The UK government has updated its guidance for holders of physical immigration documents, as it replaces them with online records of immigration status, known as eVisas.
What to Expect
- Holders of a biometric residence permit (BRP) that expires on December 31, 2024, will be contacted by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) to explain how to create a UKVI account and access their eVisa before the expiry date of their BRP.
- Those who have already been contacted to create an account, either by email or in a decision letter, can now follow the instructions sent by UKVI to create a UKVI account.
- Those who have not yet been contacted about creating an account will be able to create their account and access their eVisa later in 2024.
- Those who have permission to stay in the UK will be able to sign in to the view and prove service to access their eVisa, once they’ve created their UKVI account.
- Those who have indefinite leave to enter or indefinite leave to remain (also known as settlement) and currently prove their rights through a different type of physical document, such as a wet-ink stamp in the passport or a vignette sticker, should make a ‘no time limit’ (NTL) application.
- If the NTL application is successful, they’ll get a BRP to prove their rights. They should carry their BRP, along with their passport, when travelling internationally. Once they have a BRP, they’ll be able to create a UKVI account to access their eVisa later this year.
- Those who have a biometric residence card (BRC) and have been granted status under the EU Settlement Scheme already have an eVisa and do not need to take any action to obtain one. They should continue to carry their BRC with them when they travel internationally.
- For those who have a BRC and have not been granted status under the EU Settlement Scheme, obtained another form of immigration leave, or become a British citizen, their BRC is no longer valid, even if it appears to still be in date. This is because the UK has left the EU, and the EU free movement law no longer applies. To continue living in the UK they should get an immigration status as soon as possible. They may be able to make a late application to the EU Settlement Scheme as a family member of a relevant EU, other EEA or Swiss citizen. They should not travel internationally until they have obtained a proof of their immigration status.
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.