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UKVI eVisa Scheme
UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) is changing the way a person demonstrates their immigration status in the UK. Step forward the ‘eVisa’ – a new, digital record of a person’s UK immigration status.
On 1 January 2025, the eVisa scheme will be fully in force, replacing Biometric Residence Permits and other forms of immigration status evidence from that date.
The eVisa scheme aims to streamline immigration processes by consolidating all existing forms of immigration status evidence into a unified digital database. As well as simplifying entry into the UK, eVisa holders will also be able to prove their immigration status to landlords, employers etc. through the use of temporary share codes.
However, the switch to an eVisa must be done by 1 January 2025, so it is vital that action is taken before the end of the year.
1 minute read
Published 6 November 2024
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Charlie Fowler
Partner
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Charles Avens
Partner - Head of Immigration
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- Business
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- Immigration
UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) is changing the way a person demonstrates their immigration status in the UK. Step forward the ‘eVisa’ – a new, digital record of a person’s UK immigration status.
On 1 January 2025, the eVisa scheme will be fully in force, replacing Biometric Residence Permits and other forms of immigration status evidence from that date.
The eVisa scheme aims to streamline immigration processes by consolidating all existing forms of immigration status evidence into a unified digital database. As well as simplifying entry into the UK, eVisa holders will also be able to prove their immigration status to landlords, employers etc. through the use of temporary share codes.
However, the switch to an eVisa must be done by 1 January 2025, so it is vital that action is taken before the end of the year.
Who will need an eVisa?
eVisas will replace the following existing forms of immigration status evidence:
- Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs);
- Biometric Residence Cards;
- Vignette stickers in passports;
- Visa stamps in passports.
Anyone possessing one of the above will need to apply for an eVisa. In contrast, the following groups of people will not need to register for an eVisa:
- British and Irish citizens;
- Holders of Visitor visas;
- Any other person visiting the UK for a period of less than 6 months.
What is needed to apply for an eVisa?
To apply for an eVisa, applicants must create an online account with UKVI.
The documents and information required to create this account will differ depending on whether or not the applicant already holds a BRP.
A BRP holder can create their UKVI account by entering their details and confirming the information already held for them by UKVI. They will then need to use the UK Immigration ID Check smartphone app to scan their passport and take a digital photo of themselves, to link their eVisa to their passport.
For applicants who do not hold a BRP, the position is more complicated. We recommend that you get in touch with us as soon as possible if this might affect you.
Where to apply for an eVisa?
To apply for an eVisa, applicants must follow the link below:
Key takeaways
Deadline: Anyone who needs an eVisa can apply for one now, but in any event must obtain their eVisa by 1 January 2025.
Fee: There is no fee for applying for an eVisa.
Future travel: When travelling to the UK, the only thing an eVisa holder will need is their passport, which the border official will be able to use to see full details of their immigration status. However, we recommend travelling with their most recent BRP as well for the time being.
Updates: eVisa holders must make sure that their UKVI online account is kept up to date with current personal details, including any new passports.
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UKVI eVisa Scheme
UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) is changing the way a person demonstrates their immigration status in the UK. Step forward the ‘eVisa’ – a new, digital record of a person’s UK immigration status.
On 1 January 2025, the eVisa scheme will be fully in force, replacing Biometric Residence Permits and other forms of immigration status evidence from that date.
The eVisa scheme aims to streamline immigration processes by consolidating all existing forms of immigration status evidence into a unified digital database. As well as simplifying entry into the UK, eVisa holders will also be able to prove their immigration status to landlords, employers etc. through the use of temporary share codes.
However, the switch to an eVisa must be done by 1 January 2025, so it is vital that action is taken before the end of the year.
Published 6 November 2024
Associated sectors / services
Authors
UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) is changing the way a person demonstrates their immigration status in the UK. Step forward the ‘eVisa’ – a new, digital record of a person’s UK immigration status.
On 1 January 2025, the eVisa scheme will be fully in force, replacing Biometric Residence Permits and other forms of immigration status evidence from that date.
The eVisa scheme aims to streamline immigration processes by consolidating all existing forms of immigration status evidence into a unified digital database. As well as simplifying entry into the UK, eVisa holders will also be able to prove their immigration status to landlords, employers etc. through the use of temporary share codes.
However, the switch to an eVisa must be done by 1 January 2025, so it is vital that action is taken before the end of the year.
Who will need an eVisa?
eVisas will replace the following existing forms of immigration status evidence:
- Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs);
- Biometric Residence Cards;
- Vignette stickers in passports;
- Visa stamps in passports.
Anyone possessing one of the above will need to apply for an eVisa. In contrast, the following groups of people will not need to register for an eVisa:
- British and Irish citizens;
- Holders of Visitor visas;
- Any other person visiting the UK for a period of less than 6 months.
What is needed to apply for an eVisa?
To apply for an eVisa, applicants must create an online account with UKVI.
The documents and information required to create this account will differ depending on whether or not the applicant already holds a BRP.
A BRP holder can create their UKVI account by entering their details and confirming the information already held for them by UKVI. They will then need to use the UK Immigration ID Check smartphone app to scan their passport and take a digital photo of themselves, to link their eVisa to their passport.
For applicants who do not hold a BRP, the position is more complicated. We recommend that you get in touch with us as soon as possible if this might affect you.
Where to apply for an eVisa?
To apply for an eVisa, applicants must follow the link below:
Key takeaways
Deadline: Anyone who needs an eVisa can apply for one now, but in any event must obtain their eVisa by 1 January 2025.
Fee: There is no fee for applying for an eVisa.
Future travel: When travelling to the UK, the only thing an eVisa holder will need is their passport, which the border official will be able to use to see full details of their immigration status. However, we recommend travelling with their most recent BRP as well for the time being.
Updates: eVisa holders must make sure that their UKVI online account is kept up to date with current personal details, including any new passports.
Associated sectors / services
- Immigration
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Charles
AvensPartner - Head of Immigration
Specialising in Immigration
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