Replacement of physical immigration documents with eVisas
The British Authorities are replacing physical immigration documents with a digital proof of immigration status, called an e-Visa. The move to an e-Visa is free, and will not impact a person’s underlying immigration status, only the way that they prove that status.
Holders of pre-settled status and settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, and others who used the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check mobile App’ to make an immigration application already have an e-Visa and do not need to do anything other than ensure that they keep their UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account updated with their latest passport/national identity card details, and current contact information. Italians who have acquired British or Irish citizenship do not need to do anything.
The physical documents being replaced with e-Visas are:
- Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)
- Biometric Residence Card (BRC)
- Ink stamps, or visa vignette stickers in a passport indicating possession of an indefinite leave to enter or remain (legacy paper documents)
If you use a BRP, or a passport containing an ink stamp or visa vignette sticker to prove your immigration status, you should go to www.gov.uk/evisa for further information on what action you need to take to create an UKVI account and obtain an e-Visa.
Most BRP and BRC documents are due to expire on 31 December 2024 but you will be able to use an expired BRP to create a UKVI account to access your eVisa. BRP holders will still be able to use the online right to work and rent services to prove their rights once their BRP expires – provided they still have valid status – although the Home Office encourages them to create a UKVI account to access their eVisa. BRP holders may have received an email containing instructions on what they should do, but there is no need to wait for an email before taking action at www.gov.uk/evisa.
BRC holders who have been granted status under the EU Settlement Scheme do not need to do anything other than ensure that they keep their UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account updated with their latest passport/national identity card details, and current contact information.
Holders of legacy paper documents, including passports containing ink stamps and visa vignette stickers, can continue to use their document to prove their immigration status as before. However the Home Office encourages individuals to take action at www.gov.uk/eVisa to avoid unnecessary delays when proving their status.
The official Home Office website – www.gov.uk/evisa – contains all the details and instructions on what you need to do to create a UKVI account and access your eVisa. A range of Home Office videos also illustrate the process.
If you encounter any problems creating your account or need assistance, you can contact the Home Office using this free official service: eVisa Webchat (homeoffice.gov.uk).
The issuance of British eVisas is of the exclusive competence of the UK Authorities. This communication is for informational purposes only and has no legal value, nor does it intend to replace official communications and ongoing information campaigns by the competent British Authorities. Therefore, you are advised to carefully read the Home Office website.
PLEASE NOTE
- These changes do not affect holders of pre-settled status or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) as they already have a digital immigration status. You can access your digital EUSS status via this link: View and prove your immigration status: get a share code – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).
- EU citizens who have indefinite leave to enter or remain but have not applied for EUSS status by the original deadline, may be able to submit a late application to the EUSS or, alternatively, can make a “no time limit” (NTL) application to obtain an e-Visa – Online immigration status (eVisa) – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
- Please note that permanent residence documents issued by the British Authorities under EEA regulations before the end of the transition period on 31 December 2020 ceased to be valid on 30 June 2021. Holders of such documents had to apply to the EUSS by the deadline of 30 June 2021. However, it is possible, to submit a late application where there are reasonable grounds for not making the application earlier.
- For more information, please refer to the official EUSS Guidance of the British government and the EUSS website page of the Embassy of Italy in London.
