The Home Office has issued new updates regarding the transition to the eVisa system and the biometric residence permit (BRP):
- From October 31, 2024, BRPs will no longer be issued.
- What remains unclear at this point is whether all visa applicants will be given an eVisa straightaway on approval of their application or if they will have to take an extra step to get one.
- It is also not yet clear when airlines and other carriers will be able to check eVisas, which will be essential for visa nationals travelling to the UK without a BRP.
- The Home Office has not commented or updated any guidance on this.
- Replacement BRPs are no longer being issued. Since September 26, 2024, it has not been possible to make a BRP replacement application. So where for example a BRP holder’s personal details (name, nationality, marital status, appearance, etc) change or their BRP is lost or stolen, they can no longer apply for a replacement. Instead they need to apply for a UKVI account/eVisa before the end of the year and can update any changes to their personal details in their UKVI account.
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.