The UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) has implemented a digital immigration system. The eVisa replaces physical documents with an online record of users’ immigration status.
As part of this process, documents being replaced with digital elements include:
- Biometric residence permits (BRPs)
- biometric residence cards (BRC)
- passport endorsements, such as indefinite leave to enter wet ink stamps
- vignette stickers in passports, such as entry clearance or visa vignettes
From June 2, 2025, expired BRPs and BRCs can no longer be used to travel to the UK. Travelers will need an eVisa to demonstrate their permission to travel to the UK. Before travelling internationally, travelers should:
- Set up access to their eVisa by creating a UKVI account, if not done so already
- Make sure the current travel document is linked to the UKVI account
- Everyone must have their own UKVI account. Where a child under the age of 18 is unable to create and manage their own account, a parent or guardian should do this for them. Read more about creating a UKVI account for a child.
Individuals who don’t have a BRP, can use a valid identity document, such as a passport, and visa application reference number to create an account and access their eVisa.
What to Expect
- Updating physical documents to an eVisa does not affect one’s immigration status or the conditions of their permission to enter or stay in the UK.
- An eVisa can be used to travel to the UK together with a current passport, which must be linked to the UKVI account. Travelers should also get a share code to prove your immigration status before you travel. A share code is valid for 90 days.
- UKVI no longer issues BRP cards. Travelers cannot request a new or replacement BRP card. Find out what to do if yours has been lost, stolen or damaged.
- From 2 June 2025 expired BRCs can no longer be used to travel to the UK. If a travelers has a BRC and has been granted status under the EU Settlement Scheme, then they already have an eVisa and do not need to take any action to obtain one.
- If someone has a BRC and has not been granted status under the EU Settlement Scheme, obtained another form of immigration leave, or become a British citizen, then their BRC is no longer valid, even if it appears to still be in date.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. These individuals should not travel internationally until they have obtained a proof of your immigration status.
Who needs an eVisa?
- Individuals who have been granted permission to stay in the UK for more than 6 months, or have indefinite leave to remain (also known as settlement) will need an eVisa to prove their identity and status in the UK.
- Individuals who have been granted permission to stay in the UK for less than 6 months, cannot create a UKVI account and access their eVisa yet.
- Individuals who have an expired biometric residence permit (BRP), can use it for up to 18 months after its expiry, to create their UKVI account, access their eVisa and create a share code to prove their identity and status. UKVI recommends keeping an expired BRP as it may help with future applications to stay in the UK, or for personal records.
- If applying for a visa overseas, travelers will need to prove their identity. If a traveler creates a UKVI account as part of the visa application process, they’ll use this to access their eVisa to travel to the UK.
- From July 15, 2025, applicants may not get a vignette if they apply for a study or work visa. Instead, they will need to create a UKVI account and get access to their eVisa before they travel to the UK.
- Travelers who are applying as a dependant for any other visa or as a main applicant for visas other than study or work will get a vignette.
Erickson Insights & Analysis
Erickson Immigration Group will continue monitoring developments and sharing updates as more news is available. Please contact your employer or EIG attorney if you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or if you have case-specific questions.