The use of physical identification documents is coming to an end. The Biometric Residence Permit will be replaced by an electronic eVisa. The Home Office are developing a digital immigration system replace physical documents with an online record of your immigration status.
Under the Home Office’s or UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) digital immigration system, the following physical documents will be replaced:
- Biometric Residence Permits (BRP).
- Biometric Residence Cards (BRC).
- Passport endorsements, such as those for Indefinite Leave to Remain.
- Vignette stickers.
What is an eVisa?
An eVisa is an online record of your immigration status and the conditions of your permission to enter or stay in the UK. You need to create a UKVI account on the official government website to be able to access your eVisa.
Updating your physical document to an eVisa does not affect your immigration status. It also does not affect your current permission to enter or stay in the UK.
The online system is set to take charge in January 2025. When it does, you will be able to use an eVisa to travel to the UK. The only physical document you will need to carry is your current valid passport which must be registered to your UKVI account.
How do I create a UKVI account for my eVisa?
To create your UKVI account, simply visit the Home Office’s UKVI eVisa web page and signup to create your account. From there, you will be able to link your current valid passport and update your personal information.
How to create a UKVI account of you have a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)
If your BRP expires on 31 December 2024, you can now create a UKVI account and access your eVisa immediately. It is recommended that you create your UKVI account to access your eVisa before the document expires. UKVI state that you must carry your BRP whenever you travel internationally until the end of 31 December 2024.
How to create a UKVI account if you have another physical document
If you have indefinite leave to remain (settlement) and you prove your immigration status through a different type of physical document such as a vignette sticker or stamp in your passport, you can make a ‘No Time Limit’ application to replace the vignette or stamp with a BRP. Once you have your BRP, you will be able to create a UKVI account and access your eVisa. This step cannot be avoided and must be taken in order to access the eVisa.
How to make a UKVI account If you are settled in the UK and do not have a document to prove your right to stay in the UK
If you or your parent were settled in the UK on January 1, 1973 or if you arrived in the UK before the end of 1988, you should check if you are eligible to apply for evidence of your status under the Windrush Scheme.
If you have a Biometric Residence Card
Those of you who hold a BRC and have been granted status under the EU Settlement scheme or EUSS, may already have access to your eVisa. There is no need to create another UKVI account. You can find details of how to access your eVisa in your approval letter or email from UKVI. If you possess a BRC, UKVI state that you should continue to carry your BRC with you when travelling internationally and seeking re-entry to the UK.
If you have a BRC and have not been granted status under the EUSS, because you obtained another form of immigration leave, or became a British citizen, your BRC will no longer be 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. In order to continue living in the UK, you should get an immigration status as soon as possible. You should not travel internationally until you have obtained proof of your immigration status.
Contact Thomas Chase for immigration assistance and help. Contact us at info@thomaschaseimmigration.com or call us at 020 3488 1061.
If you are a British or Irish citizen with a passport, or have the right of abode in the UK
If you are a British or Irish citizen or British or Irish passport holder, you do not need an eVisa or UKVI account to prove your status. You can continue to use your passport to prove your status in the UK.
If you are a British citizen and are also a national of another country other than Ireland, or you have the right to live in the UK and do not have a British passport, you may need to create an eVisa and UKVI account in the future. UKVI has not yet updated this policy.
If you need to make a new application
If you need to create a new application for permission to stay in the UK, you should follow the usual application process. Guidance will be provided during your application process about whether or not you will need to create a UKVI account.
I lost my BRP card, how do I make a UKVI account for my eVisa?
If you have lost your BRP card, you can create your UKVI account by using travel documents such as your passport or visa application reference number.
What happens if I do not create a UKVI account?
UKVI are replacing physical documents with an online record of your immigration status therefore, it is vital that you create an online UKVI account to access your eVisa and share information about our immigration status and conditions.
How do I use my UKVI account to access my eVisa?
Your UKVI account will ensure that all of your immigration documents are easily accessible to you in one place. You can update personal information such as your contact details and link your passport to your UKVI account.
Your eVisa will be linked to your passport in your UKVI account. You must keep your passport, documents or identity cards up to date via your account. If you acquire another nationality, you must update the account. It is vital that you keep your details up to date so that your immigration status can be easily identified at the UK border. You will still need to carry your current valid passport with you.
If you are waiting for a new passport or if your UKVI account has been updated, it is recommended that you carry your old documents with you if you must travel into the UK to avoid delays.
Your UKVI account can also be used to inform third parties such as employers or landlords about your immigration status. The new online system will allow you to share the relevant information by generating a one time share code to give them limited access to your immigration status information.
Written by Mya Alghali
Call to action
If you would like assistance with creating your eVisa account or with your Biometric Residence Permit, Thomas Chase Immigration can help. Our processes are tried and tested. We offer an individual touch when assisting you and presenting the matter to UKVI. We also offer consultations of you would like to discuss your eligibility and options.
