On 6 August 2024, the Home Office announced that all Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) holders can now apply for eVisas. This development follows the UK government’s long-standing plans to transition from physical immigration documents to a digital immigration status system. This shift aims to modernise and simplify the process of managing immigration status and visa conditions.
Whether you’re an HR professional managing a diverse workforce or an individual visa holder, this change directly impacts how you handle immigration documentation. Understanding the new system will ensure a smooth transition and help avoid potential travel issues.
What is an eVisa?
An eVisa is an online record of an individual’s immigration status and visa conditions. To utilise this system, individuals must set up an online UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account and link their passport to this account. Once registered, travellers can enter the UK based on the eVisa information stored in their online account and linked to their passport. It is recommended, however, to carry a printout of the eVisa details in hand luggage as a precaution.
Updating personal information, such as passport details, on the UKVI account is crucial. Failure to keep these details current could lead to travel complications.
Can anyone get an eVisa?
Immigration status holders whose BRP expires on 31 December 2024 can now create a UKVI account and access their eVisa. They must do so before the BRP expires. Individuals can use their travel documents, such as a passport, or a visa application reference number, if their BRP is lost or stolen, to create a UKVI account.
The Home Office advises individuals to apply for a replacement BRP only if they have no other form of identity document available to create a UKVI account.
Unfortunately, not everyone will be able to view their eVisa details immediately after creating a UKVI account. The Home Office has stated that they will contact these individuals directly by email to notify once their eVisa is available to view. In the meantime, these individuals should continue to use their BRP to prove their immigration status.
Previously, the Home Office indicated that they would contact immigration status holders directly to invite them to apply for their eVisas. However, as representatives, we often received generic emails from the Home Office without specifying the visa holder, causing confusion and concern about potential administrative issues similar to those involved in the Windrush scandal. It remains unclear whether the Home Office will improve its notification system following the announcement on 6 August 2024.
What you need to know
Some individuals already have eVisas. This would be indicated in the approval notification of their latest immigration application.
We recommend that employers encourage their visa-holding employees, who do not already have eVisas, to set up an eVisa account. This can be done by visiting https://www.gov.uk/get-access-evisa.
How we can help
If you need assistance communicating these changes to your employees or understanding the new eVisa system, please contact us directly.
By understanding and adapting to the new eVisa system, you can ensure a smoother and more efficient process for managing immigration status. Stay informed, stay compliant, and let us help you navigate these changes effectively.
Original publication date: 8 July 2024
Last updated: 8 August 2024
