several UK visa categories will no longer be issued a 90-day vignette (sticker) in their passport. Instead, they will receive eVisas only. This marks a major shift in the way entry clearance is granted and verified for those entering the UK under work routes.
Which visa categories are affected?
The following visa categories will move to an eVisa-only system for main applicants:
- Global Business Mobility
- International Sportspersons
- Skilled Workers, including the Health and Care route
- Temporary Workers
Dependants and children, however, will still receive both a physical vignette and an eVisa. This distinction between main applicants and dependants introduces a new layer of complexity for families and organisations managing immigration logistics.
What does this mean for migrants?
This change means that migrants must ensure their eVisa is in place before travelling to the UK. It will no longer be sufficient to receive their passport back and assume travel can begin immediately. For example, a Skilled Worker might receive their passport without any delay, but be unable to travel because their eVisa has not yet been issued in the UKVI system.
In short, possession of the passport is no longer a reliable indicator of readiness to travel. Employers and applicants must now build in additional time to verify eVisa activation before booking flights or making final travel arrangements.
Why this matters
This update, while seemingly administrative, carries real implications for planning and compliance:
- Potential travel delays if eVisas are not yet issued after passport return
- Operational disruption for businesses expecting workers to arrive on tight timelines
- Increased risk of non-compliance if migrants enter without a fully active eVisa
- Confusion in mixed applications where dependants receive a vignette, but main applicants do not
Employers should take this change seriously and adjust onboarding timelines accordingly.
Visalogic: Helping you stay prepared
At Visalogic, we understand how a seemingly small update like this can disrupt months of planning. Our specialist immigration advisers are already supporting clients through this transition.
We can help you:
- Confirm eVisa activation status before travel
- Review your hiring timelines and adjust for possible eVisa delays
- Coordinate travel logistics for employees and their dependants
- Communicate clearly with applicants about the new requirements
Call us on 0845 646 1456 to discuss how these changes could impact your organisation or immigration plans. Early preparation is essential to avoid last-minute issues.
FAQs
What is an eVisa?
An eVisa is a digital record of a migrant’s immigration status, accessible online through the UKVI platform. It is intended to replace physical documentation like visa stickers or Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs).
Can I travel as soon as I get my passport back?
Not necessarily. Even if your passport has been returned, you may still be waiting on the eVisa to be activated. Do not book travel until the eVisa is confirmed live.
Why are dependants still receiving vignettes?
The Home Office has not yet clarified the rationale, but dependants will continue to receive both a physical vignette and an eVisa for now. This may change in future.
What happens if I travel without my eVisa being issued?
You may be refused entry or experience significant delays at the border. It's critical to ensure the eVisa is active before departure.
Is this a permanent change?
Yes, from 15th July 2025, this new approach will apply to all main applicants in the affected visa categories. Further digitisation across other visa routes is likely in future.
Visalogic is monitoring this situation closely and will continue to provide timely updates. Whether you're sponsoring workers or applying as an individual, we’re here to ensure you stay compliant and informed every step of the way.