The UK’s Digital Immigration System (eVisa)

The UK is moving towards a digital immigration system, meaning that physical documents will be replaced with an online record of immigration status (an eVisa).

From 1 January 2025, Biometric Residence Permits, Biometric Residence Cards, passport endorsement stamps and vignette stickers will no longer be issued. Instead, applicants who are granted permission to enter or remain in the UK will receive an eVisa which can be accessed via a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account. Individuals will be able to evidence their immigration status via their online account and will be able to generate share codes for the purpose of employment or renting.

In this blog, I’ll be summarising 10 key points to be aware of in relation to the UK’s move to a fully digital system.

1.    What is an eVisa?

An eVisa is an online record of immigration status; it will confirm a holder’s permission to enter or stay in the UK, and the conditions that are attached to the permission. For example, the eVisa will confirm if there is an expiry date to the holder’s permission, or if there are any conditions attached to seeking employment in the UK.

2.    My current status in the UK is evidenced by a Biometric Residence Permit – what do I need to do?

If you haven’t previously been invited to create a UKVI account that confirms your immigration status, you should now (since 6 August 2024) be able to create an online account in order to access your eVisa. Online accounts can be made on the UKVI website: Get access to your eVisa: Overview - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk). You’ll need access to your passport and/or Biometric Residence Permit to create an account.

From 1 January 2025, your eVisa must be connected to your passport or travel document, so your passport or travel document must be registered to your UKVI account from this date. If travelling prior to 1 January 2025, your eVisa can be connected to your Biometric Residence Permit; you will also need to ensure that you travel with your passport and Biometric Residence Permit.

3.    What if I have a vignette or stamp in my passport – what do I do?

If you have indefinite leave to enter or indefinite leave to remain (also known as settlement or settled status) and you currently evidence your immigration status via a wet-ink stamp or vignette in your passport, current Home Office guidance confirms that you will need to make a ‘no time limit’ NTL application to replace your immigration document with a Biometric Residence Permit. Once a permit is held, you’ll then be able to create a UKVI account to secure an eVisa.

4.    What if I hold a Biometric Residence Card?

If a Biometric Residence Card is held and you already hold status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you will already hold an eVisa – you won’t need to take any action.

If a Biometric Residence Card is held and you have not previously applied for status under the EU Settlement Scheme or any other immigration route, your Biometric Residence Card won’t be valid. You should seek legal advice in order to determine whether you should make a late application to the EU Settlement Scheme or apply for immigration status under another immigration route.

5.    I already hold an eVisa, do I need to do anything to prepare for the electronic system?

You should ensure that your current passport or travel document is registered to your UKVI account, and thus connected to your eVisa.

6.    Do I need to update my eVisa account?

Yes - if you receive an updated passport or travel document in the future, it is important that you register the updated document with UKVI via your online account. UKVI will let you know once your UKVI account has been updated with your updated passport or travel document; if you need to travel on your new passport or travel document before receiving confirmation from UKVI, you should also carry your old document with you.

More than one passport or travel document can be added to your online UKVI account if you have more than one valid document.

7.    What are the benefits of an eVisa?

UKVI maintains that eVisas are secure; unlike physical immigration documents, eVisas cannot be lost, stolen or tampered with. Furthermore, as soon as a decision has been made on an immigration application, with an eVisa, you can evidence your new immigration status straight away – unlike the current document-based immigration system, you won’t need to wait for your endorsed passport or a Biometric Residence Permit to be received in order to evidence your immigration status.

8.    What if I have no signal to show my eVisa when travelling?

EVisas will be linked to your passport or travel document; carriers and UK immigration officers (Border Force) will be able to check your immigration status automatically from the document you use to travel. International carriers will receive a message from the Home Office to confirm details of the eVisa held. This is why it is very important that if you receive an updated passport or travel document in the future, you update your UKVI account to ensure your new document is linked to your eVisa.

9.    What if I forget to register my new passport or travel document?

You’ll likely face delays boarding / entering the UK.

10.  How do I evidence my immigration status with third parties?

You can generate a share code from here: View and prove your immigration status: get a share code - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk). An employer or landlord will be able to use the UKVI share code service to evidence your permission to work.

If you wish to speak to us about an immigration or employment matter do not hesitate to get in touch with JMW's specialists by calling 0330 828 8107 or by completing our online enquiry form.