As the UK moves towards a fully digital immigration system, one of the major changes involves replacing physical documents, such as Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs), with digital records called eVisas. The shift is part of the UK government’s broader plan to streamline and modernize its immigration processes, making it easier for individuals to access and prove their immigration status. This post explores the most recent updates in the eVisa system, particularly for those who hold BRP cards, and offers a step-by-step guide on how to transition to an eVisa.
Understanding the Digital Transition: eVisas Explained
The UK Home Office has been gradually implementing a digital immigration system, which allows individuals to access and manage their immigration status online. This initiative aims to replace physical immigration documents (such as BRP Cards or ink stamps in current or expired passports, with a more convenient and secure eVisa system by the end of 2024.
As of April 2024, the Home Office announced that millions of individuals would be invited to switch from their physical documents, such as BRPs, to the eVisa system. However, recent changes have now made it possible for BRP holders to create a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account without waiting for an official invitation. This allows them to access their digital immigration records (eVisa) immediately. The goal is for all individuals to have access to their online immigration status by the end of 2024.
Key Updates in eVisa Guidance
On 30 October 2023, the Home Office first published guidance on how individuals can access their eVisas. Since then, the guidance has been updated several times, with the most recent update on 26 September 2024, adding that it will no longer be possible to get a replacement BRP card.
According to the updated guidance, BRP holders should now create a UKVI account and access their eVisa before their BRP expires. Failure to do so could cause complications in proving your immigration status once the BRP is no longer valid.
Steps to Create a UKVI Account and Access Your eVisa
If you hold a BRP card and wish to transition to an eVisa, you should:
- Set Up a UKVI Account: You can create your UKVI account online through the official government website at “Get access to your eVisa”. To set up the account, you will need your BRP card details, access to a smartphone, a mobile number and an email address. If your BRP is lost or stolen, you can use your travel document (such as a passport) or visa application reference number instead.
- Access Your eVisa: Once your account is set up, you can log in to view and prove your immigration status. This is done through the “View and Prove Your Immigration Status” service on gov.uk. If your eVisa is not immediately visible, UKVI will notify you via email once it is available to view.
What If I Do Not Hold a BRP?
If you do not hold a BRP but have another physical immigration document (such as an Indefinite Leave to Remain stamp in your passport), you will first need to apply for a BRP by submitting a No Time Limit application. Once you have your BRP, you can create a UKVI account and access your eVisa.
For British or Irish citizens, there is no need to apply for an eVisa or create a UKVI account. Your British or Irish passport serves as sufficient proof of your status.
EU Settlement Scheme and Windrush Scheme
For those under the EU Settlement Scheme or holding a Biometric Residence Card (BRC), the transition to eVisas works differently:
- If you have been granted settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you already have an eVisa and do not need to take any further action.
- If you hold a BRC but have not been granted status under the EU Settlement Scheme, your card is no longer valid. In this case, you need to apply for immigration status as soon as possible.
For those eligible under the Windrush Scheme, the guidance remains the same. If you or your parent were settled in the UK by 1 January 1973 or arrived before the end of 1988, you may apply for proof of status under the Windrush scheme.
Applying for Permission to Stay
If you need to apply for further permission to stay in the UK, you should follow the regular immigration application procedures. The eVisa system does not replace the need to make timely applications for extensions or changes in your immigration status.
Travelling with an eVisa
Even if you have already set up an eVisa, you are required to carry your physical BRP card or other immigration document when travelling internationally until the end of 2024. The Home Office is still in the process of transitioning entirely to digital records, and physical documents remain valid for travel during this period.
Future Plans for the eVisa System
The Home Office has committed to ongoing communications throughout 2024 to help individuals transition smoothly to the eVisa system. These communications include direct emails, instructional videos, and partner engagement initiatives.
While the eVisa system is intended to provide enhanced security, convenience, and efficiency, there are still concerns about accessibility for individuals with limited English proficiency, computer literacy, or access to technology. Various organisations continue to monitor these issues and are available to assist individuals facing difficulties.
What are the Benefits of an eVisa?
The UKVI specifies the following benefits of having an eVisa:
- An eVisa cannot be lost, stolen or damaged.
- Migrants can prove their rights instantly, accurately and securely to anyone who requests it while sharing only necessary information.
- eVisas mean that migrants do not need to collect documents like BRPs or wait for these documents to be sent to them.
- With a UKVI account, migrants can easily keep the Home Office updated with any changes in their details or documentation.
- Migrants can access many UK government services and benefits without needing to present proof of immigration status. This is because selected government departments and authorities including the Department for Work and Pensions and the National Health Service in England and Wales, can securely access immigration status information automatically through system to system checks.
- It is simpler for employers and landlords to use online services to check someone’s UK immigration status, rather than having to go through different types of physical immigration documents.
How we can help
For expert advice and assistance regarding UK immigration law, contact our professional team on 0208 757 5751 or use our contact form.
Frequently asked questions
An eVisa is a digital record of your immigration status in the UK. It replaces physical documents like a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) and can be accessed online via your UKVI account. You can view and share your immigration status securely through the ‘View and prove your immigration status’ service.
If you applied through the EU Settlement Scheme, created a UKVI account using the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app, or received digital confirmation of your immigration status, you likely already have an eVisa. You can check your status by logging into your UKVI account or referring to your grant email or letter.
Yes, even after transitioning to an eVisa, you should keep your BRP as it might be useful for future applications or proof of previous status, but it will not affect your current immigration status.
If your BRP expires after 31 Dec 2024 but your immigration leave is still valid, you do not need to renew your BRP. Create a UKVI account to access your eVisa, as all physical BRPs will be replaced by digital eVisas.
Once your BRP expires, you will still be able to prove your rights using your eVisa and the online ‘right to work’ and ‘right to rent’ services. However, you cannot use an expired BRP for international travel.
You can no longer request a replacement BRP. Instead, you should create a UKVI account to access your eVisa. Guidance is available on GOV.UK if you lose your BRP before the eVisa transition.
The UKVI Assisted Digital service provides free help to those with low digital skills or access needs. Additionally, the UK government has allocated £4 million to support vulnerable individuals through a network of community organisations.
No action is required from British citizens or Irish nationals. However, British citizens who don’t hold a British passport but have dual nationality (excluding Irish citizens) may need to take future action regarding proving their right of abode.
While you can still use your visa vignette to prove your immigration status, transitioning to an eVisa offers added convenience and security. It ensures that government bodies can automatically verify your status, speeding up access to public services and reducing travel delays.
You should continue to carry your physical immigration documents while travelling. If you have an eVisa, ensure your latest passport or travel document is linked to your UKVI account to avoid delays at border checks. Transport operators can securely access your immigration details through your linked travel document.
Useful links
What is an eVisa? – UKVI Video: An official video explaining what an eVisa is and how it works.
How to Travel with Your eVisa – UKVI Video: A video guide on what you need to know about travelling with your eVisa, including carrying your physical documents until the end of 2024.
UKVI – eVisa Guidance: Detailed guidance on using the eVisa system, including setting up your UKVI account and accessing your digital immigration status.
UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) – View and Prove Your Immigration Status: Access your eVisa, prove your immigration status, and share your status with others.
UKVI – Biometric Residence Permits: Information about BRPs, including how to apply, replace a lost BRP, and what to do if your BRP is about to expire.
UKVI – Contact UK Visas and Immigration: Official contact details for UKVI, including phone numbers and online enquiry forms for immigration-related questions.
