Your Guide on E-visa’s as BRP holder

BRP holders have been recently informed of a change announced by the Home Office regarding UK BRP cards expiring on December 31st, 2024. This change is due to the introduction of eVisas. BRPs are being converted and replaced by eVisas. The date of expiry refers only to the BRP document and not the holder’s immigration status—updating your current physical documents will not affect your status or permission to enter or stay in the UK.

An eVisa is an online record of an individual’s immigration system curated by UK Visas and Immigration. This change will not affect your immigration status or permissions to stay in the UK.

Who is required to apply for an eVisa?

All individuals who are not British Citizens will be required to possess an e-Visa, including those with a permanent status or indefinite leave to stay in the UK.

What are the benefits of an eVisa?

• Unlike physical documents, eVisas are digital documents that cannot be stolen, lost or altered.
• It is a speedier process for proving your immigration status at the border.
• Individuals can amend and update any details immediately with their UKVI account without waiting for and collecting physical documents.
• Individuals can grant third parties, such as landlords and employers, time-limited access to their immigration status.
• Travellers’ identities are secure, and personal details are guarded.

Why do I need to create a UKVI account?

Holding a UKVI account will allow you to maintain a clear online record of your immigration status.

You will be able to use your BRP to help you create a UKVI account, which will enable you to access your eVisa. The Home Office recommends creating an account before your BRP expires to prevent delays in demonstrating your rights.

For individuals who already have a UKVI account and an eVisa, it is advised that they check that all of their personal details are up-to-date and correct. Follow the link to verify your details.

Can I still request a BRP card?

You can no longer request a new or replacement BRP card. Since October 31st 2024, the Home Office has no longer issued BRP cards.

How to access an eVisa?

1. You will need to create a UKVI account using your current BRP number and other personal details. Creating a UKVI account is currently free.
2. You must verify your identity using the UK Immigration ID Check app.
3. You will be asked to complete an online form.
4. Link your passport to your UKVI account.

Once you have successfully created your UKVI account, you can access your eVisa here.

After creating your account, review all of your details, and if any errors are present, report them here.

What if I have lost my BRP/ BRP number?

If your BRP card has been stolen or lost, you can create your UKVI account using travel documents such as your passport and visa application reference number. Remember to report a lost or stolen BRP immediately, as failure can result in a fine and removal from the UK.

You can report a stolen or lost biometric resident permit here.

Am I still able to use my physical BRP?

The Home Office has advised that they will initially accept BRPs that expire on or after December 31st, 2024, as a form of permission to travel. This allows current BRP holders to travel with their physical biometric residence permit until March 31st, 2025. All travellers are urged to review Home Office guidelines for any updates/changes.

Pre-Travel Checklist for the UK travellers

1. Verify eVisa Details: Ensure your E-visa has all the correct and updated details. In case of an error, please take the necessary steps to resolve it immediately.
2. Check Visa Status: Sign in to your UKVI account and confirm whether your visa is linked to your current passport.
3. Expired BRC/BRP Documents: If your Biometric Residence Card (BRC) or Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) expires on or after 31 December 2024, you must still carry the expired document until 31 March 2025. Your carrier may request to see it.
4. Obtain a Share Code: You can obtain a share code from your UKVI account to prove your immigration status wherever required. You need a stable internet connection for this.  

Can I share my immigration status with airlines while travelling internationally?

You can access your immigration status in the view and prove service from UK visas and Immigration (UKVI) account and generate a code to share with your airline carrier in case they ask for it. The airline can use the code to get time-limited access to your immigration status information. Each share code is valid for 90 days. Please ensure the passenger information matches the details in your UKVI account, including other travel documents you use for travel. It enables you to have a smooth verification and avoid any travel hassles.

Can a Parent or Guardian Manage a Child’s UKVI Account?

Everyone who owns a BRP must have their own UK Visas and Immigration Account, including children under 18. However, a parent or guardian can manage the account on their behalf. To create a UKVI account for a child, you need a child’s identity document and a date of birth.

However, once the child turns 18 and can manage his account, the account can be transferred to them. You can update the phone number and email address using the UKVI account update service. It’s essential to keep your details on your account up to date to avoid any travel disruptions at the UK border.

Do BRP Holders Need a UK ETA?
BRP holders with valid eVisas do not need to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) for re-entry into the UK, as their immigration status is already recorded digitally.

However, if a BRP holder is travelling to another country that requires an ETA, they must ensure compliance with that country’s specific entry requirements.

For any other queries regarding your status as a BRP holder, eVisas or UKVI account – access GOV.UK.