The UK visa system has gone digital and eVisas are replacing Biometric Residence Permits (BRP). It’s a positive step and means you’ll never have to worry about losing your immigration ID card again.
But you might not automatically have access to the eVisa system, especially if you moved to the UK a while ago.
Here’s what you need to do by 31 December 2024 to make sure you can still share your immigration status whenever you need to.
What’s a BRP?
It’s an identity card that shows details like your student status and right to work. Until very recently you needed to apply for a BRP when you moved to the UK from outside the European Economic Area (EEA).
Some people might instead have a Biometric Residence Card (BRC). These aren’t issued anymore but you might still have one if you moved to the UK as a family member of someone from somewhere in the EEA other than the UK.
What’s changing?
BRPs and BRCs are being phased out and replaced by eVisas.
Most BRPs and BRCs expire on 31 December 2024. That doesn’t mean your visa ends on that date – it just means you’ll be able to view and share it online instead.
The UK stopped issuing new BRPs on 31 October, so anyone applying to move to the UK will now need to register to access their eVisa instead of getting a physical card.
And if you already have a BRP, you’ll need to do the same.
I have a BRP – what do I need to do?
After your BRP expires on 31 December, you’ll need to use your eVisa to show your immigration status.
Follow these steps to access it:
- Create an account with UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). You’ll need your passport and BRP to hand. You might have an account already if you registered when you applied for your visa. In which case you can skip this step.
- Follow the instructions to enter your details and to access your UKVI account.
- Once you’re in, you’ll need to link your eVisa to your UKVI account using an app.
- You’ll be prompted to download the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app if you don’t already have it. Follow the instructions in the app to scan your BRP and photograph your face.
- Log back into your UKVI account and follow the rest of the instructions.
That’s it – you should now have a UKVI account that lets you access your eVisa.
How do I use my new eVisa?
You can use your eVisa for all the same things you used your BRP for, including:
- Proving your right to work
- Proving your right to rent
- Sharing it with your university
- Getting a UK driving licence
To do this securely, you need to use the view and prove service to get a share code. Follow the instructions and put in your details.
Click on ‘Get a share code’. You’ll see the code, which you can copy and give to your landlord, employer, or anyone else who needs to see your visa status.
Why are BRPs being phased out?
There are lots of advantages to the new eVisa system.
- You can’t lose your eVisa like you can a card or document.
- It’s secure. Only you can access your account and you can let others see your immigration status with a share code.
- You won’t need to collect any documents when you get to the UK. That’s one task to cross off the list for that busy first week.
- You can log in to update your documents and details yourself.
I haven’t collected my BRP – do I still need to?
If you recently applied for your BRP, you should still make that trip to the Post Office to collect it. You might need the number on it to access your eVisa if you haven’t already registered.
Your eVisa checklist
Make sure you do this before the December 31 deadline:
- Check if you already have a UKVI account and register if you don’t.
- Register for your children and anyone else in your household who can’t do it for themself.
- Download the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app and use it to verify yourself.
- Hold onto your BRP and keep it somewhere safe for your records.
