The UK is moving fully to digital immigration status through its new eVisa system. For many in the Indian and South Asian diaspora living in or moving to Scotland and the wider UK, this shift can feel unfamiliar. Yet the rights connected to your immigration status remain the same. They are simply displayed and verified online instead of using a physical BRP card or vignette.

For more UK immigration updates, you can also explore our policy insights on ScottishIndian.com at UK Policy & Immigration.

This guide breaks down exactly what rights an eVisa grants. Work, study, rent, and access to public services. It also explains how these rights are checked digitally and what you need to know to stay compliant.

1. Your eVisa and the Right to Work in the UK

Your eVisa shows whether you have permission to work in the UK. Most work visa categories allow full time employment, self employment, and the ability to switch employers, subject to conditions of the visa.

How employers check your right to work

Employers no longer ask for a physical card. They use a digital share code that you generate through your UKVI account. The employer enters this code on GOV.UK, and your status appears instantly.

This is helpful for many South Asian workers who previously faced delays when BRP cards were lost or damaged. Digital verification is faster and more secure.

If you are looking to start or grow your professional journey in Scotland, our Business Directory is a helpful place to explore local South Asian owned businesses and opportunities.

2. Your eVisa and the Right to Study

If you hold a Student visa or any visa category that includes study rights, your eVisa displays this clearly. Universities, colleges, and training providers use the same digital share code system to verify your status.

Key points for students

• If you change your course or institution, you must update UKVI.
• Study hours may be restricted if your visa is a work category, such as Skilled Worker or Health and Care Worker.
• Dependants usually have broader study rights. Always check your specific conditions online.

3. Your eVisa and the Right to Rent in the UK

Landlords in Scotland and the rest of the UK are required to verify a tenant’s immigration status. Instead of showing a BRP, migrants now provide a digital share code.

For England , check this out. If you are relocating to the UK or moving between cities, check out our Travel & Safety content to help plan your journeys confidently.

This makes the process easier because

• There is no risk of discrimination linked to physical documents.
• Renewals or extensions update automatically on the digital system.
• The tenant does not need to present anything in person.

For newcomers arriving from India or abroad, having a digital status often makes the renting process smoother and quicker.

4. Access to Benefits and Public Services

Your eVisa also shows whether you have resources to public funds or not. Most temporary visas do not allow access to benefits such as Universal Credit or housing support. Long term visas and settlement categories may include this right.

What public services you can access

• The NHS remains accessible for most visa categories once the Immigration Health Surcharge is paid.
• Schools for children can usually be accessed regardless of visa type.
• Some government grants or childcare schemes depend on your immigration conditions and are checked digitally.

Understanding this helps many South Asian families in Scotland plan their finances accurately.

5. Why the Digital System Matters

The shift to digital status means your rights are always up to date online. You will not need replacements for lost BRP cards. Your landlord or employer can check details instantly. And when you travel, your eVisa links automatically to your passport, simplifying entry into the UK.

For those moving between India and the UK regularly, a digital immigration record offers more security and fewer delays.

If you travel frequently between India and the UK, you might like our guide on How to Check an Aircraft’s Safety Record, a popular resource among our community.

The UK eVisa does not change your underlying rights. It simply makes the system digital. Work permissions, study rights, renting rules, and access to public services are all tied to the visa you hold, and your eVisa displays them clearly.

For the Scottish Indian community, especially professionals, students, and families navigating life between two cultures, the digital shift can actually reduce paperwork and confusion.