eVisa or BRP Change of Address: Update Your Details

If you currently hold an eVisa or biometric residence permit (BRP), you are required to report any changes in your personal or contact details promptly to the Home Office. With the transition to eVisas, there are specific processes to follow to report such changes, such as a change of address.

In this guide for BRP and eVisa holders, we outline how to update your information, the importance of compliance, and the steps required to stay within UK immigration rules.

 

How to update your BRP or eVisa Details

 

If you’re an overseas national in the UK or waiting for a decision on your immigration application, reporting changes depends on your specific circumstances and whether you are transitioning to an eVisa.

The UK government is phasing out BRPs in favour of eVisas, which are digital records of immigration status accessible through the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) online account. While BRPs are no longer issued for new applications, individuals with existing BRPs or awaiting a decision must follow the appropriate process to ensure their details remain accurate.

If you hold an eVisa, changes can be updated online by signing into your UKVI account. For common updates such as a change of address or phone number, the process is straightforward and usually completed within a few days.

 

Reporting changes of circumstances to the Home Office

 

You must notify the Home Office of any changes to your circumstances that could impact your immigration status. These include:

 

• Personal details: Changes to your name, nationality, gender, or facial appearance.
• Contact details: Updates to your address, email, or phone number.
• Dependent details: Separation from a partner or changes in a dependent child’s living arrangements.
• Criminal convictions: Any criminal offences committed by yourself or dependants.
• Legal representation: Changes to your solicitor or representative’s details.
• Other relevant changes: Any additional information that may affect your eligibility for your current immigration category.

 

 

Reporting a change of address on an eVisa

 

Changes to your address must be reported as soon as possible to ensure that your immigration record remains accurate. If you hold an eVisa, which is a digital record of your UK immigration status, reporting a change of address is straightforward and must be done through your UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account.

 

Step 1: Access Your UKVI Account

Visit the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) portal and sign in using the details you used to set up your account. If you have not yet registered for an account, you will need to create one using your passport or immigration reference details.

 

Step 2: Select the Option to Update Details

Once signed in, navigate to the section that allows you to update your personal details. Choose the option to update your address.

 

Step 3: Provide Your New Address

Enter your new address, ensuring all details are accurate, including your postcode. Unlike the process for BRP holders, you do not need to provide proof of your new address for eVisa updates. There is no fee for updating your address through your UKVI account.

 

Step 4: Submit the Update

Review the information you’ve entered and confirm the changes. The update is submitted electronically and usually takes effect within a few days.

 

Step 5: Confirmation

You will receive an email confirmation that your address has been updated. Keep this for your records as proof of the change.

 

Reporting other changes of circumstances

 

Changes to your circumstances or the details of your dependants or legal representative must be reported to the UK Home Office promptly. The process varies depending on the nature of the change and whether you are still using a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) or have transitioned to an eVisa.

 

Reporting Changes for Dependants or Legal Representatives

 

Changes in the contact details for dependants or your legal representative, including appointing a new legal representative, can usually be reported online. To do so, you will need to provide:

 

• The name, date of birth, and nationality of any dependants affected.
• The name and updated contact details of your representative, if applicable.

 

If you hold an eVisa, these changes can typically be made through your UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account.

 

Reporting Other Changes

 

Certain changes in circumstances must also be reported to the Home Office. These may include:

 

• Relationship breakdowns: If you separate from your partner, you must provide the date you ceased living together and, if possible, their new address.
• Changes to dependants’ living arrangements: If a dependent child stops living with you permanently, you must notify the Home Office of the date they moved out and their current address.
• Criminal convictions: If you or a dependant are convicted of a criminal offence, you must report full details, including:
  • The offence committed.
  • The name of the court.
  • The date and place of sentencing.
  • The sentence imposed.

 

 

Implications of Changes to Dependant Eligibility

If a change in circumstances means that a partner or child is no longer eligible for leave as a dependant, their current leave may be curtailed. This could result in their needing to leave the UK or apply for leave under a different immigration category. For example:

 

• A separated partner may need to apply for their own visa to remain in the UK.
• A child who no longer lives with you might require a separate application to regularise their stay.

 

 

Using the MCC Form

 

While many personal details can be updated directly through your UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account, some changes require the MCC form. For changes not covered by your UKVI account, you must complete the Migrant Change of Circumstances (MCC) form. This form requires detailed information about the change, which must be submitted to the address specified on the form. Supporting documentation may be required, such as court records for convictions or proof of separation in the case of a relationship breakdown.

