Getting an online immigration status (eVisa)

The UK Home Office (also known as UK Visas and Immigration – UKVI), are now moving to the digital platform and have introduced the new eVisa program. This is to allow you a quicker process of having an immigration status. 

Most BRP cards are due to expire on the 31^{st of} December 2024, so there is a requirement for you to move into the new digital platform. If you hold the following, this would be required to be replaced:

• If you have a biometric residence permits or residence cards.

• Stamps in passports or vignette stickers in your passport. 

What is an eVisa?

The eVisa is an online immigration status confirmation, which will confirm both to you and external parties including officials of your right to enter or remain in the UK. 

• You will need to have a UKVI account to do this. 

• Have a valid form of ID and a document to confirm your legal status in the UK. 

Your travel document will need to be updated to the UKVI account, to ensure your legal status can be checked if someone wishes to do this. For example, this could be your employers. 

The benefits of having an eVisa

There are a number of key benefits of having the new eVisa are as follows:

• They are secure and able to confirm your immigration status through a digital secured platform. 

• You will not need to wait for a physical document to confirm your right to live and work in the UK. Based on your circumstances, the Home Office may still ask you to enrol biometric data as part of an immigration application. 

• The process to confirm your right to live and work in the UK is faster, because the status is confirmed online and those details can be shared with organisations like your employers or landlords. 

How to apply for the eVisa

To apply for the eVisa, you will need to have been invited by the Home Office. Usually, you should receive an email to do this, however, don’t worry if you have not, there will be transitional arrangements in place to ensure everyone is moved to the new eVisa digital visa platform. 

• If you have not been sent an email, you will need to make an application and register for one. 

• This application must be done on the UKVI website. 

Documents required for the eVisa application

You will need to have a valid ID/travel document to apply for the eVisa. In some instances, you will need to have a BRP card from the Home Office. In some instances, an application could be applied without this. 

Paper indefinite leave to remain stamp or vignette

You may need to apply for a biometric residency card if you have the indefinite leave to enter or remain in your passport either as a stamp or sticker. 

Applying for an immigration status in the UK

The eVisa platform does not replace your immigration application, you will need to file and submit your application for entry and leave to remain. 

• To apply for a UK visa, ensure you are choosing the correct immigration application route. 

 The impact on British citizens? 

Those holding British passports and Irish citizens do not need to have an eVisa account or confirmation of their legal status. This would include those who have applied to become a British national and have been granted. 

If you have not been granted British nationality or awaiting an outcome of the decision including any appeal processes, you should continue to follow the eVisa platform program. 

The process of international travel using the eVisa status

It is not known how the Home Office intends to share details with carriers including airlines and transport operators. 

However, there will be a new automated platform created, so when your travel document is scanned, it should show details of your immigration status for the UK. 

• There could be significant delays of travel at port to most people travelling to the UK. We understand this would be a working progress, so better access to your data would be shared to respective third party to ensure there is no data leaks. 

• eVisa platform have to be shared with airlines and transport operators to conduct checks. 

Frequently asked questions on eVisa platform?

We have put together some important information to the most question and answers. 

Is BRP being replaced with eVisa? Yes, those documents will not be issued by the Home Office as part of your immigration visa. 

 How to register an eVisa in the UK? The eVisa should be applied online. You should either have received an email to do this or an application can be applied online. 

 Do I make a separate application for an eVisa when applying for my immigration visa status? No, that is not required. In most instances, when you have applied for your visa or immigration leave to remain, Home Office will confirm if you have been granted under the eVisa program or is being sent the BRP card. 

 I don’t need a UK visa to make visit or attend business visits, do I need an eVisa? This does not replace the immigration visa application process. If you’re not required to have a UK visa, then you may not need to apply for the eVisa. 

 How long can I remain in the UK if my BRP expires on the 31^st Dec 2024? You can remain to live and work in the UK until your immigration status expires. There must be an application to extend before the visa expires or you must leave the UK. 

 Is there a difference between the UKVI digital immigration status or eVIsa? No, they mean the same thing. The digital immigration status platform will confirm a person’s immigration status in the UK.