Starting 15 July 2025, the UK will make it easier for skilled workers, including healthcare professionals, to get a visa. This update introduces the UK eVisa for NHS doctors and other skilled professionals, as the Home Office has announced that many applicants will no longer receive physical 90-day visa vignettes (stickers in passports). Instead, visas will be issued as digital eVisas.
This change affects those applying for:
- Skilled Worker Visa (including Health and Care)
- Student Visa (including short-term up to 11 months)
- Global Talent Visa
- Temporary Worker Visa
- Youth Mobility Scheme
Dependents and children will still receive both a vignette and an eVisa.
Why Is This Important for Doctors Moving to the UK?
For international doctors joining the NHS, the UK eVisa update for NHS doctors makes the visa process simpler. Instead of handling physical paperwork, everything will now be available digitally through your UKVI account. However, NHS employers must still note your date of arrival in the UK, even if you do not have a vignette right away.
Key Steps After Your eVisa Is Granted:
- Follow the steps in your decision letter to set up your UKVI account and activate your UK eVisa for NHS doctors.
- Check your eVisa details carefully.
- Link your passport to your visa before you travel.
- Get a share code to show your employer as proof of your right to work.
Remember: You can now only access proof of your right to work using a share code.
Additional Changes to Know:
From 2 June 2025, you cannot use expired biometric residence permits (BRPs) and biometric residence cards (BRCs) for travel.
You can use your expired BRP as proof of identity (within the UK) for up to 18 months after it has expired.
If you have Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), even alongside the UK eVisa for NHS doctors, you should apply for a free No Time Limit (NTL) eVisa to digitise your status.
What This Means for You:
This change aims to simplify, speed up, and improve the security of immigration processes, especially for international NHS doctors applying for UK digital visas.. For international doctors, it means less paperwork, quicker access to your visa, and easier verification of your right to work.
At Remedium, we are here to help you through these changes. Our onboarding experts and Red Carpet digital relocation platform will support you from your application to your arrival. Ready to start your NHS journey? Register with us today, and we’ll assist you every step of the way.
