UK to Fully Transition to e-Visas, Phasing Out Physical Visa Documents in 2025

In a significant shift toward a digital immigration system, the United Kingdom will completely phase out physical visa documents by June 2025. The initiative, led by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), will replace traditional biometric residence permits (BRP), biometric residence cards (BRC), passport endorsements, and vignette stickers with a streamlined online platform.

Understanding e-Visas

An e-Visa serves as an online record of an individual’s immigration status and conditions of stay in the UK. Unlike physical documents, e-Visas cannot be lost, stolen, or tampered with. Users can access their e-Visa through a UKVI account, enabling them to seamlessly prove their immigration status at the border, to employers, landlords, and other authorities.

Since 2018, millions have transitioned to e-Visas, particularly those under the EU Settlement Scheme. Now, the UK aims to make e-Visas the standard for all visa holders.

Transitioning Existing Physical Documents

Current BRPs and BRCs will remain valid until their expiration dates. However, UKVI will stop issuing these documents after October 31, 2024. Individuals holding visa vignettes or indefinite leave endorsements in their passports must switch to an e-Visa.

Additionally, beneficiaries of the Windrush Scheme will have the opportunity to apply for digital evidence of their immigration status.

Reasons Behind the Shift to e-Visas

The transition to e-Visas is motivated by various factors, including security, convenience, and efficiency. Key benefits include:

• Elimination of Loss or Theft: Users no longer need to worry about misplaced BRPs or expired vignette stickers.
• Faster Processing: Individuals will avoid delays associated with collecting physical documents post-application.
• Instant Verification: Employers and landlords can quickly verify immigration status using share codes.
• Enhanced Border Efficiency: Immigration checks at UK entry points will become quicker and more streamlined.

How the e-Visa System Works

Visa holders must create a UKVI account, which will be their gateway to managing their immigration status. This online system allows users to:

• View details such as visa type, expiration date, and conditions of stay.
• Generate a share code, valid for 90 days, to prove their immigration status to employers or landlords.
• Update passport details to facilitate smooth travel without unnecessary delays.

Who Needs to Act?

The transition to e-Visas impacts a wide range of visa holders, including:

• BRP and BRC Holders: Those with biometric residence documents must create a UKVI account and update their details.
• Passport Endorsement Holders: Individuals with indefinite leave to enter (ILE) or leave to remain (ILR) must apply for an e-Visa.
• EU Settlement Scheme Residents: Those with BRCs expiring on or after December 31, 2024, should carry their BRC until transitioning to an e-Visa by June 1, 2025.
• New Visa Applicants: Future visa holders will automatically receive e-Visas instead of physical documents.

Seeking Assistance

For individuals unfamiliar with digital platforms or lacking internet access, UKVI offers support services to help set up UKVI accounts and access e-Visas. Vulnerable individuals can receive additional guidance to ensure a smooth transition. For more information, visit UKVI Guidance.

This transition marks a pivotal step in modernizing the UK’s immigration system, enhancing security and efficiency for all visa holders.