As the UK Home Office transitions away from physical visa documents, like Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) and Biometric Residence Cards (BRCs), to fully digital eVisas, many BRP holders may wonder what these changes mean for them.
To help BRP holders understand the move to eVisas, our immigration experts have answered common questions about the new system and the steps you need to take to avoid issues proving your status under the new system.
Why is the Home Office switching to eVisas instead of physical BRPs?
The UK Home Office is moving towards a fully digital immigration system, known as eVisas. This is part of a broader “digital by design” strategy to streamline UK immigration, with more services available online, reducing the need for in-person appointments and integrating systems like eGates.
What is an eVisa, and how does it work?
An eVisa is an online record of your UK immigration status.
Upon receiving your new visa or immigration status, you’ll need to create a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account. This account allows you to view and manage your eVisa online. To set up your account, you’ll typically use your passport or travel document and your visa application reference number. Detailed instructions are provided during the application process.
With your UKVI account, you can generate a ‘share code’ to provide evidence of your immigration status to employers, landlords, or other relevant parties. This code grants time-limited access to your status information, ensuring secure and efficient verification.
Current BRP and BRC holders need to create a UKVI to access their eVisa. The initial transition deadline was 31 December 2024, but this has been extended to the end of March 2025. BRP and BRC holders are strongly advised to set up their UKVI account as soon as possible to avoid issues with proving their status under the new eVisa system.
If your BRP expired on 31 December 2024 and you still have permission to stay in the UK, you should continue to carry your BRP with you when you travel to the UK until 31 March 2025. Keep your expired BRP card as it may help with future applications to stay in the UK. You may also want it for your personal records.
How do I access and use my eVisa?
Once you have an eVisa, you can log into your UKVI account and use the “View and Prove” service to share your status with relevant parties, such as employers or landlords. The eVisa is linked to your passport, so Border Force officers can see your visa details when you enter the UK. Soon, airlines will also verify your immigration status through the UKVI system.
Are eVisas new to the UK?
eVisas have been issued for several years in the UK. EU citizens who applied under the EU Settlement Scheme were the first to receive them, and the Home Office has since been issuing eVisas to successful visa applicants in many different categories.
What are the deadlines to transition to an eVisa?
Initially, the Home Office had been working a deadline of 31 December 2024 to phase out physical documents as proof of status. This is why in recent years any new BRPs had been issued with an expiry date of 31 December 2024, even when the holder’s permission was beyond this date.
However, in light of the challenges faced by the Home Office in implementing the new system, the deadline has been pushed back into 2025. In a statement in December 2024, the government confirmed that physical documents – such as BRPs and EUSS BRCs – could still be used until at least 31 March 2025, even if the document’s expiry date was 31 December 2024, provided that the holder has valid permission and the current rules already permit use of the relevant type of document.
Visa holders are however still encouraged to set up their UKVI account and access their eVisa as soon as possible to avoid any issues when the system does go fully live.
How can I switch from a BRP to an eVisa?
If your permission extends beyond 31 December 2024, you’ll need to create a UKVI account and convert to an eVisa. Follow these steps:
1. Create a UKVI Account: Register using your BRP number and basic personal details.
2. Verify Identity: Use the UK Immigration: ID Check app to confirm your identity with a scan of your BRP and a selfie.
3. Link to eVisa: Once verified, complete the online form, and you’ll receive an email confirmation when your eVisa is ready.
4. Update Passport Information: Link your current passport to your UKVI account for travel purposes.
The process is free, and detailed video guidance is available on the UKVI website.
Will I still receive a BRP if I apply for a visa?
As of 31 October 2024, the Home Office will stop issuing BRPs altogether. Visa applicants will either receive an eVisa directly or a 90-day entry visa for initial entry, after which they will apply for an eVisa.
What if I lose my BRP? Can I get a replacement?
As of 26 September 2024, BRP replacements are no longer issued. Any lost, stolen, or outdated details should be updated directly within your UKVI account. This change aims to standardise the transition to digital-only eVisas.
How does the transition to eVisas affect my right to work?
The right to work process for employers will largely remain the same, impacting mainly where repeat checks are needed. Employers can use the “View and Prove” service to confirm your eVisa status. Ensuring that your UKVI account is up-to-date will help prevent complications in verifying your status.
I have indefinite leave to remain endorsed in my passport but no BRP. Do I need to do anything?
You should apply for a No Time Limit (NTL) status to be issued with an eVisa. NTL applications previously resulted in a BRP, but from 31 October 2024, they will transition directly to eVisas. Until then, continue to carry any existing BRP and passport when travelling.
Are there any benefits of an eVisa?
An eVisa eliminates the risk of losing your BRP and simplifies status verification. Your immigration details are easily accessible, and you no longer need to carry a physical document. Remember to update your account with any changes to passport, name, nationality, or other details.
Is there any Home Office guidance on the transition?
The Home Office provides ongoing guidance on the transition to eVisas via a dedicated webpage. Additional resources and instructions are available to help with account setup and eVisa access.
Need Assistance?
DavidsonMorris are on hand to advise if you have any questions about the transition to eVisas. Contact us for advice.
Author
Founder and Managing Director Anne Morris is a fully qualified solicitor and trusted adviser to large corporates through to SMEs, providing strategic immigration and global mobility advice to support employers with UK operations to meet their workforce needs through corporate immigration.
She is a recognised by Legal 500 and Chambers as a legal expert and delivers Board-level advice on business migration and compliance risk management as well as overseeing the firm’s development of new client propositions and delivery of cost and time efficient processing of applications.
Anne is an active public speaker, immigration commentator, and immigration policy contributor and regularly hosts training sessions for employers and HR professionals