If you need to report changes such as a criminal conviction, separation from your partner, or if any of your children stop living permanently with you, these cannot be updated through your UKVI account. In such cases, you should complete and submit the MCC form.

Some changes could affect your immigration status or that of your dependants. It’s advisable to seek legal advice if you’re unsure about the implications of a particular change.

Access and submit the MCC Form as follows:

 

Step 1: Download the Form

Obtain the MCC form from the official UK government website:

 

Step 2: Complete the Form

Fill in the required details accurately, providing comprehensive information about the change in circumstances.

 

Step 3: Submit the Form

Send the completed form to the address specified on the form.

 

Important Considerations:

• Timely Reporting: It’s crucial to report any significant changes in your circumstances promptly to ensure compliance with UK immigration regulations.
• Supporting Documentation: Depending on the nature of the change, you may need to provide additional evidence or documentation along with the MCC form.
• Impact on Immigration Status: S

 

 

Importance of reporting Home Office change of circumstances

 

If you’re granted permission to come to the UK, you have a number of key responsibilities under your immigration status. This not only includes complying with the conditions of your stay, but reporting certain changes to the Home Office, including a change of address. If you fail to comply with your reporting requirements, you may be subject to a financial penalty. This could also result in any outstanding application being refused, or your leave being cancelled or curtailed.

If you have failed to provide the Home Office with an up-to-date correspondence address or contact details, this could also mean you miss important notifications which require you to take action within a specific deadline. This could, in itself, negatively impact any pending application or result in your existing permission to stay in the UK being shortened.

The rules in the UK relating to migrant change of circumstances are many and varied, with different procedures depending on the type of change that you’re required to report. By securing expert advice from an immigration specialist you can ensure that you report any changes to the Home Office in the correct way, with the right documentation in support. In this way, you can feel confident that you will remain compliant with the law at all times, fulfilling your important obligations and avoid potential issues with your status.

 

Need assistance?

 

DavidsonMorris are specialists in UK immigration. If you need help with a BRP or UK immigration application, contact us.

 

Change of Circumstances FAQs

 

What is a BRP?

A Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) is a physical document that confirms your immigration status in the UK. It includes details such as your name, date of birth, immigration conditions, and biometric data. BRPs are no longer issued in the UK; individuals instead need to access to their eVisa through an online UKVI account.

 

What is an eVisa?

An eVisa is an online record of your immigration status. It replaces the need for a physical BRP and allows you to access and update your details online through your UKVI account.

 

How do I update my address if I have an eVisa?

If you have an eVisa, you can update your address online by signing in to your UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account.

 

What should I do if I don’t have an eVisa?

If you don’t have an eVisa, you can report a change of address online or complete the change of circumstances form and send it to the address provided on the form.

 

Can I still apply for a new BRP?

No, the UK no longer issues new BRPs. Instead, you need to set up access to your eVisa and use it to update your details and prove your immigration status.

 

What other details can I update in my UKVI account?

You can update your name, address, phone number, nationality, date of birth, gender, or changes to your facial appearance through your UKVI account.

 

What changes cannot be updated online?

Certain changes, such as getting a criminal conviction, separating from your partner, or changes to your children’s living arrangements, must be reported using the change of circumstances form.

 

What if I cannot access my eVisa or UKVI account?

If you cannot access your eVisa or UKVI account, you should contact UK Visas and Immigration for assistance.

 

Why is it important to update my details?

Keeping your details up to date ensures that your immigration record is accurate and compliant with UK regulations, helping to avoid issues with your visa or immigration status.

 

Glossary

 

Term	Definition
BRP (Biometric Residence Permit)	A physical document that confirms an individual’s immigration status in the UK, including biometric data.
eVisa	An online record of a person’s immigration status in the UK, replacing the need for a physical BRP.
UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration)	The division of the UK Home Office responsible for managing visas, immigration, and citizenship.
Change of Circumstances Form	A form used to report changes to personal details that cannot be updated online through a UKVI account.
Immigration Status	The legal position of an individual regarding their right to live, work, or study in the UK.
Facial Appearance	Refers to changes in an individual’s physical appearance, such as hairstyle or facial hair, that must be updated.
Criminal Conviction	A legal judgement declaring someone guilty of a criminal offence, which must be reported if it occurs.
Permanent Living Arrangements	The long-term residency of dependents, such as children, which must be reported if there are changes.
Online Change of Address	A service allowing individuals to update their residential address directly through a government portal.
Change of Address	The process of notifying UKVI of a new residential address to ensure immigration records are current.