The Introduction of eVisas in UK Immigration
The UK is advancing towards a digital future in immigration processes, with the introduction of eVisas. Read Paragon Law's guide to the 2024 development.
Emma Okenyi
Embracing the Digital Transformation
The United Kingdom is advancing towards a digital future in immigration processes with the introduction of eVisas. This significant development promises a more streamlined, secure, and accessible approach to managing immigration status online. At Paragon Law, we are committed to guiding you through this change, ensuring a smooth transition for all our clients. The transition to eVisas will be completed by 31 December 2024.
What is an eVisa?
An eVisa converts a persons immigration status into a digital format. This eliminates the need for physical documents to prove your right to stay in the UK. All necessary information will be available through an online account with UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). The visa holder will be able to obtain a share code from your account to show:
- an employer for the purposes of right to work
- a landlord for the purposes of right to rent
- a bank to open an account
- to share where required to receive NHS treatment
In each of the cases above the share code will be used with person's date of birth to check online that the person has leave to remain in the UK and is entitled to work, rent, open an account and receive treatment.
Airlines will be able to access the UKVI portal by using the biodata information on the passport to check a person's UK immigration status before allowing them to board the flight. UK border control will use the same information also when the visa holder is entering the UK.
For now the eVisa is only applicable to those that have a visa to stay in the UK and not to those visiting.
Why the Transition to eVisas?
The shift to digital eVisas brings enhanced security and convenience, safeguarding personal information from loss, theft, or damage, and making it instantly accessible from anywhere at any time. The government has piloted the success of the eVisa scheme with EU Settlement visa holders before introducing this to all visa categories that allow a person to live in the UK.
Benefits of eVisas:
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Security: Your immigration record is securely stored and always accessible online
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Convenience: Eliminate the wait associated with physical documentation
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Ease of Verification: Quickly and easily prove your immigration status in the UK through obtaining a share code
Getting Started with Your eVisa
From April 2024 UKVI has started emailing Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) holders whose BRP expires in December 2024 with instructions on how to create an account. These emails are being sent out in phases and at a later date, to be confirmed, the process will be opened to all BRP holders to open their account online. You should stay up to date with developments here.
If you have another physical document to prove your your indefinite leave to remain status, for example a stamp on a passport or a Home Office letter then you will need to make a no time limit (NTL) application. If your application is successful you will receive a BRP and then you will be able to create your eVisa account.
FAQ's
What is an eVisa – how is this different to a BRP?
An eVisa is an electronic record of a person’s immigration status. A biometric residence permit (BRP) is a physical document (the size of a credit card). If your immigration status is valid beyond 31 December 2024, if you have a BRP the expiry date will be 31 December 2024, regardless of the duration of your immigration permission. You must therefore update your BRP to an eVisa to have evidence of your immigration status.
For more information on the eVisa, click here for a detailed video.
How is a UKVI account different to an eVisa?
A UKVI account is a secure way for customers to log into online services such as view and prove, whereas an eVisa is an electronic record of a person’s immigration status. A person can have a UKVI account but no eVisa, e.g., where the application for permission to stay in the UK was refused or expired.
How will updating my immigration status to an eVisa affect me?
Updating your physical document to an eVisa does not affect your immigration status or the conditions of your permission to enter or stay in the UK. Holding an eVisas is required as the physical document (BRP) will no longer be valid from 31 December 2024.
What are the implications if I don’t get an e-visa?
If you do not register for an eVisa and rely upon your physical document, you will likely experience serious complications. You must have the necessary evidence of your immigration status to travel in/out of the UK, show your employer you have the right to work in the UK, access education and health care etc.
What if I have changed my name since my BRP was issued?
If you already have an eVisa, you can update your details online via your UKVI account. If you only have a BRP, you will need to apply for an updated BRP straight away. N.B. you can be fined up to £1,000 or have your stay in the UK shortened if you do not report such a change within 3 months. More information is available here.
What if I have lost my BRP?
You will need to request a replacement BRP if it has been lost or stolen and you have no other form of identity document to create a UKVI account. Once you have a BRP, you can then create your UKVI account for your eVisa. See here for more information.
What if I have a different type of document to prove my immigration status?
If you have indefinite leave to enter remain (also known as settlement) and you currently prove your rights through a different type of physical document, such as a wet-ink stamp in your passport or a vignette sticker, then you should make a ‘no time limit’ (NTL) application to replace your document with a BRP. Once you have a BRP, you’ll be able to create a UKVI account to access your eVisa, following the instructions above.
