The UK Government has announced that Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) and Biometric Residence Cards (BRCs) will be phased out by January 1, 2025. From this date, all physical cards will be replaced by electronic visa records (eVisas). This transition is part of the government's effort to introduce a fully digital immigration system. All BRP/BRC cards have an expiration date of December 31, 2024, regardless of visa validity beyond this date. Visa holders will be required to have a UKVI eVisa account to view their immigration status online.
Steps to obtain an eVisa
Creating a UKVI account
Access the UKVI Portal: BRP holders must create a UKVI account to access their eVisa. This can be done by visiting the UKVI portal at gov.uk/get-access-evisa.
Required information: To set up the account, individuals will need their date of birth, BRP or passport (if they don’t have a BRP), access to an email and phone number, and a smartphone.
Identity verification: Confirm your identity using the UK Immigration: ID Check app. This app can be downloaded from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
Linking to eVisa: Complete a short application form to link your UKVI account to your eVisa. Once these steps are completed, you should receive an email within a few days from the Home Office confirming that your digital eVisa is ready to access.
Updating personal information
Travel documents: Ensure that your UKVI account is linked to your current travel document, such as a passport. This is crucial for smooth travel and re-entry into the UK.
Contact details: Keep your personal information, such as contact details and valid travel documents, up to date in your UKVI account. This can be done through the UKVI portal.
Practical steps for employers
Communication and compliance
Inform employees: Employers should inform all employees holding BRPs about the need to transition to eVisas. This includes sending regular reminders and encouraging employees to check for emails from the Home Office.
Right to work checks: Review and update right to work processes to ensure compliance after December 31, 2024. Employers will need to repeat right to work checks using the eVisa system. Employees will need to generate a share code, which employers can use to verify their right to work status.
Handling issues
Technical support: If employees encounter technical issues while creating or updating their UKVI account, they can contact the UKVI team for assistance. Additionally, the charity organisation the3million has launched an online tool for reporting problems with setting up or using an eVisa.
Travel considerations: Until December 31, 2024, BRP holders must continue to carry their physical BRP when traveling overseas. From January 1, 2025, they will need to use their eVisa and current passport for travel.
Additional considerations
Indefinite leave holders: Individuals with indefinite leave to enter or remain in the UK, who currently prove their rights through a physical document (e.g., a wet-ink stamp in their passports), must make a “no time limit” (NTL) application to obtain a BRP. Once they have a BRP, they can create a UKVI account to access their eVisa.
Dual nationals: Dual nationals and those who hold multiple nationalities must register all passports via their UKVI account and ensure their passport used for travel is the one linked to their eVisa.
By following these steps and guidelines, BRP holders and employers can ensure a smooth transition to the new eVisa system, maintaining compliance and avoiding any disruptions to travel or employment status.
Further reading
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