eVisas to Replace Physical Documents – UK Immigration System Goes Digital
Discover how the UK is transforming immigration with eVisas, phasing out physical documents like BRPs for a fully digital system. Learn how this change affects travellers, employers, and vulnerable individuals, and prepare for seamless travel by understanding the key steps in the transition.
Content – eVisas Guide
- Introduction to the UK’s eVisa System
- What is a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)?
- How to Update Your UK Visas and Immigration Account
- How to View and Prove Your Immigration Status
- How to Access Your eVisa
- Preparing for Travel with an eVisa
- Crossing the UK Border with an eVisa
- Future of UK Immigration: The End of Physical Documents
The UK immigration system is undergoing a significant transformation as it shifts to a digital-first approach, replacing physical immigration documents like Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) with eVisas. This digital transition aims to simplify immigration processes and make travel to the UK smoother for international visitors and residents alike.
1. Introduction to the UK’s eVisa System
Overview of the eVisas Transition
The UK is moving away from physical immigration documents, embracing a fully digital system that records immigration status electronically. The shift to eVisas is part of the government’s broader initiative to modernise border control, making travel easier and more secure. Under the eVisa system, travellers no longer need to carry paper or plastic documents, as their immigration status can be verified through an online record.
Benefits of eVisas
With an eVisa, international travellers can expect:
- Faster immigration checks: Border agencies and carriers can automatically verify visa status.
- Fewer lost or damaged documents: No need to carry physical documents prone to loss.
- Easy updates: Changes to personal information can be updated digitally.
2. What is a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)?
The Role of BRPs in UK Immigration
The Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) has long been a standard immigration document in the UK, issued to foreign nationals as proof of their right to live and work in the country. The BRP contains important details such as the holder’s immigration status, personal details, and biometric information (fingerprints and photographs). It’s traditionally used by employers, landlords, and other entities to verify an individual’s status.
Phasing Out BRPs by 2024
As the UK moves towards a fully digital system, BRPs will no longer be issued or renewed beyond 2024. This is a significant change, as visa holders will be expected to transition to the new eVisa system by this time. Holders of current BRPs can still use them until their expiry date but should start preparing for the shift to eVisas.
To discuss your Immigration case with one of our immigration experts, please contact X Law Lawyers.
3. How to Update Your UK Visas and Immigration Account
Linking Your eVisa to Your Passport
One of the key steps in the digital transition is ensuring that your eVisa is linked to your current passport. This can be done through the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account. Travellers need to update their UKVI account with the passport or travel document they plan to use when travelling to or from the UK.
Managing Multiple Passports or Travel Documents
If you hold multiple passports (for instance, due to dual nationality), linking all eligible travel documents to your eVisa is essential. This ensures that no matter which passport you use, the system can verify your immigration status without issues.
You can update your UKVI account using the Update Your UK Visas and Immigration Account Details service on GOV.UK.
4. How to View and Prove Your Immigration Status
Using the View and Prove Your Immigration Status Service
For those who need to prove their immigration status for work, renting, or other purposes, the View and Prove Your Immigration Status service on GOV.UK makes it easy. This service allows you to share a digital version of your eVisa with third parties, such as employers or landlords, without the need for physical documents.
5. How to Access Your eVisa
Setting Up and Accessing Your UKVI Account
To access your eVisa, you need to set up a UKVI account. This can be done using the UK Immigration: ID Check app, which links your passport or BRP to your immigration status. Once you’ve confirmed your identity through the app, you’ll receive access to your eVisa, and you will no longer need to carry physical proof of your immigration status.
Support for Vulnerable Individuals in Accessing eVisas
For those who may face challenges accessing their eVisa (such as individuals with limited digital skills or internet access), there are dedicated services available to provide support. Vulnerable individuals, including the elderly or those in care, can receive assistance with account setup and managing their eVisa.
In fact, the UK government has allocated £4 million to support vulnerable individuals through organisations like Migrant Help, Citizens Advice Scotland, Welsh Refugee Council, and Advice NI. These organisations are providing free and independent assistance to those transitioning from physical documents to eVisas.
For more details, visit the Check Access to Your eVisa page on GOV.UK.
To discuss your Immigration case with one of our immigration experts, please contact X Law Lawyers.
6. Preparing for Travel with an eVisa
Key Pre-Travel Steps to Avoid Delays
Before you travel to the UK, it’s important to ensure that your eVisa information and passport details are up to date. Travellers should:
- Check their eVisa status via the GOV.UK portal.
- Ensure their passport or travel document is correctly linked to their eVisa.
- Verify that personal details (such as name or birthdate) match those in the eVisa system to avoid delays at the border.
Checking if Your Travel Documents are Linked to Your eVisa
You can check whether your passport or travel document is linked to your eVisa through the Update Your UKVI Account service. If your document is not linked correctly, it may lead to delays during immigration checks. Additionally, when booking travel, ensure the details you provide match those in the eVisa system.
7. Crossing the UK Border with an eVisa
What to Expect When Travelling to the UK
When you travel to the UK, your eVisa will be automatically checked when you present your passport at the border. There’s no need to carry physical immigration documents. However, if you still have a valid BRP, you should continue to carry it until it expires.
Important Reminders for Returning UK Residents
For returning residents, it’s crucial to ensure that all personal details and travel documents linked to your eVisa are up to date. This will help avoid any unnecessary delays or complications during your journey.
8. Future of UK Immigration: The End of Physical Documents
Timeline for the Complete Transition to eVisas
The UK’s digital immigration system is expected to fully replace physical documents by 2024, when BRPs will no longer be issued or renewed. As this deadline approaches, travellers and residents must familiarise themselves with the eVisa system and ensure they can access their immigration status online.
Future Enhancements and Updates to the eVisa System
As the UK continues to modernise its immigration system, further updates and enhancements to the eVisa platform are expected. These improvements aim to make it even easier for individuals to manage and prove their immigration status digitally.
Additionally, the Home Office is hosting online eVisa information events to help employers navigate the transition and address any concerns. Employers are encouraged to register for these free sessions, which provide an opportunity to learn more about how eVisas will affect their role in verifying employees’ immigration status.
For more information, visit the Home Office’s eVisa information page here.