The UK Home Office has confirmed that Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) will no longer be issued after 31 October 2024.
This confirmation comes as the BRP replacement service also ceased operations last month.
Visa holders now need to switch to an electronic visa (eVisa) by creating a UKVI account, which will store their immigration status digitally. The new eVisa system replaces the need for physical BRP cards.
eVisa Explained
An eVisa is a digital record of an individual’s immigration status, available to those who have applied through the UK Immigration ID Check App. Once an immigration application is approved, the eVisa can be accessed via the UKVI account. This allows visa holders to view and share their immigration status as needed.
To obtain an eVisa, individuals need to create a UKVI account by providing personal details and linking the account to their eVisa. An identity check is required using the UK Immigration ID Check App, which involves uploading a digital photo and scanning the BRP. After verification, the eVisa will be accessible online. Visa holders must also link a current travel document, such as a passport, to their UKVI account to maintain access to the eVisa after the BRP expires.
Transition for BRP Holders
Those holding both a BRP and an eVisa can still use the BRP for travel until the end of 2024. However, it is essential to ensure that their UKVI account is updated with a current travel document.
Those holding only an eVisa must keep their account updated to avoid any issues with their immigration status.
Employer Responsibilities
Employers should take action to ensure that employees with BRPs switch to the eVisa system before their BRPs expire on 31 December 2024, including sharing information about the changes and signposting BRP holders to the relevant resources – most importantly, the Home Office website where they can set up their UKVI account. This applies regardless of whether the BRP holder’s leave expires after 31 December 2024.
Employers are only required to conduct new Right to Work checks for employees whose manual document checks are based on time-limited immigration permission, and this process must be completed before their immigration documents expire. Those using online Right to Work checks do not need to repeat the process.
Need Assistance?
DavidsonMorris are on hand to advise if you have any questions about the transition to eVisas, including how the new requirements will impact employers’ immigration compliance and Right to Work procedures, and guidance for visa holders on how to transition to the eVisa system. Contact us for advice, training and support.
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
