Transfer to E-visa

UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI): Transition to a Digital Immigration System with eVisas

UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) is transforming the immigration process by replacing physical documents such as biometric residence permits (BRP), biometric residence cards (BRC), and visa vignettes with a digital eVisa system. This change offers numerous benefits, including improved security and simplified access to immigration status information for individuals, employers, and other third parties.

Documents Being Replaced by eVisas

Document Type	Description
Biometric Residence Permits	Identity cards issued to foreign nationals in the UK.
Biometric Residence Cards	Cards issued to non-EEA nationals with settled status.
Passport Endorsements	Indefinite leave to enter stamps in passports.
Visa Vignette Stickers	Stickers in passports issued as entry clearance or visa.

Since 2018, millions have already transitioned to eVisas, including those through the EU Settlement Scheme.

What is an eVisa?

An eVisa is a secure, digital record of your immigration status, accessible online through your UKVI account. It contains essential information, including your permission to stay, and the conditions attached to your stay in the UK.

Key Benefits of an eVisa:

• Cannot be lost or stolen: eVisas are digital and secure.
• No physical wait time: After approval, you can access your eVisa immediately.
• Streamlined border process: Easier to prove your status at the UK border.
• Easy sharing: Generate share codes to provide third parties, such as employers, time-limited access to your immigration status.

Note: Until the end of 2024, if you have a BRP, you will need to carry it while traveling internationally.

Why You Need a UKVI Account

To manage your eVisa, you will need to create a UKVI account. This account allows you to:

• View: Check your eVisa details, such as the type of permission, expiration date, and stay conditions.
• Update: Change your personal details, such as contact information or passport number.
• Share: Generate a share code to provide third parties with access to your immigration status.

Cost: There is no charge to create a UKVI account.

Features of a UKVI Account:

Function	Details
View eVisa Details	Check immigration status, permission type, expiration, and conditions of stay.
Update Information	Change personal information such as passport or contact details.
Generate Share Code	Provide third parties (employers, landlords) with time-limited access to verify status.
Link Passport to eVisa	Keep passport information up to date to avoid travel delays or denied boarding.

Transitioning from Physical Documents to eVisas

If You Have a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)

• If your BRP expires on 31 December 2024, you should create a UKVI account to access your eVisa.
• Continue carrying your BRP while traveling until it expires. Keep the expired BRP for future use in applications or for personal records.

If You Have Other Physical Documents

If you have Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or Indefinite Leave to Enter with physical documentation like a wet-ink stamp or vignette, you can apply for a ‘No Time Limit’ (NTL) to replace it with a BRP. After receiving your BRP, you can create a UKVI account to access your eVisa.

Transitioning to eVisa	Steps
Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)	Create a UKVI account before 31 December 2024 and continue carrying BRP for international travel until expiry.
Indefinite Leave (Physical)	Apply for a ‘No Time Limit’ (NTL) to replace your document with a BRP and set up a UKVI account.
Lost BRP	Use your passport and visa reference number to create a UKVI account if your BRP is lost or stolen.

Special Cases for eVisas

If You Have Status Under the EU Settlement Scheme

If you have been granted status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you already have an eVisa. Continue carrying your Biometric Residence Card (BRC) when traveling internationally.

British and Irish Citizens

If you hold a valid British or Irish passport, you do not need an eVisa or a UKVI account. Continue using your passport to prove your immigration status.

Special Cases	Details
EU Settlement Scheme	eVisa is already granted; continue carrying your BRC when traveling internationally.
British/Irish Citizens	No need for an eVisa if you have a valid passport.
Dual Nationals	May need to take future action if you are a British citizen with another nationality but no British passport.

Applying for a New Visa

If you need to apply for permission to stay in the UK, follow the usual process. You will be guided on setting up a UKVI account as part of your application process if needed.