The UK has recently introduced significant changes to the Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) and electronic visa (eVisa) systems, reflecting a broader push towards streamlined processes and enhanced security measures. It’s a central part of the transformation and digitisation of the UK’s border and immigration system.
But there have been some issues with this latest development which have many people very concerned about what this means for their immigration status. So in this article I’m going to discuss what this move from BRP to eVisa means for you, when and why you need to act, what to do if you haven’t received an email invitation from the Home Office, and what to do if you were granted Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) before 2008.
So let’s get started.
What should I do if my BRP expires on 31st December 2024?
In short, if you have a BRP that expires at the end of this year (31/12/2024), you need to convert this to an eVisa. You do this by setting up a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) digital account. You can do that here.
But why do I need an eVisa?
Because the government is moving to an online system to prove immigration status, rather than a physical card which can be potentially lost or stolen. If you do not obtain an eVisa by 31/12/24, there may be complications when you try to enter the UK because BRPs will no longer be accepted as a proof of immigration status and residency rights from 1/1/25.
Will I be sent an invitation to set up a UKVI account?
This was one of the areas where there were problems. Initially, you could expect an email from donotreply.evisadirectmail@notifications.service.gov.uk with the subject line: ‘Important information about your BRP and changes to the UK immigration system’.
However, the government realised it did not have all the necessary contact details so has now changed this policy. To that end, you can create a UKVI account to access your eVisa even if you haven’t received an invitation.
What happens when I log onto my UKVI account to access my eVisa?
You should log on to your eVisa account before your BRP expires. To log on, you don’t need your BRP card (you can use your passport or your visa application reference number). So you should only request a replacement BRP if it has been lost or stolen and you don’t have another form of identity document to create the UKVI account.
Once in your UKVI account you should be able to view your eVisa. However, if you cannot see your eVisa details you do not need to take any action. You will be contacted by email once your eVisa is available to view. In these cases, you can still use your BRP to prove your immigration status until your eVisa details are available to view.
What about eVisa accounts for children and dependents?
You will need to create individual accounts for children and dependents.
Controversy around eVisa rollout
The end of year deadline has been widely criticised, leaving over four million UK residents in a race against time to avoid becoming undocumented. Initially, the plan was for people to be able to apply starting in June this year – a timeframe that many felt was too tight. This then got delayed and the date was moved to 6/8/24 making the deadline even shorter.
With a new government in the UK following the recent general election, the Home Secretary is under pressure to ensure that millions of people legally in the UK don’t end up undocumented.
eVisas for people granted ILR before 2008
One area of particular concern are those who were granted ILR before 2008 – ie, before BRPs were introduced. They use the old system of an ink stamp in their passport to prove their residency rights. The government is asking that this group, many of whom have lived in the UK for several decades, to provide proof of residency – which basically means showing all their travel in and out of the UK.
In many cases, people won’t have these kinds of pre-electronic records stretching across what might be several decades and critics are suggesting the onus is in fact on the Home Office to keep this kind of information. If the Home Office has failed to do so, the argument goes, then the burden should not be put upon the individual.
To make things even more complicated, those who fall into this group will first need to apply for a BRP before they can get an eVisa.
Conclusion
This is a situation that is changing rapidly. I strongly recommend keeping an eye on updates on the government website. You can access eVisa updates here. And if you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to me. Having a professional immigration advisor – particularly one with a legal background – can be invaluable in helping you navigate and interpret these complex regulations. With an unrivalled success rate, YI Solutions works with both individuals and businesses to ensure you are able to complete your immigration applications successfully. Contact us for a free consultation today.
