A UK visa number is the unique reference printed on the visa sticker, known as the vignette, that the United Kingdom places in a traveller’s passport when a visa is granted. It identifies one specific grant of permission to enter or stay, tied to one person, and it is what banks, employers and universities usually ask for when they need proof of a visa.
The sticker itself measures roughly 2 cm × 3 cm. It carries the holder’s full name, the visa category (for example “Tier 2, General”), the issue date, the expiry date, and the reference number that ties the whole record together. Confusing it with the passport number is the most common mistake applicants make, and it can cause delays on forms that ask for one or the other.
Key Facts
- The UK government processes all visa applications, visitor, work, study, settlement or asylum, through the Visas and Immigration section of GOV.UK
- GOV.UK now lists “eVisas: access and use your online immigration status” among its top‑level services, signalling a shift from paper to digital proof of status.
- According to a BBC News report dated 12 October 2026, Home Secretary Suella Braverman is expected to announce changes to the rules around indefinite leave to remain, meaning immigration requirements continue to evolve.
- The visa number identifies a single visa grant. It is not the passport number, not the BRP card number and not a share code.
What Is a UK Visa Number? Definition and Format
A UK visa number is the reference code that identifies a specific visa granted to a specific person by the UK Home Office. It appears as a mix of letters and digits, typically three letters followed by six numbers, on the visa vignette, the sticker placed inside the passport at the border or by a visa application centre.
The number exists for one reason: to let officials and third parties pull up the right record. When a caseworker, employer or bank checks the reference, they can confirm who holds the visa, what type of permission it is and when it runs out. Two applicants may hold the same visa category with identical dates, but each grant carries its own number.
Applicants who are still planning their application can see how the process and the fees fit together in our complete guide to UK visa costs and payments
Where Is the Visa Number on a UK Visa?
The visa number is printed on the vignette itself, the sticker inside the passport, alongside the holder’s name, the visa type and the validity dates. It is usually set apart from the other fields so that it can be read at a glance.
Three details sit close together and are easy to mix up:
- The visa numberwhich identifies the visa grant.
- The passport numberwhich identifies the travel document and appears on the passport’s data page, not on the visa record alone.
- The application reference numberissued when a person applies online, which tracks the application before any decision is made.
If a form asks for the visa number, use the one printed on the sticker exactly as it appears. Copying the passport number instead is a frequent error that can stall a check.
UK Visa Number vs. BRP and eVisa: What Is the Difference?
The UK has used several documents to prove immigration status, and each carries its own reference. The visa number belongs to the vignette. Longer‑term permission has historically come with a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP), and the government is now moving status proof online through eVisas, which GOV.UK describes as a way to access and use an online immigration status.
| Document | What it is | Where the number appears |
|---|---|---|
| Visa vignette | Sticker placed in the passport when a visa is granted | Printed on the sticker itself, as the visa number |
| BRP | Physical card issued for longer periods of permission | Printed on the card as its own reference number |
| eVisa | Online record of immigration status, accessed through GOV.UK | No physical number to carry; status is checked online through the holder’s account |
The direction of travel is clear. GOV.UK’s homepage now promotes eVisas as a main service, alongside sign‑in pages for HMRC, Universal Credit and personal tax accounts. Physical stickers and cards still exist, but the online record is becoming the primary proof of status for many holders.
When Do You Need Your UK Visa Number?
The number comes up whenever someone else needs to verify your permission to be in the UK. Common situations include:
- Employment checks, when an employer confirms a worker’s right to work.
- Bank account applications, where banks record a customer’s immigration status.
- University or college enrolment, particularly for student‑visa holders.
- Visa extension or settlement applications, where prior grants form part of the record.
- Rental agreements, as landlords check a tenant’s right to rent.
Costs matter as much as paperwork in these processes. Readers applying from India can find the figures broken down in our UK visa cost guide for Indian applicantsand anyone starting from scratch can follow the step‑by‑step guide on how to get an England visa
How to Check Your UK Visa Status Online
Holders of an eVisa can check their immigration status online through GOV.UK. The service, listed on the government’s homepage as “eVisas: access and use your online immigration status”, lets a person view their current permission and share proof of it with third parties such as employers or landlords.
The basic steps are:
- Sign in to the account linked to your immigration application on GOV.UK.
- Open your online immigration status page.
- Review the details of your current permission, including its type and expiry date.
- Generate proof to share where a bank, employer or landlord asks for it.
People who still hold a paper visa or a BRP rely on the number printed on that document instead. If the sticker or card is damaged and the number is unreadable, the safest route is to contact the visa office or use the online status service rather than guessing at the characters.
Immigration rules themselves are not standing still. BBC News reported on 5 November 2026 that Home Secretary Suella Braverman faces opposition from within the government over plans to impose new rules on migrant workers already in the UK, with changes to indefinite leave to remain expected. Anyone planning a long‑term application should check GOV.UK before submitting, because requirements can change between application and decision.
FAQ
Is the UK visa number the same as the passport number?
No. The passport number identifies the travel document and appears on the passport’s data page. The UK visa number identifies the visa grant itself and is printed on the vignette inside the passport. Forms usually ask for one or the other, so copy the number from the document the form specifies.
Can I travel with just my UK visa number?
No. The number is only a reference. Travellers need their passport with a valid visa sticker, or an eVisa linked to their passport, when they travel. The number alone does not grant entry and cannot replace the underlying document or online status.
What should I do if my UK visa number is unreadable?
Do not guess the characters. Contact the visa office that issued the document, or sign in to the online immigration status service on GOV.UK, which lists eVisas as a way to access and use your status. An official source can confirm the correct reference before you submit any form.
Does the UK visa number change after a visa extension?
A new grant of permission normally comes with new documentation, which carries its own reference. After an extension, check the latest sticker, card or online status record and use the reference on that most recent document, not the one from the original visa.
Where do I enter the UK visa number on application forms?
Only enter it where a form explicitly asks for the visa number or vignette number. Use the characters exactly as printed, without adding spaces or changing the order. If a form asks for an application reference instead, use the number issued when you applied online.
Sources: GOV.UK – BBC News – WikipediaUpdated: November 1, 2026.
