eVisas, BRPs and UKVI accounts: get ready for the digital deadline!
The UK is transitioning to a fully digital immigration system, with eVisa replacing physical immigration documents. It’s crucial for companies with employees on visas to comply with the new processes. This shift to digital will affect how businesses manage and verify their employees’ immigration status. However, the processes are complex and can take months, so early preparation is vital.
eVisas
eVisas will completely replace the need to carry physical UK immigration documents when travelling, except for the passport registered to the UKVI account.
To access an eVisa, an account with UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) must be created. Once registered, the eVisa will confirm the terms of permission to enter or remain in the UK. Registering an eVisa does not impact immigration status or the conditions of permission to reside in the UK. The following UK immigration documents can now be replaced by eVisas:
- Biometric residence permits (BRPs).
- Biometric residence cards (BRCs) under the EU settlement scheme (EUSS) or an EUSS decision letter.
- Frontier worker permits.
BRPs
For BRPs with an expiry date of 31 December 2024, a UKVI account can now be created and an eVisa accessed. This process should be completed before the BRP expires. When travelling internationally, the BRP should be carried until its expiry date. After expiration, the BRP should be retained for future immigration applications and personal records.
Other immigration documents
Individuals with certain UK immigration documents must first apply for a BRP before accessing their eVisa. This applies to:
- vignette stickers in non-UK passports confirming an indefinite right to enter/remain in the UK (ILE/ILR).
- wet ink stamps in non-UK passports confirming ILE/ILR.
Holders of an ILE/ILR vignette sticker or wet ink stamp should submit a ‘no time limit’ (NTL) application to replace their current immigration documents with a BRP. Then a UKVI account can be created and eVisa accessed.
UKVI account
Once the UKVI account is created, it can be used to prove the right to live and work in the UK. It generates a right to rent or right to work share code, which can be used by landlords or employers to verify immigration status online.
eVisas are linked to the identity and nationality document (usually a passport) used when creating the UKVI account. These details should be kept up to date to avoid issues at UK Border Control when travelling in and out of the UK.
How we can help
If you would like to find out more about eVisas, BRPs, managing your UKVI account, or any of the UK digital immigration process please contact our immigration team for assistance.
