The UK government is replacing physical immigration documents with a digital immigration status called an eVisa. This process is in full swing and will continue throughout the year.
- An eVisa is an online digital record of an individual’s immigration status which is accessed through a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) online account.
- The eVisa can be shared with third parties such as employers and landlords to prove an individual’s immigration status and rights in the UK easily and efficiently.
- The eVisa should also help to prevent unnecessary delays for individuals travelling internationally on the passport or national identity document linked to their UKVI account.
- The eVisa is designed to provide advantages to an individual so they can access many UK government services and benefits without needing to present proof of their immigration status.
- Most importantly, an eVisa cannot be lost, stolen or damaged. The transition to an eVisa will not affect an individual’s current immigration status.
Action and Next Steps
- Action is required for individuals in the UK who do not already have a UKVI account and hold a physical immigration document such as a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) or Biometric Residence Card (BRC).
- These individuals should proceed to create a UKVI account here. They will need to have access to a smartphone and will need the following information:
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- a mobile number
- an email address
- their BRP card, or
- a valid passport with their BRP number or visa application number
- Creating a UKVI account is fairly straight forward and free, however where individuals need technical assistance, they should contact the Home Office here.
- Every individual in possession of a physical immigration document will need to have a separate UKVI account to access their own eVisa. Family members can create a UKVI account and manage this on behalf of their dependants/children.
- Individuals will need to create their UKVI account and access their eVisa before their current visa expires, or by December 31, 2024 (whichever is earlier). Individuals with a UK visa valid beyond December 31, 2024, but in possession of a BRP card which expires on date, should also create a UKVI account to access their eVisa.
- Individuals who have Indefinite Leave to Enter/Remain (ILE/R) and generally prove their immigration status rights using a passport containing an ink stamp or vignette sticker, should make a ‘No Time Limit’ application in line with current Home Office guidance. Information on this can be found here.
Important
- Once an individual has created their UKVI account, they must continue to update it with any new passport or contact information.
- If individuals hold both a BRP card as well as an eVisa, they do not need to take further action. They should ensure their UKVI account is updated with their latest contact information and details of any passport they intend to travel with.
- The ‘Update your UK Visas and Immigration account details’ page can be accessed here.
Additional Information
- From Autumn 2024, it is anticipated that most new UK visa applicants will also receive an eVisa.
- Visitors to the UK who intend to stay for 6 months or less will not require access to an eVisa.
- The Home Office has indicated they are taking steps to allow carriers, such as airlines, ferry, and international train operators, to automatically access the immigration status of individuals travelling on their services, when they present a passport which is linked to their UKVI account.
- As a precautionary measure, individuals should continue to carry their valid BRP cards with them when they travel internationally. BRP card holders may also wish to keep hold of their BRPs after creating a UKVI account, as they may need the reference number for future applications to stay in the UK.
Erickson Insights & Analysis
Erickson Immigration Group will continue to monitor developments and share updates as more news is available. Please contact your employer or EIG attorney if you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or case-specific questions.