End of the Biometric Residence Permit and Rollout of Online Immigration Status (eVisa)
Key Contact: Sabina Kauser
An important update for holders of Biometric Residence Permit holders.
On 6th August 2024, UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) confirmed that all Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) holders with existing visas must now set up an online UKVI account to switch to an eVisa.
BRP holders whose visas expire after December 2024 will have noted that their BRPs expire on 31 December 2024. The UKVI has been actively contacting individuals over the last few months requesting them to convert their BRPs to an eVisa.
Individuals who have not yet been contacted, or who have not created a UKVI account and switched to an eVisa, are now able to do so.
After 31 December 2024, BRPs will no longer be issued, and all visas will only be accessible online via the UKVI app.
What is an eVisa?
An eVisa is an online electronic record of an individual’s immigration status and the conditions of the permission to enter or stay in the UK. It can only be obtained by setting up a UKVI account. The eVisa can be obtained using the details from an individual’s existing BRP and cannot be done without it.
Please note: it is important that individuals ensure that their ID and passport details are up to date in their UKVI account.
What does converting to an eVisa mean?
Updating the physical document to an eVisa does NOT affect an individual’s immigration status or the conditions of their permission to enter or stay in the UK.
Obtaining an e-Visa means that:
- The visa is secure and cannot be lost, stolen or altered
- Individuals will not need to wait for a physical Visa/BRP card
- it will be quicker and easier to provide evidence of immigration status when entering the UK and share details of immigration status with third parties like employers and landlords.
Who does not need to do anything?
- Those with settled and pre-settled status do not need to set up an account to switch their visa, as it is already electronic.
- Those with British citizenship and British passports do not need a UKVI account or eVisa.
If you require assistance to set up a UKVI account and switch to an eVisa, get in touch with our Immigration team for assistance.
