eVisas to replace Biometric residence permits in 2025

The UK Home Office is moving to a fully digital system in 2025. Visa holders may notice that their Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) are set to expire in December 2024, even if their visas don’t. This is what it means for you and the steps you need to take.

If you have a BRP expiring on 31 December 2024, it might seem confusing if your UK visa was recently granted for two or more years. Don't worry; we're here to explain the situation.

The UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) is transitioning from physical documents like the BRP to an electronic visa system known as the eVisa. All traditional physical documents, like BRPs and vignette visa stickers, will be replaced with streamlined digital eVisas.

The digital transformation will enhance security, accessibility and convenience, making it easier for individuals to prove their right to stay in the country.

What is an eVisa?

An eVisa is an online record of your immigration status and the conditions of your permission to enter or stay in the UK. To access your eVisa, you’ll need to create a UKVI account.

Switching from a physical document to an eVisa won’t affect your immigration status or the conditions of your permission to enter or stay in the UK. While eVisas will eventually replace BRPs for travel, until the end of 2024, you must still carry your BRP or passport when travelling.

Benefits of eVisas

• Security: eVisas are secure and cannot be lost, stolen or tampered with like physical documents.
• Convenience: No need to wait for a physical card after your application is approved. UKVI will inform you if you need to provide biometric information in person.
• Efficiency: It’s quicker and easier to prove your status at the UK border and share your immigration status with employers, landlords or other parties.

If your BRP is expiring, you can set up your UKVI account now. Make sure to do this before your BRP expires.

How to create a UKVI account

Visit the UK.gov website to set up your account. You will need:

• Your date of birth
• A smartphone
• A mobile number that you’ll have long-term access to
• An email address
• Your BRP or valid passport (you'll need your BRP number or visa application number*)

*Your visa application number can be found in the Global Web Form (GWF) or Unique Application Number (UAN) from your application.

If you've previously created a UKVI account to apply from within the UK, there’s no need to set up a new account. If your legal representative handled your application or set up your UKVI account, the Home Office will communicate directly with them.

Documents being replaced

The following physical documents are being phased out in favour of eVisas:

• Biometric residence permits (BRP)
• Biometric residence cards (BRC)
• Passport endorsements, such as indefinite leave to enter wet ink stamps
• Vignette stickers in passports (e.g., entry clearance or visa vignette)

For biometric residence permit holders:

The Home Office is contacting individuals to link their BRPs to their eVisa. In the meantime, you can create your eVisa account to expedite the process when your BRP is updated in the system. Please note that the Home Office will stop issuing new BRP cards from 31 October 2024.

For holders of other physical documents:

If you hold indefinite leave to remain or enter and currently use a physical document like a passport stamp or vignette sticker to prove your status, it’s recommended to apply for “no time limit” (NTL) status. Upon approval, you will receive a BRP, which should be carried with your passport when travelling. Once you have your BRP, you can set up a UKVI account to access your eVisa.

For biometric residence card holders:

If you possess a BRC and have been granted status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you already have an eVisa and do not need to take any further action.

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If you have any questions about the upcoming eVisa change or you are unsure about anything, get in touch with our Australian office on +613 (0)86514500 or ausoffice@sableinternational.com.