Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) not valid after Dec 31: Switch to e-visa free (How to Apply)

LONDON Nov 24: The UK Home Office ceased to issue physical biometric residence permits (BRPs) on 31 October 2024. Employees currently holding physical permits will be required to register for an eVisa before the end of the year. While the process is generally straightforward, there are important considerations for both employers and employees.

From January 2025, the UK government is switching to a fully digital immigration system. This means that most migrants in the UK, including Skilled Workers, Health Care Workers, and people with status under the Ukraine Schemes, will need to get an online record of their immigration status called an eVisa.

Once you have access to your eVisa online, you can use this to view and prove your immigration to status, rather than having to follow the ‘right to work’ process described above. You will need to create a UKVI account to be able to access your eVisa, and the process is free. You can get your eVisa through the government website now.

This guide will introduce you to what an eVisa is, why you might need one, and how to apply.

What is an eVisa?
An eVisa is digital evidence of your immigration status in the UK. The eVisa will replace your physical immigration document, such as your biometric residence permit (BRP) or biometric residence card (BRC).

Once you have access to your eVisa online, you can use it to view and prove your immigration status. According to the government, millions of people are already using eVisas to prove their immigration status in the UK.

When does the transition to eVisas start?
It’s happening now. If you have a physical immigration document, like a biometric residence permit (BRP), it will likely expire at the end of 2024. Please get an eVisa to replace it before the end of the year.

Note: All non-EU migrants will need an eVisa by 31 December 2024. After that date, your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) will no longer be accepted as proof of immigration status or right to be in the UK.

Who needs to get an eVisa?
If you have any of the following documents, you will need to get an eVisa. eVisas will replace:

Biometric residence permits (BRPs)
Biometric residence cards (BRCs)
Stamps in passports
‘Vignette’ stickers in passports

Some people will already have an eVisa. For example, most EU nationals with Pre-Settled or Settled Status will have electronic proof of their immigration status. If you are unsure whether you need to apply for an eVisa, please see the list of resources and supporting organisations at the end of this article.

Is it mandatory to switch to an eVisa?
Yes. If your immigration status requires you to obtain an eVisa and you do not do so by 31 December 2024, you will struggle to prove that you are legally entitled to work, rent, or prove your right to be in the UK.

How do I get an eVisa?
You will need to create a UKVI account on the government website to apply for, and access your eVisa. The process is free. You can get your eVisa through the government website now, if you have a biometrics residence permit (BRP) or a Frontier Worker permit. If you have another physical immigration document, check if you can apply for the eVisa.

If you cannot apply for the eVisa yet, please continue to check the government guidance for updates. You may also receive an email invitation from the Home Office to apply for an eVisa.

To create a UKVI account, you will need access to a smartphone, a mobile number and an email address. If you do not have one of these, or do not feel confident using the internet, you can get help on the phone or in person. Find out more about getting help with the eVisa application process.

If you believe the status on your eVisa is incorrect Click to Read Report an error with your eVisa

Click For Step By Step on How To Apply for eVisa