Holders of UK Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) cards have started to receive emails from UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) inviting them to set up an online UKVI account in preparation for the UK government's move to a digital "E-visas" for most visa categories. If this affects you, you will need to take active steps to manage this move.
Why is there a move to E-visas?
Due to the UK not having the "next generation encryption technology" to hold biometric data beyond 31 December 2024, UKVI was restricted to issuing BRP cards with an expiry date of 31 December 2024, regardless of visa length or those with Indefinite Leave to Remain. Following Brexit, rather than re-issue new BRP cards with later expiry dates, the UK government plans to have a fully digital border, with no physical visa documents for most visa categories. BRP card holders who do not already have a UKVI account must take active steps to transition to an E-visa before 31 December 2024. Until now UKVI has not provided much information on this process. The E-visa will confirm the actual visa expiry date, as confirmed on the BRP card holder's decision letter or email.
How do I know when I need to apply?
In due course you should receive an email from DoNotReply.evisadirectmail@notifications.service.gov.uk entitled "Important information about your BRP and changes to the UK immigration system". Please do not ignore it! The UKVI account application process and information needed is set out in the email. Given the number of people this will affect we recommend taking action to create your account as soon as you receive the invitation to do so.
All BRP card holders must create an individual account and obtain an E-visa. This includes children and dependants who cannot remain on their family member's account.
Once you have created a UKVI account, it is important to update your passport linked to the account to ensure that your status can be checked accurately and quickly. It is also important to ensure that you update any contact detail changes.
BRP card holders who have become British Citizens (and obtained a British passport) and those with a UKVI account as they already hold an E-visa or EUSS Pre-Settled or Settled Status do not need to take any action. British Citizens with a Certificate of Entitlement will need to take further action later this year to confirm their status (UKVI has not yet provided information for those holding this status).
What happens if I don't apply?
BRP card holders who do not obtain an "E-visa" by 31 December 2024 will not be able to provide evidence of their status to employers, landlords, banks etc. They may also be refused entry to the UK from 1 January 2025. The Home Office has indicated that there will be a transitional period for those who do not apply but we would recommend not relying on this period.
I have not received an email. What should I do?
If you have not yet received an email, keep looking out for one over the next few months and check your Junk Mail in case it has been blocked. Emails are being sent out in batches so yours may not arrive for a while yet.
If your adviser at Taylor Wessing was listed as the contact on your application form, we may be emailed instead. UKVI plans to contact legal representatives later in 2024. We will then be in contact.
We will issue more advice on the application process when information becomes available.
Please contact us if you have any questions on creating your UKVI account or your E-visa status.
