Transition to e-Visa Status for BRP Holders – What You Need to Know
The UK government is moving toward a fully digital immigration system. From 1st January 2025, Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) will no longer be valid, and the e-Visa system will take full effect. Here’s what you need to know about this transition and how it could affect you or your employees.
The Transition to Digital Status
UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) is now contacting individuals with BRPs, guiding them to create online UKVI accounts, if they haven’t already done so, to benefit from the new e-Visa status. Many who have recently applied for visa extensions or other immigration-related processes may already have their UKVI accounts.
Migrants under the EU Settlement Scheme already hold digital status and will not be affected. Irish citizens can continue to rely on their passports.
For step-by-step guidance on setting up your online account, click here: How to Access Your e-Visa
Key Steps to Create a UKVI Online Account
- The migrant will need their Biometric Passport, BRP card, mobile and email access.
- They must use the UK Immigration ID Check App to confirm their identity and link their status to their new e-Visa. Without this ID check, your e-Visa status will not be activated.
Benefits of e-Visa Status:
- No need to worry about losing / replacing a BRP card.
- Faster checks at immigration ports through passport scanning.
- Proof of status is available digitally—no need to wait for physical documents.
Potential complexities?
- Holders of Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) stamps in passports or old type vignettes / paper documents will not be able to apply for a new BRP any longer. They should make an application for an eVisa via the “No Time Limit” online application instead.
- New systems can often have technical glitches. We are seeing some inconsistencies in the information displayed and the actual migrant’s conditions, as well as problems setting up these accounts. Reporting these problems to the Home Office and/or obtaining professional assistance is essential, to avoid issues proving the migrant’s right to work / live or travel to the UK in 2025.
Important Considerations for Employers
Employers, especially those in the Health & Care Sector, should ensure that their migrant workers are aware of the switch to e-Visa status before the 31st December 2024 deadline. Employers should also ensure that travel documents and passport details are updated in the UKVI portal, especially before employees travel outside the UK.
Employers’ compliance with online Right to Work checks is essential to avoid illegal working penalties.
Need Assistance?
At RWK Goodman LLP, our immigration lawyers are available to guide both individuals and employers through this process. If you or your employees need help transitioning to e-Visa status, don’t hesitate to reach out.
Stay ahead of these changes to ensure a smooth transition to the UK’s new digital immigration system.
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