eVisa Transition Guide
The UK is shifting from physical immigration documents, such as Biometric Residence Permits (BRP), to fully digital eVisas by the end of 2024. This transition is part of the Home Office’s strategy for a “digital by design” immigration system. All BRPs will expire on 31 December 2024, and eVisas will replace them from 1 January 2025. The Home Office will also stop printing BRPs in October 2024.
What is an eVisa?
An eVisa is an online record of your UK immigration status, replacing the need for physical documents like the BRP. It securely stores your visa details, such as visa type, expiry date, and any specific conditions of stay. Accessible from any device, it simplifies updates, such as changes in address or personal details. With eVisas, there’s no risk of losing physical proof, and you can easily prove your status online when needed.
Who Needs to Transition to an eVisa?
Anyone currently holding a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) must transition to an eVisa by 31 December 2024, regardless of the visa type or nationality. If you don’t transition by this deadline, you may lose your immigration status, preventing you from living, working, or studying in the UK. You may also face difficulties traveling or re-entering the UK.
Those with indefinite leave to remain or enter, stamped in their passports but without a BRP, must apply for a No Time Limit (NTL) BRP to transition to eVisa status. The Home Office plans to start issuing eVisas directly to NTL applicants, but timing details are still pending.
How to Transition to an eVisa
The transition began in April 2024 when the Home Office started sending emails to visa holders, inviting them to set up a UKVI account. If you’ve received this email, follow these steps immediately:
Visit the UKVI website.
Enter your details, including your BRP number or passport information.
Provide an active email address and phone number for verification.
Once your account is set up, you can access your eVisa anytime online.
When Should You Set Up Your eVisa?
It’s crucial to set up your eVisa account as soon as you receive the Home Office invitation, well before the BRP expiry on 31 December 2024. If a legal representative handled your visa, the Home Office may contact them instead, but be sure to check for updates directly.
What Information Does Your eVisa Display?
Your eVisa will display:
Visa Type: Details about the specific visa you hold, such as work or student visa.
Expiry Date: The date when your visa becomes invalid.
Conditions: Any specific conditions, like work or travel restrictions.
You can view and share this information online with employers, landlords, or when travelling.
Challenges and Issues with the Transition to eVisas
The transition to eVisas has faced several issues, including technical challenges and delays in communication. With millions of migrants in the UK needing to transition, there is concern about whether the system will be fully operational by the deadline. Vulnerable groups, such as those with limited access to technology, may struggle with the new digital format. Critics, including the Immigration Law Practitioners’ Association (ILPA), have raised concerns about a potential Windrush-style crisis if migrants are left unable to prove their status.
The Home Office has acknowledged these issues and is working on solutions, such as improving email communication and ensuring the eVisa system is reliable for everyone.
Advice for BRP Holders
If you have a BRP, it’s essential to transition to an eVisa before 31 December 2024. If you receive an email from the Home Office, follow the steps to set up your UKVI account immediately. Keep your details updated and check that the information on your eVisa is accurate. If you encounter any problems, contact the Home Office as soon as possible.
If you haven’t received an email yet, you can sign up for updates from the Home Office through their website. Stay informed and ensure you complete the process before the deadline to avoid losing your immigration status.
Advice for Employers
Employers must ensure that employees’ right to work checks are up to date, especially as BRPs will no longer be valid proof after December 2024. If you’ve previously checked an employee’s BRP, a follow-up check using the eVisa system will be required before the year’s end. Employers can use the Home Office’s Employer Checking Service for verification, especially for those transitioning to eVisas.
It’s advisable for employers to communicate with their workforce about the transition, ensuring that any employees affected by the change understand the steps they need to take to maintain their right to work in the UK.
Need Assistance?
If you need support with the transition to eVisas or have questions about how this change affects your immigration status or employment obligations, MRK Consultancy can help. We offer specialist advice and training for employers, as well as assistance for individuals moving to the new eVisa system.
Contact us today for more information