The digital evolution of UK immigration: From Biometric Residence Permits to eVisas

The UK immigration system is undergoing a significant transformation, with a major shift from physical Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) to digital eVisas. This change is part of the government's broader initiative to modernise and digitise the UK’s border and immigration processes, with the aim of enhancing security and convenience for both migrants and employers.

What are Biometric Residence Permits?

BRPs have been a cornerstone of the UK's immigration system for a number of years. These physical cards contain essential information including the holder's name, date of birth, fingerprints, photograph, and immigration status.

What are eVisas?

An eVisa is a digital record of an individual’s immigration status and is accessible online. Starting from 1 January 2025, the UK will fully transition to eVisas, which will replace physical BRPs. This means that all migrants will need to be in the digital eVisa system by this date in order to prove their immigration status.

What are the benefits of eVisas?

The introduction of eVisas offers several advantages:

• Enhanced security: eVisas are linked to the holder’s unique biometric information, making them more secure against identity fraud
• Convenience: eVisas can be accessed online, allowing individuals to update their information in real-time and reducing the risk of losing physical documents
• Efficiency: The digital system enables quicker and simpler checks of immigration status by public bodies and employers.

What is the impact on current BRP holders?

The switch to an eVisa must be done by 1 January 2025, so it is vital that action is taken before the end of the year to allow individuals to continue to travel and prove their right to work.

To apply for an eVisa, individuals should:

• Create an online account with UKVI in good time before 31 December 2024 using this link
• They can then use the "view and prove" service to access their eVisa. They can do this here.

The eVisa system will not affect an individual's existing immigration status or their rights in the UK.

Before travelling internationally, individuals must check that their eVisa contains the correct details as they could be delayed or denied boarding by carriers if the information is incorrect. Individuals will still need to carry their current passport with them when travelling internationally and we would recommend travelling with their most recent BRP as well for the time being.

UKVI has launched a form for individuals to report any issues or errors with their eVisa. Examples of common issues and errors include:

• Applicant cannot view their eVisa
• Incorrect name or photo
• Incorrect type of permission, expiry date or conditions of leave
• Incorrect National Insurance number.

UKVI has set up a dedicated team to resolve any errors within ten working days.

What should employers do?

To prepare for the transition, employers should:

• Communicate with affected employees about the changes and the need to register for eVisas
• Ensure that affected employees have created an online UKVI account to access their eVisa before the end of this year. It is recommended that employees do so as soon as possible. This is particularly vital if employees are travelling over the Christmas and New Year period as they could have issues with re-entering the UK if they have failed to secure an eVisa before 31 December 2024. This risks business disruption
• Carry out repeat right to work checks if necessary. In recent years, BRPs have been issued with an expiry date of 31 December 2024 (even where an individual’s immigration permission expires after this date). A repeat, online right to work check should be conducted before the document expiry date for any employee where the employer has recorded the expiry date as 31 December 2024. A follow-up right to work check will confirm the employee's actual visa expiry date.

UKVI continues to update their guidance on eVisas as we approach 1 January 2025. This article is correct at the time of issue.

If you have any specific concerns about the move to eVisas or require further details, Womble Bond Dickinson has a dedicated team of specialist corporate immigration lawyers who can support and advise your organisation.