Changes are being made by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) in the way that immigration status is documented for visa holders. UKVI are moving to a new digital immigration system, which means they are replacing physical documents with an online record of individuals immigration status called eVisas
The new eVisa is an online record of a person’s immigration status and the conditions of their permission to enter or stay in the UK.
eVisas are secure, and, unlike a physical document, cannot be lost, stolen or tampered with. They can be accessed anywhere and in real time, putting people in control of their own data and allowing them to swiftly update the Home Office with new contact or passport details.
An eVisa is securely linked with the holder’s unique biometric information in the same way as a Biometric residence permits or Biometric residence card, to protect against identity fraud.
The documents being replaced by UKVI are:
- Biometric residence permits (BRP)
- Biometric residence cards (BRC)
- Passport endorsements, such as indefinite leave to enter wet ink stamps
- Vignette stickers in passports, such as entry clearance or visa vignettes
If you hold one of the above documents you will need to update to an eVisa by 31 December 2024. From 1 January 2025 you will need an eVisa to prove your immigration status. The documents above will no longer be accepted.
If you use a physical or legacy paper document to prove your immigration rights, go to www.gov.uk/evisa to find out what you need to do next.
Updating your physical document to an eVisa does not affect your immigration status or the conditions of your permission to enter or stay in the UK.
Knowsley’s refugee and asylum seeker charity, SHARe are currently recruiting for an eVisa Case worker to support visa holders to make the transition by helping individuals to complete the eVisa registration process and to manage their eVisa account. You can apply for this role online here: eVisa Case Worker | SHARe Knowsley