eVisas and lost passports
eVisas are on online digital record of your immigration permission. If you have lost your passport in the UK or abroad we can advise on what to do.
eVisas
Physical visa documents are being replaced with an online record of your immigration status. This is known as an eVisa. If your BRP expired on 31 December 2024, and if you have not already done so, you will need to switch to an eVisa. In order to do this, please see the information about eVisas on the gov.uk website. You can watch a video on what an eVisa is, and you can watch a video on how to create a UKVI account and access your eVisa.
If you are having issues with switching to your eVisa, you can contact the UKVI Resolution Centre, or you can use the UKVI webchat service (which, depending on your answers to the online form at the Resolution Centre, you may end up being routed to).
You can also call the UKVI resolution centre on 0300 790 6268 (within the UK) or on +44 (0) 203 481 1736. Their opening times are as follows: Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm (excluding public holidays), Saturday and Sunday 9.30am to 4.30pm.
To regain access to your eVisa if you are having issues recover your UKVI account. If you have any errors on your eVisa, you can report an error with your eVisa online. You can also contact UKVI for help, who will assist in escalating the issue.
Travelling with your eVisa
If you are planning on travelling outside the UK, sign in to your UKVI account to check that your eVisa is linked to your current passport.
Students may also wish to get a share code in advance of travel, which is valid for 90 days.
Using your eVisa
You must keep your UKVI account updated, for example if you change any personal details such as your passport. Before travelling, we recommend that you log in and check your details are up to date.
In order to prove your immigration status (e.g. to an employer, your landlord, bank, NTU, etc.) you will need to generate a share code.
You can report any errors on your eVisa to UKVI.
Lost BRPs
The Biometric Resident Permit (BRP) has been replaced by the eVisa. If you lose an expired BRP, this cannot be replaced. You’ll need to set up access to an eVisa instead. Lost BRPs must be reported to UKVI, You can report a lost BRP on the UKVI website.
Lost passports
Your passport is a very important document which can be used for the following:
- A form of identification.
- To allow you to travel into and out of the country.
- You may also need it to prove your eligibility to work, rent, and open a bank account.
If your passport is stolen, you must follow specific procedures to have it replaced. These procedures vary according to whether the passport went missing in the UK or overseas.
If you get a replacement passport, you must bring it to a Student Services Centre as soon as possible. We need to scan a copy for our records.
If you renew your passport, you must keep your UKVI account updated with the new details.
Passport lost or stolen
If you've lost your passport in the UK, follow these steps:
- Report the loss of your passport to the local police.
- Contact your embassy to get a replacement passport. See the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCCO) list of foreign embassies in the UK.
If you've lost your passport outside the UK, follow these steps:
- Report the loss of your passport to the local police. Make sure you get a police report.
- Contact your embassy in the country where your passport was lost or stolen. Get a replacement passport.