The UK Biometric Cards will be replaced by the new digital eVisa system from 1st January 2025. The following is a brief overview of the change and what you’ll need to do if its relevant to you.

eVisa replaces card at the end of 2024

You will notice that your current Biometric Card (BRP or BRC) expires at the end of 2024 or earlier. This is only the expiry date of the physical card. The UK BRP Card visa system will switch to a digital system, known as eVisa at the beginning of 2025.

The documents being replaced 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

What is eVisa?

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

  • You must have a VALID passport at all times as your e-Visa will be linked to your passport

  • Your current Biometric Residency Card/Permit will be valid until the end of 2024, but in most cases, this is not the end of your grant of leave.

  • Your grant of leave continues after this date, and this can be seen on the eVisa system once set up.

  • You will be able to use your physical immigration document (BRP/BRC) until it expires on 31/12/2024.

Once you have access to your eVisa, you’ll have less physical documents to worry about and can enjoy an improved experience at the UK border.

Is the change relevant to you?

If you still hold a valid Biometric Card (BRP/BRC), you must have set up access to your new eVisa by the end of 2024. From 01/01/2025 your eVisa will be your proof of right to work, right to rent, and residence in the UK, allowing you to freely travel in and out of the UK.

Setting up access to your new eVisa

Go to https://www.gov.uk/get-access-evisa to set up access to you new eVisa.

You’ll need the following before you start your set up:

  • access to a smartphone
  • a mobile phone number you can continue to use
  • an email address you can continue to use
  • your BRP card or a valid passport with your BRP number or visa application number

Still unsure if this is relevant to you?

  • If you are waiting for your British Naturalisation to be approved and you have not had a decision by December 2024, we would advise applying for your e-Visa access to see you through until your British Naturalisation is approved.
  • This is irrelevant to you if you are now a British Citizen. Congratulations, you can ignore the above information.

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