The Home Office has confirmed that Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) will no longer be issued after 31 October 2024. This change follows the recent cessation of the BRP replacement service, marking a decisive move towards a fully digital immigration status system through the introduction of electronic visas (eVisas). The transition is poised to modernise the way visa holders and employers manage immigration status, replacing the physical BRP card with a streamlined, online system.
What Is an eVisa?
An eVisa is a digital record of an individual’s immigration status, offering a more secure and efficient alternative to the physical BRP cards. This shift aims to simplify how visa holders access and share their immigration status. The eVisa system is integrated with the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account, which applicants can set up after submitting an immigration application via the UK Immigration ID Check App.
Once a visa application is approved, the eVisa becomes accessible through the applicant’s UKVI account. This digital status is not only more convenient for visa holders but also offers a secure method of sharing immigration information with third parties, such as employers and landlords, directly through the online portal.
To obtain an eVisa, individuals must create a UKVI account by providing their personal information and linking the account to the eVisa. This process requires an identity check through the UK Immigration ID Check App, involving the upload of a digital photo and a scan of the BRP (if they already hold one). After the identity verification is completed, the eVisa is linked to the individual’s account, allowing for easy access and status updates.
The Transition for Current BRP Holders
BRP holders will need to take action to ensure a smooth transition to the eVisa system. Those who currently hold both a BRP and an eVisa can continue using the BRP for travel purposes until the end of 2024. However, it is crucial to ensure that their UKVI account remains up to date, particularly by linking a valid passport or travel document.
Visa holders relying solely on an eVisa should be diligent in keeping their UKVI account updated with their current travel document details to prevent any issues with their immigration status.
It is important to note that while BRPs will be valid for travel until 31 December 2024, the physical card will cease to be relevant after this point. From 2025, eVisas will be the sole method of proving immigration status, making it essential for visa holders to embrace this digital transformation sooner rather than later.
What This Means for Employers
The shift to a digital eVisa system also has implications for UK employers, particularly in relation to Right to Work checks. Employers must be proactive in ensuring that employees holding BRPs are aware of the need to switch to the eVisa system before the end of 2024. This involves guiding employees towards setting up a UKVI account and ensuring their immigration status is digitally recorded.
Under the new system, employers are only required to conduct new Right to Work checks for employees whose immigration status is time-limited. If these employees have been subject to manual document checks, the employer must complete the new Right to Work process before their current immigration documents expire. Importantly, employers who have conducted online Right to Work checks for employees do not need to repeat the process, as the eVisa will be integrated into the existing digital system.
Given the approaching deadlines, it is vital that employers communicate these changes to their workforce, ensuring that all employees understand the importance of switching to an eVisa if they hold a BRP. Employers can provide resources, such as directing employees to the Home Office website, where they can create their UKVI account and complete the transition.
A Look Ahead: The Future of Immigration Status in the UK
The UK government’s decision to phase out BRPs in favour of eVisas reflects a broader commitment to digital transformation across public services. By moving away from physical immigration documents, the Home Office aims to reduce the risk of fraud, streamline immigration processes, and make it easier for individuals to manage their immigration status from anywhere in the world.
While the transition to eVisas from BRPs promises many benefits, it is not without challenges. Some visa holders, particularly those less familiar with digital platforms, may find the shift daunting. However, the Home Office’s use of the UK Immigration ID Check App to verify identity and link documents seeks to make the process as straightforward as possible. The government is likely to increase public awareness campaigns to ensure a smooth transition.
For employers, the shift to eVisas represents an opportunity to modernise HR and compliance practices, integrating digital immigration checks into their systems. However, there is also a responsibility to support employees in understanding the changes and ensuring that their immigration status remains valid and verifiable under the new system.
Final Takes
The cessation of Biometric Residence Permits after 31 October 2024 marks a turning point in UK immigration management. As the country transitions to a fully digital system through eVisas, both visa holders and employers must adapt to ensure compliance with the new processes. The introduction of eVisas offers a more efficient and secure way to manage immigration status, aligning with the UK government’s broader push towards digitalisation.
For visa holders, the key takeaway is to set up a UKVI account, link their current travel documents, and ensure they are ready for the digital future. For employers, the priority is to inform and support employees through this transition, ensuring that their immigration status is up to date and compliant with Home Office requirements. While the end of the BRP era may feel like the closing of a chapter, the introduction of eVisas opens a new, technologically advanced future for immigration in the UK.
Get in touch: For a comprehensive understanding of your options or queries on UK immigration matters, contact GigaLegal Solicitors at 02074067654 or click here to book a no-obligation consultation with an immigration expert.