Don't be late for the BRP to eVisa change! The eVisa will now be your main document for proving your immigration status, replacing the physical BRP card. We can help you to apply eVisa. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about this transition, how it affects you, and a simple step you have to take.

BRP to eVisa: What is happening now?

Supposedly, by 31 December 2024, all UK Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) expired, and the UK government transitioned to a new system for proving immigration status: the eVisa. Spoiler alert: You may still use it! Check the BRP 2025 expiry dates.

This change affects individuals who previously relied on their BRP as proof of their right to live, work, or study in the UK.

4 things to know before your next step

• BRP expiry: If your BRP has expired, it is crucial to have an updated passport linked to your UKVI account to access your eVisa.

• Introduction of eVisa: The BRP has been replaced by an eVisa (electronic visa). The UK eVisa is an online record of your immigration status, accessible through the UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration) account. The eVisa provides the same information that was previously stored on the BRP, such as your visa details, work and study permissions, and duration of stay in the UK.

Credit: Home Office/YouTube

• Accessing your eVisa: If you were issued a BRP before its expiry, you should have already created a UKVI account. This account is where you can access and view your new eVisa. The eVisa is available online and will be used in place of the BRP to prove your immigration status in the UK.

• What this means for you:

  • Travel: You will need to use your eVisa, along with your passport, for any immigration checks or re-entry into the UK. The BRP is no longer valid for these purposes.

  • Employment, banking, and public services: When verifying your immigration status for things like starting a new job, registering with a bank, or accessing public services, you will need to show your eVisa, which is stored digitally, instead of presenting a BRP.

  • eVisa Benefits: The eVisa offers a more streamlined and secure way to manage your immigration status, as it eliminates the need for a physical card. It’s easier to access, update, and share when needed.

The next step: Learn how to link your passport to eVisa

To link your passport to your eVisa, the process is tied to the overall transition from BRP to eVisa:

• If you had a BRP, you were required to create a UKVI account to access your new eVisa, which is now the official proof of your immigration status in the UK.

• When you create your UKVI account, you’ll be asked to verify your identity using documents like your passport and, if applicable, your BRP. Here is how to create your UKVI account in detail.

• After registering on the UKVI portal, you’ll need to verify your identity. You do this by entering the details of your passport and BRP (if applicable).

Credit: Home Office/YouTube

• If you had a BRP and are transitioning to the eVisa system, you will also need to update your passport details within the UKVI account, as your BRP is no longer valid for this purpose.

• To complete the process, you will use the UK Immigration: ID Check App to link your passport to the eVisa.

Credit: Home Office/App Store

• Download the app, log in to your UKVI account, and choose the “Confirm Your Identity” option.

• The app will prompt you to scan your passport or BRP (if you have one) and take a selfie to verify your identity. This step ensures that the eVisa is correctly linked to your passport and provides a secure way to manage your immigration status.

Once you've linked your passport, the eVisa will be available in your UKVI account. From there, you can access your eVisa details, such as the type of visa, expiry date, and any conditions of stay.

Switching from BRP to eVisa makes managing your immigration status easier and faster. Make sure to link your passport to your eVisa and set up your UKVI account to stay up to date. Take action now! Do you need help? Contact us.

Featured image credit: Home Office/YouTube