As the UK moves towards a more digital immigration system, eVisas are becoming the new standard for proving immigration status. This change will impact everyone who currently relies on a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) to verify their rights in the UK. Here’s everything you need to know about transitioning to an eVisa and what actions you should take.
What is an eVisa?
An eVisa is a digital record of your immigration status that eliminates the need for physical documents like the BRP. The UK government is replacing these physical documents with eVisas to create a more secure, efficient, and user-friendly system. With an eVisa, your immigration status is securely stored online, making it easier to access and share with third parties when necessary.
Why You Should Act Now
If you are currently using a BRP to prove your rights in the UK, it’s essential to take action now. By the end of 2024, all BRPs will expire, and you’ll need to have transitioned to an eVisa.
If you hold a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP), you should start by creating a UKVI account at www.gov.uk/evisa. This account will give you access to your eVisa and enable you to manage your immigration status online. After setting up your account, remember to update it with any new passport or contact information to ensure that your eVisa remains linked to the correct documents. Even as you transition to an eVisa, keep your BRP card, as you may need its reference number for future applications or access to your eVisa. The switch to an eVisa offers several benefits: it eliminates the risk of losing or damaging physical documents, allows you to prove your rights instantly and securely to employers and landlords, and simplifies international travel. The UK government is also working on enabling carriers to automatically verify your immigration status when you travel, using the passport linked to your UKVI account.
What If You Don’t Act?
Failing to create a UKVI account and access your eVisa before your BRP expires could result in delays when proving your rights in the UK, especially for travel. After your BRP expires, you will not be able to use it for international travel, and you’ll need to rely on your eVisa for all immigration-related matters.
Final Thoughts
The move to eVisas is part of the UK’s broader goal to create a ‘digital by default’ immigration system by 2025. This transition is already underway, with millions of people in the UK already using digital proof of their immigration status. By acting now, you can ensure a smooth transition and continue to prove your rights in the UK without any interruptions.
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