Do you have a physical visa? You may need to apply for an eVisa before 31 December 2024.
The UK border and immigration system is becoming digital.
On 31 December 2024, physical immigration documents are being replaced with an online record of immigration status known as an eVisa. Thousands of Greater Manchester residents are affected by this change and will need an eVisa to prove their immigration status. Almost all non-British or non-Irish passport holders will need an eVisa to prove their immigration status.
You may need your eVisa to share your status with third parties like your employer, landlord or for travel. If this affects you, then you must make this change before 31 December 2024.
How to create and access your eVisa
- How to create a UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration) account and get access to your eVisa - GOV.UK
- Watch a video on how to create a UKVI account and access your eVisa - GOV.UK
More information on the eVisa changes
You can find lots of information on who is affected and what steps you need to take.
- Information on eVisas and why you need one - GOV.UK
- Information on who is affected and what you need to do - GOV.UK
- How to check your eVisa details are correct before you travel in or out of the UK - GOV.UK
- Report an error with your eVisa - GOV.UK
- North West Regional Strategic Migration Partnership (RSMP) eVisa information
- Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) Linktree - collates relevant resources
Organisations that can offer help
The following information was accurate on 21 October 2024.
A number of organisations in Greater Manchester have received funding from the Home Office to provide vulnerable people with support with moving to an eVisa.
National and local organisations that can help
Migrant Help
Migrant Help has received funding to provide free support for vulnerable people in England, to help with their transition to an eVisa from mid-November.
- Telephone: 07483 170100
- Email: evisa@migranthelpuk.org
Wai Yin Society
Drop-in support is offered at 2 locations in Central and North Manchester, as well as some outreach support.
- Telephone: 0161 833 0377
- Email: info@waiyin.org.uk
Europia
- Telephone: 07955 366 338, 0333 305 8570
- Email: support@europia.org.uk
Afghanistan and Central Asian Association
Telephone and online support only, in Greater Manchester.
- Referral form: eVisa Guidance Request
- Telephone: 0208 572 0300
- Email: admin@afghanistan-central-asian.org.uk
Other ways of getting help
‘Assisted Digital’ support
UKVI is offering a support service for digitally excluded people.
- To find out more text ‘VISA’ and a number to call you on to 07537 416 944 or call them on 03333 445 675.
- Visit Get help with your online Home Office application - GOV.UK for further details.
UK Immigration: ID Check App
If you experience problems with the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check App’, UKVI has a dedicated helpline.
- Telephone: 0300 790 6268 and select option 3 or call 0203 875 4669 if you are unable to dial 0300 numbers.
We Are Group
- Telephone: 0333 344 5675 (Monday to Friday from 9am–6pm) - your call is likely to be free of charge if you have a phone deal that includes free calls to landlines – it is best to check with your service provider - find out more about calling 03 numbers.
- Text: 07537 416 944 - text the word VISA
- Text phone (using Next Generation Text): 18001 0333 344 5675
- Email: visa@we-are-digital.co.uk
If you need help using a computer or mobile device
You can get help from the Home Office’s assisted digital service:
- If you aren’t confident using a mobile device or computer; or
- If you don’t have access to a mobile device or computer; or
- If you don’t have internet access.
The service is provided by We Are Group. They can help you over the phone. You might be able to visit someone or they might be able to visit you at home depending on where you live.
How to get help from your council
- Translations: you can use the Recite Me accessibility toolbar on this website to translate content in various different languages – more about how to use the Recite Me toolbar.
- Access to a computer: if you need access to a computer to apply for the eVisa you can access computers for free in our libraries – computers in the library
- Access to free wifi: there are various locations across the borough if you have your own device and just need to access free wifi – free public wifi
- Borrow a laptop or tablet: you may also be able to borrow a laptop or tablet from a library or get a sim card and data – Digital Tech Library