The complete shift from physical immigration documents to a digital eVisa system is relevant to everyone on their immigration journey but is especially relevant for those with or applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
We’ve already touched on this in a recent article but wanted to reiterate some detail especially for those on their ILR journey.
1. What is the eVisa?
An eVisa is a digital record of your immigration status in the UK. It replaces physical documents like Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs), Biometric Residence Cards (BRCs), and older forms of proof like ink stamps or vignettes (stickers) in passports.
2. Why the Shift?
The UK Home Office is digitising the immigration system to:
Increase security
Digital records are less susceptible to loss, theft, or tampering.
Enhance efficiency
Streamlines processes for both individuals and the Home Office.
Improve convenience
Allows individuals to view and prove their status online, reducing the need for physical documents.
3. Who Does This Affect?
This transition affects virtually everyone with immigration status in the UK that is longer than 6 months, including those with:
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or Indefinite Leave to Enter (ILE) evidenced by an old-style stamp or vignette in a passport.
Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs)
Biometric Residence Cards (BRCs)
Pre-settled or Settled Status under the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS).
4. Key actions for those with or applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain
ILR/ILE via old passport stamp/vignette
If your Indefinite Leave to Remain is evidenced by an ink stamp or vignette in your passport, you are strongly encouraged to switch to an eVisa. You can continue to use your physical documents for now (including for travel), but migrating to an eVisa is beneficial for future proof of status, especially if you get a new passport. To do this, you will need to make a free “No Time Limit” (NTL) application to transfer your status to a digital eVisa. See here for more NTL detail.
BRPs expiring 31 December 2024
Most BRP cards had an expiry date of 31 December 2024. This does NOT mean your underlying immigration status (like ILR) expires. It means the physical card is no longer valid proof. You must create a UKVI account to access your eVisa. While there was a “grace period” for travel with expired BRPs until 1 June 2025, this has now passed. From 2 June 2025, expired BRPs are no longer acceptable for international travel to the UK.
New ILR Applicants
If you are applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain now, and your application is successful, you will generally be issued an eVisa directly. You will be provided with instructions on how to create your UKVI account and access your digital status.
Creating a UKVI Account
This is the central step for everyone. You need to create an online UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account to access your eVisa. This is free and can be done via the GOV.UK website. You will need your BRP number (if you have one) or your Home Office reference number (UAN/GWF number). You might also need to use the “UK Immigration: ID Check” app to scan your identity document or attend a biometric appointment.
Keep Calm and Transfer Your Status!
The shift to the eVisa system is a significant change, designed to modernise the UK’s immigration processes. While it offers many benefits, it requires individuals to proactively engage with the digital system. It’s vital to ensure your status is properly transferred to avoid potential difficulties with employment, housing, or travel.
