Vital information for Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) holders. The UK government is currently working on creating an immigration system that is entirely digital. This means that electronic records of immigration status, or eVisas, are taking the role of paper documents like Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs).
The Home Office will stop issuing the following physical documents on January 1, 2025:
- Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs)
- Biometric Residence Cards (BRCs)
- Passport endorsements, such as indefinite leave to enter wet ink stamps
- Vignette stickers in passports, such as entry clearance or visa vignettes.
Rather, clients will be able to see and verify their immigration status online through the Home Office services.
The Home Office has started contacting some BRP holders to inform them of the necessary steps to take before their physical document expires on December 31, 2024, in order to assist them in preparing for the changes.
In addition, more material has been added to the online guideline for holders of BRPs that expire at the end of the year.
An eVisa: What is it?
A record of your immigration status and the terms governing your entry or stay in the UK can be found online with an eVisa. Millions of clients have obtained an eVisa online since 2018, for instance via the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS).
The conditions of your permit to enter or remain in the UK, as well as your immigration status, will remain unaffected by updating your paper document to an electronic visa.
You must register for a UKVI account in order to access your eVisa and use the Home Office’s “view and prove” function.
You must take action : BRP
It is necessary for you to change your permission to an eVisa before your physical document expires if your BRP expires on December 31, 2024.
The Home Office will get in touch with you to let you know what has to be done and when you should act. You will receive instructions on how to link your eVisa to your UKVI account.
You don’t need to take any action right now if the Home Office hasn’t gotten in touch with you regarding setting up a UKVI account. Later in 2024, you will be able to access your eVisa and create your account.
British nationals
You will have the right to reside in the UK if you have obtained British citizenship since receiving your last BRP. You can use a certificate of entitlement of right of residence or a passport issued to you as a British citizen to show your eligibility to be in the UK.
You don’t have to take any action if your passport is British. The Home Office will give you more information when the time comes if you have a certificate of entitlement. You might need to take action in the future.
Visiting the United Kingdom
Other than your existing passport, which needs to be linked to your UKVI account, you will not need to carry physical documentation when travelling to the UK in the future. Instead, you will be able to use an eVisa.
From summer 2024 onwards, airlines and other carriers will be able to digitally verify that you have authorisation to enter the UK if the passport or national identity document you are travelling with is connected to your UKVI account.
To prevent any problems at the border, it is crucial to make sure your UKVI account is always kept up to date with your most recent passport details and personal information.
Important Note: You should keep your valid BRP with you when you travel abroad until it expires in 2024.
Where can I look for additional details?
Throughout 2024, UKVI will update its material on proving your immigration status. You will still need to take action, but your immigration status won’t change.
The GOV.UK website has the most recent information on eVisas, and you may register there to receive notifications when it’s time to set up a new digital account.