eVisas

The UK government is transitioning to a 'digital by default' immigration system by 2025, with eVisas playing a key role.

An eVisa is an electronic record linked to a passport for international travel. It provides digital proof of an individual's immigration permission and any conditions. It can be accessed through a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account.
The rollout of eVisa to biometric residence permit (BRP) holders is underway, with plans to open the service to all BRP holders by summer 2024.
Holders of other physical immigration documents can also create a UKVI account to access their eVisa.
Customers who already have an eVisa do not need to take any action.

What is an eVisa?

An eVisa is an electronic record of a person’s immigration status. It explains the immigration status of the holder, including the conditions of the immigration permission such as any limitations on their right to work.

What are the benefits of eVisas?

• Individuals can prove their immigration status without the risk of loss, theft, or damage.
• Individuals can use their UKVI account to easily and accurately share necessary information and keep the Home Office up to date with any changes in their details or documentation.
• Employers and landlords who need to check someone’s immigration status can now do this via one simple system.

When are eVisas launching?

From April 2024, BRP holders will receive emails with instructions on how to create a UKVI account to access their eVisa. Emails will be sent in phases before the service becomes available to all in the summer.

If you haven't received an email yet, don't worry, the process will soon be open to all without an invitation. Holders of other physical immigration documents can acquire an eVisa now by following the instructions available at www.gov.uk/evisa.

Will this impact British citizens?

No.

Dual nationals of British citizenship who do not possess a British passport, except for Irish passport holders, may be required to take measures in the future to demonstrate their right of abode. We will provide further updates on this matter as soon as they become available.

What is a UKVI account? How is it different to an eVisa?

A UKVI account is a secure way for customers to log into online services such as View and Prove. In contrast, an eVisa is an electronic record of a person’s immigration status.

What must individuals do if they hold a BRP that expires at the end of 2024?

Holders of a BRP who are living in the UK will need to create a UKVI account to access their eVisa unless their immigration leave expires before 31 December 2024.
For now, individuals should continue to use their BRP as they have previously. This includes taking their BRP with them when they travel internationally.
The expiry of their BRP card does not affect their immigration status.

Should customers whose BRP expires on 31 Dec 2024 before their immigration leave is due to expire, apply now to renew their BRP?

No, customers should not apply to renew their BRP, as all BRPs issued to customers who hold immigration leave beyond 2024, including renewals, are due to expire on 31 Dec 2024 and will be replaced by the eVisa.

What do legacy paper document holders need to do to evidence their rights in the UK – and what do they need to do to get an eVisa?

Those who have indefinite leave to enter or remain in the UK and want to prove their rights should make a 'No Time Limit' application. During the process, they may need to go to a UKVCAS to provide a photo and fingerprint. If successful, they'll get a biometric residence permit (BRP) to prove their rights and create a UKVI account. By 2024, No Time Limit applicants will get an eVisa instead of a BRP.
It is free to make a No Time Limit application, and information on how to do so is available at http://www.gov.uk/biometric-residence-permits/replace-visa-brp

Is there help and support for vulnerable groups?

Customers can contact the UK Visas and Immigration Contact Centre, which provides telephone and email support to those using the online immigration status services.
• This includes supporting users through the online journey by:
• helping them to access or recover their account.
• helping them to update their personal details.
• sharing status on behalf of individuals if they are unable to do so themselves.
Individuals can nominate a ‘helper’ and give them limited access to their account, so that they can assist with creating a UKVI account, completing details to access an eVisa, and with any immigration application. Where a person is unable to manage their affairs due to, for example, age or disability, a ‘proxy’, who is authorised, can create, and manage the account on behalf of the person.

Will the move to eVisas impact children?

In the case of children, the expectation is that their parent or guardian will have access to their UKVI account and use the online services on their behalf, as they would have looked after and used a BRP/C on the child’s behalf. They can subsequently transfer ownership of the account and access to the online services when the child reaches majority.
Parents and guardians can create a UKVI account for their children at the same time they create an account for themselves.

Our immigration and visa application experts will take the time to understand your requirements before recommending the most appropriate service to meet your needs, all at a competitive price.
To see how we can help, contact us today on 01403 801801 or [email protected]