What is the eVisa system?
The eVisa system is about the digitalisation of the UK immigration system and it involves replacing physical immigration documents with a digital record of a migrant’s immigration status. The new online record is known as an eVisa. This means that, by the end of 2024, physical immigration documents such as BRPs (that is Biometric Residence Permits), BRCs (that is Biometric Residence Cards), wet-ink visa endorsements in passports and physical ‘vignette’ visa stickers will be phased out. Instead, the visa or immigration status of all migrants will be recorded electronically and will be accessible online via a ‘UKVI’ (that is UK Visa and Immigration) account. Migrants will then be able to use this online information for the purposes of travelling to the UK and proving the right to live, the right to work and the right to rent in the UK.
Which immigration status documents are being replaced by an eVisa?
The physical documents being replaced with an eVisa include BRPs (that is Biometric Residence Permits), BRCs (that is Biometric Residence Cards), wet ink visa endorsements in passports and physical entry clearance or visa vignettes. Please note the Home Office guidance states that if you have a physical immigration status document, you must continue carrying it until the end of 2024, when you travel abroad.
Who is affected by the change?
All migrants who live in the UK with limited or indefinite leave to remain are required to create a UKVI account in order to be able to access their eVisa. You’re not affected by this change if you are a British or Irish citizen, holding a British or Irish passport, or you have the right of abode.
Is it compulsory to register for an eVisa?
Yes, the process is compulsory. All affected migrants are expected to register by the end of 2024 by creating a UKVI account.
When should I create my UKVI account?
You’ll need to create your UKVI account by the end of 2024. You or your legal representative will receive an e-mail from the Home Office inviting you to create your UKVI account. It’s unclear whether any problems would be caused if you create an account before receiving an invitation e-mail. However, to avoid potential complications, it’s advisable that you don’t attempt to create an account before receiving the invitation e-mail from the Home Office.
Will this change affect my immigration status?
No, the change won’t affect your immigration status. The period or conditions of your permission to stay will remain the same. If you have limited permission to stay, you’ll need to make your extension application before your current permission expires.
How do I get an eVisa and a UKVI account?
This depends on what physical immigration status document you have. If you have a BRP (that is Biometric Residence Permit) that expires on 31 December 2024, the Home Office will send you an invitation e-mail to create a UKVI account and access your eVisa.
If you have a BRC (that is a Biometric Residence Card) and you have been granted settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you already have an eVisa and a UKVI account to access it. You don’t need to take any action.
If you don’t have a BRP or BRC, and you have another type of physical document, such as an indefinite leave to remain or indefinite leave to enter endorsement in your passport in the form of a wet-ink stamp or a vignette sticker, then you are required to obtain a BRP first and then get an eVisa and UKVI account. If you are in this situation, we strongly advise that you take action immediately.
How do I create a UKVI account to access my eVisa?
Once you’ve received the relevant invitation e-mail from the Home Office to create your UKVI account, you’ll need to follow the instructions in the e-mail to create your account. In order to create your UKVI account you’ll need an e-mail address and a telephone number, access to a smartphone and your BRP. You will then be required to complete a three-stage process. First, you’ll be asked to create a UKVI account. This involves completing an online form on your computer or smartphone. Secondly, you’ll need to download the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app on your smartphone and confirm your identity using this app. In the third stage, you will need to sign in and complete a few final details including account security questions. Once you’ve completed these three stages, you will have linked your eVisa to your UKVI account and you’ll receive an e-mail from the Home Office confirming that you can now access your eVisa in your UKVI account.
What will I use my eVisa and UKVI account for?
You have now created your UKVI account and linked it with your eVisa. This means you can now access the ‘view and prove’ service. You can view and share information with third parties regarding your immigration status and any conditions of your permission. For example, when you need to prove your right to work to your employer or your right to rent to your landlord, you’ll be able to access your eVisa via your UKVI account and share the relevant information with them. When traveling to the UK from abroad after the end of 2024, you won’t need to carry your BRP with you. The immigration officers will be able to check your status digitally on your arrival.
What if I renew my passport or my immigration status changes?
When your immigration status changes, for example, by way of a successful application for an extension of your permission to stay, this will be reflected on your eVisa automatically. However, if your personal details change, it’s your responsibility to update your details by accessing your UKVI account. You’ll need to update your details, if there are changes to your identity document, passport or travel document, your e-mail address or telephone number, your name or nationality, and your home or postal address. It’s very important that you keep your details on your UKVI account up-to-date.
What is the cost of having an eVisa and a UKVI account?
The Home Office doesn’t charge any fees for this process. If you can complete the process yourself, there will be no costs. However, if you need to use the services of a solicitor or other legal representative, you may have to pay a fee.
How can Redstone Solicitors help me with my eVisa and UKVI account?
As a firm of solicitors specialising in UK Immigration and Nationality law, we can help you create a UKVI account and link it to your eVisa. We can also provide guidance on how to navigate around and use your UKVI account and eVisa.
Video
We have also prepared a video on this topic and you can click HERE to watch it.
Contact Us
If you would like to obtain further information or legal representation regarding your application for permission to stay under the Graduate Route, please contact us on 0203 940 5959 or at yd@redstonesolicitors.co.uk and we would be more than happy to help.