Transition to e-Visas: Simplifying UK Immigration

Welcome to the future of UK immigration—e-visas! Say goodbye to the Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) and other physical immigration documents. UK immigration has now transitioned to a fully digital system, making it simpler, faster, and more secure for individuals to manage their status.

What is an e-visa?

An e-visa is a digital record accessible through the UK government's online portal, detailing a person's immigration status in the UK. It replaces the following documents:

• Biometric Residence Permits (BRP)
• Biometric Residence Cards (BRC)
• Passport endorsements and vignette stickers

If you currently possess a BRP with an expiration date of December 31, 2024, there's no need to worry. This date only indicates the end of the card's physical validity, not your legal status in the UK.

Key Features of the e-visa System

• Digital Accessibility: Access your immigration status online, anytime and anywhere.
• Security: Enhanced security with reduced risks of losing or damaging physical documents.
• Efficiency: Streamlines the immigration process by eliminating the wait for physical documents.
• Proof of Status: Easily prove your right to work, study, or access public services in the UK through digital means.
• Management and Updates: Update personal details online to ensure your records are accurate.

Next Steps for e-visa Users

• For BRP Holders: Look out for UKVI instructions via email or post about transitioning to an e-visa by the end of 2024.
• For Indefinite Leave Holders: Apply for a ‘no time limit’ (NTL) application to convert to a BRP. Later, you will access your e-visa via a UKVI account.
• For BRC Holders Under EU Settlement Scheme: You already possess an e-visa. Follow the instructions provided in your grant letter or email.
• For BRC Holders Without EU Settlement Scheme Status: Your BRC is no longer valid due to Brexit changes. Apply for immigration status immediately.

Applying for New Permission to Stay

If you need to apply for permission to stay, follow the standard application process, which will include instructions on creating a UKVI account, necessary for accessing your e-visa.

By adopting e-visas, the UK government is making an attempt to turn immigration procedures more accessible and secure, reflecting a significant step forward in digital governance.

Potential Issues

• One less identification: Permit has been a great alternative from carrying passports to places with age requirements. Now that we are saying good by to BRP/BRC (and without a valid licence), does it mean we will go back to showing passports?
• Airport Check-ins: Every airline needs to check if their passengers have the right to enter their destination country. Displaying the BRP/BRC often does the trick. How will this new system connect to private owned structure?
• Recent systematic faults: The same profile recognition system that the Home Office will be using to manage the e-Visa was recently being caught for incorrectly connecting to two people's profiles together, so far about 70,000 victims have been found.