In advance of the UK’s transition to an eVisa, individuals with physical immigration documents such as Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) will need to apply for an eVisa before the end of 2024. Additionally, anyone with a UK visa valid beyond December 31, 2024, but their BRP expires on that date will also need to apply.
What to Expect
- BRP holders will need to register for a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account. Once they have their UKVI account they can use it to share their immigration status with third parties such as employers and landlords.
- The eVisa is the online record of the immigration status contained in the UKVI account.
eVisa Application Timelines
The provisional timing on the roll-out of the eVisa program will be as follows:
- Until April 12, 2024: there is a small-scale private beta launch by email invitation. Some BRP holders may receive an email inviting them to register for a UKVI account so they have an eVisa.
- From mid-April 2024: there is a wider phased rollout by invitation only to people who received their BRP from a visa application submitted in the UK.
- From June 3, 2024: there will be a full rollout to everyone – there will be no need for BRP holders to receive an email invitation from UKVI.
As above, this is not official guidance yet and the dates and details are subject to change.
Erickson Insights and 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.