Understanding UKVI accounts: Common issues and solutions


3 mins

Posted on 21 Feb 2025

Understanding UKVI accounts: Common issues and solutions

A UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration) account is an online account that allows individuals with UK immigration permission to manage their status digitally. The account is essential for proving the right to live, work and study in the UK online, following the abolition of physical visa documents in October 2024. For more information on how to create a UKVI account, please visit how to create a UKVI account.

Below we consider the key purpose and capabilities of a UKVI account together with some common issues encountered and how to solve them.

Accessing and managing immigration status

Individuals can view their ‘eVisa’ details, including the type of permission, expiry dates, and any conditions or restrictions attached to their stay in the UK via https://www.gov.uk/get-access-evisa.

Common issues

Solutions

  • Seeing incorrect expiry dates and conditions on the 
     eVisa as a result of Home Office error.
  • Difficulties accessing a UKVI account due to loss of access to sign-in verification methods, i.e., mobile number and email.

Proving immigration status

Since visa holders now receive an eVisa instead of a physical document, the UKVI account allows them to share their status with employers, landlords and educational institutions by generating a share code via the Home Office view and prove service. You can find out more information on how to prove Immigration status here.

Updating personal details

Visa holders can update their contact details (email, phone number, and home address) to ensure their records remain accurate. For more information, please visit how to update your UKVI account login details.

Linking travel documents

If a visa holder renews their passport, they can use their UKVI account to link new passports to their eVisa, ensuring smooth travel in and out of the UK. For more information, please visit how to travel with your eVisa.

Common issues

Solutions

  • Functionality to add a new identity document
    has been removed or disabled on current UKVI
    accounts.

Applying for permission to enter or stay in the UK

Depending on their circumstances, applicants may be able to apply for permission to enter or stay in the UK via their UKVI account, verifying their identity via the ID Check app rather than attending a biometrics appointment.

Common issues

Solutions

  • Inability to complete identity verification process because the ID Check app is unable to detect or
    read the microchip in non-EEA passports
  • Use a different phone model in case of weak NFC readers.
  • Use expired Biometric Residence Permit as an alternative provided that immigration status linked is still valid and the BRP itself expired less than 18 months ago.
  • Book an in-person biometrics appointment at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) centre.

Contact us

For further information on how we can support you with immigration related matters, please contact a member of our Immigration team or complete an enquiry form, below.

Alfreda Joubert

Alfreda has gained a wealth of knowledge during her 22 years in the field of immigration and she has been recognised by The Legal 500 as a leading expert in both corporate and private immigration.

  • Partner
  • T: +44 (0)20 7778 7249
  • Email me

View profile

Jasmine Randall

Jasmine is a paralegal based in Doyle Clayton’s City office, currently assisting the Business Immigration Team.

  • Paralegal
  • T: +44 (0)20 7329 9090
  • Email me

View profile

Get in touch

The articles published on this website, current at the date of publication, are for reference purposes only. They do not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. Specific legal advice about your own circumstances should always be sought separately before taking any action.

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