Guide to Transitioning to the eVisa System in the UK

Do you live in the UK and hold a biometric residence permit (BRP)? Check the expiry date on your card; it may state December 31, 2024.

The BRP is essential for confirming your right to reside in the UK. Therefore, it's important that all residents transition to the new electronic system known as eVisa before their BRP expires. This will help you avoid any future immigration complications. In this guide, we will show you how to transition to the eVisa system quickly and easily.

What is a BRP card?

The biometric residence permit (BRP) is a physical document the size of a credit card or a UK driving licence, which serves as proof of the holder's visa status. It includes important details such as your identity, your right to study or work in the UK, and your right to access public services and/or benefits.

Who needs a BRP card?

You will be issued a BRP if you are a foreign national (including EEA, EU, and Swiss citizens) and you have:

• Applied to come to the UK for more than 6 months.

• Extended your visa for more than 6 months.

• Received "pre-settled" or "settled" status under the EU Settlement Scheme.

• Applied to settle in the UK, known as Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).

• Transferred your visa to a new passport.

• Applied for certain travel documents from the Home Office.

  
  

The biometric residence permit (BRP) evidences your rights in the UK. From December 31, 2024, this system will become completely electronic.

Why do BRP cards expire?

BRP cards expire on December 31, 2024, because the UK government is adopting a more modern approach to managing immigration status by eliminating physical documents and transitioning to a completely electronic system known as eVisa.

This is what your eVisa will look like. It will have your photograph and basic information, indicating your rights in the UK as well as any restrictions. From there, you will be able to click to obtain a "share code" that will allow you to prove your right to reside to any employer, landlord, etc.

What is eVisa?

The eVisa is an online record that stores and manages your immigration status, as well as the conditions of your permission to enter or remain in the UK. Unlike the physical BRP card, with the eVisa you can prove your immigration status digitally.

This change does not affect your residency rights; it simply changes how you demonstrate them.

How to Transition to eVisa?

Here we explain the step-by-step process to transfer your immigration status to the eVisa system:

Before You Start

You will need:

• Access to a smartphone

• A mobile phone number

• An email address

• Your BRP card or a valid passport with your BRP number or your visa application number

Step 1: Register for a UKVI Account

• Go to the official UK government website to create a UKVI account: UKVI Account.

  If you already have an account, log in. If not, register using your email address.

  
  

Click "Start now" to begin your process.

Step 2: Verify and Confirm Your Contact Information

Once you're logged into your UKVI account, please verify that the information in the system is accurate and up to date, and confirm it accordingly.

Step 3: Link Your UKVI Account with the Government App to Prove Your Identity

After you have set up your account in the UKVI system, the next step is to link your account to the official UK government app called "UK Immigration: ID Check."

You will be asked to take a photo, which will be used for your eVisa, so make it a good one! You will also need to verify your identity by scanning eligible documentation.

Note: The app will only function once you have successfully created your UKVI account. When you get to the identity verification stage, you will be prompted to open or download it.

Step 4: Save and Share Your eVisa

Once your eVisa has been processed, you will receive an official email letting you know you can view it. Easy peasy!

You can log into the system online at any time to demonstrate your legal right to reside to employers, landlords, or authorities who need to verify your immigration status.

You will receive an email from UKVI confirming that you can now view your eVisa.

What happens if I don't transition before December 31, 2024?

You will not be able to use your BRP card to demonstrate your right to reside in the UK after December 31, 2024. This could create complications if you need to prove your status to travel, work, rent a home, or access public services. Therefore, it is essential that you transition to the eVisa system as soon as possible.

What happens if the system says it cannot show proof of my immigration status?

If the system reports that it cannot show proof of your immigration status in the UK, it’s crucial to get in touch with UKVI to sort out the issue. We understand that this can be quite complex, so we recommend seeking professional assistance.

If you need help

Keep in mind that this guide is for informational purposes only and does not replace the official guidance, which you can find here.

If you require legal advice or assistance, we invite you to contact our in-house immigration advisor for a consultation.

You can also contact us using:

📧 Email: hello@cambridgebusinessonline.com

🌐 Website: www.cambridgebusinessonline.com

📱 Phone/WhatsApp: +44 7389026398