The Home Office has announced that from today it will begin contacting migrants in the UK who currently hold physical immigration documents like biometric residence permits (BRPs) to make the transition to the new eVisa system. Migrants will be asked to create a UKVI account in order to digitally access their immigration record. This process will be carried out in phases, eventually becoming available to all BRP holders by the end of the summer.
What is an eVisa?
eVisas will operate as on online mechanism through which migrants can prove their immigration status, including their right to work and rent in the UK. It will be similar to the existing system in place for those who have since 2018 applied for settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme.
What is the benefit of an eVisa?
eVisas will be a more secure and efficient means of proving a person's immigration status in the UK. The system will remove the risk of loss, theft or tampering of physical documents, as well as the need to wait for a physical card or document to prove your immigration status. eVisas should be accessible from anywhere in the world and will also enable migrants to provide important updates to UKVI, including changes to contact information or passport details.
What if my BRP has expired or will expire on 31 December 2024?
Over the past few years, many BRP validity dates have been automatically set to expire on 31 December 2024. If this applies to you, you may be concerned that your permission to remain in the UK is going to expire on 31 December 2024. The reality is that your leave to remain will remain in place beyond 31 December 2024, and will only expire on the date stated on your official letter granting leave to enter or remain. The expiry of your BRP will not change your entitlements to work, access services/benefits or travel. However, you will eventually have to transition to the eVisa by creating a UKVI account. If your BRP has expired or been lost or stolen before you transition to the new system, you should apply for a replacement.
If you need help making the transition to UKVI's new eVisa system, contact us for professional advice