What do I need to know regarding travel in/out of the UK?
During 2024, you should continue to carry your in-date BRP when travelling internationally until it expires. From Summer 2024 onwards, if the passport or national identity document you are travelling with is linked to your UKVI account, airlines and other carriers will be able to digitally check that you have permission to come to the UK. You should update your UKVI account with any passport you wish to use for travel, to avoid unnecessary delays when travelling internationally. You can do this here.
What if I already have an eVisa (as well as a BRP)?
If you already have an eVisa along with your BRP, you do not need to create a new UKVI account. The UKVI account is currently created automatically for everyone who uses the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check mobile App’ to make an immigration application. Click here to check if you already have a UKVI account.
What information must I update on my account?
You will need to update your details if there are changes to:
- Your ID document, passport, or travel document.
- Your account sign-in details (email address and phone number).
- Your name or nationality.
- Your home or postal address.
Individuals experiencing difficulties in linking their passport to their UKVI account because the passport does not have a biometric chip can use their previous BRP card for their UKVI account. The BRP can still be used as their UKVI account ID document, even if the date on the BRP card has passed provided their visa has not expired.
It is important that you keep your personal details on your UKVI account up to date so you can continue to access your account, and to avoid any unnecessary delays at the UK border. You can update your details through the update your UK Visas and Immigration account details service or by using the ‘update details’ function in the View and Prove service.
What do I do if I have more than one passport or travel document?
If you hold multiple travel documents, for example a passport and an identity card, or two passports, you should ensure that you register all the documents that you intend to use for travel purposes.
Do children need their own UKVI account?
UKVI has confirmed that children will need their own UKVI account. This can be set up by the parent, guardian, or responsible adult, and can be set up using the adult’s contact details. The responsible adult will need to be mindful of keeping the child’s UKVI account up to date. This account can then be handed over to the child when they become an adult, simply by changing the contact details.
What if there is Incorrect information recorded on the eVisa?
You need to check that all the information recorded on the eVisa is correct. Common errors that have been reported are incorrect visa expiry dates This is incredibly concerning for organisations who are required to keep an accurate record of their employee’s permission, and for the individuals themselves, who are concerned as to the validity of their permission to stay in the UK and the implications that this may have for work and travel.
The current advice is to call the Home Office digital status helpline. There is a separate helpline for education institutions.
The UKVI confirmed that I am able to access my eVisa but I am unable to view this.
This is an ongoing issue with UKVI. In order to resolve this, UKVI have an online chat form that you can contact.
You can follow this link to speak to an advisor. The first contact will be a computer, however, after the computer asks ‘has this answered your question’ please select the answer ‘no’ to be put through to an advisor.
When prompted provide your:
- Full Name
- BRP Number
- Email Address
- Phone Number
The technology department can raise a ticket for you, and hopefully send an email when this the issue has been fixed.
When will UKVI stop issuing BRPs?
BRPs will no longer be issued from 31 October 8, 2024. From this date people will receive an email confirming the grant of their permission and will be able to set up their UKVI account to access their eVisa.
Do I need an eVisa for international travel?
eVisas will be required for international travel from 1 January 2025 (all carriers across air, rail and sea should be able to access eVisa information electronically). You should still carry an in-date BRP card for international travel purposes until the BRP expires.
Expired BRP cards will not be able to be used for international travel. However, it is recommended that these are carried for a period when travelling as additional evidence of your immigration status in the event of issues or delays.
What Should I do with my expired BRP card?
UKVI has confirmed that individuals should keep their expired BRP cards for the following reasons:
- Evidencing an expired BRP card should mean that future visa applications to stay in the UK are more streamlined.
- Individuals will be able to use expired BRP cards to apply for eVisas after the 31 December 2024 cut-off date to generate evidence of their right to work and rent status (provided they still have valid status).
- Individuals will be able to use their expired BRP card to register for a UKVI account and access their eVisa.
Need Assistance?
We recognise that adapting to digital changes can be challenging. Whether you need support setting up or updating your UKVI account, we are here to help. Assistance is also available for those without internet access or the necessary digital tools.
Our Commitment to You
The move towards eVisas represents a significant milestone towards creating a more efficient and user-friendly UK immigration system. Paragon Law is dedicated to providing you with all the necessary information and support during this transition period.
Should you have any questions or require further guidance, please do not hesitate to contact us. Together, let us navigate this digital transformation with confidence.
Everyone Is Welcome.