Home Office digitisation through eVisa news

The Home Office has published preparations for the complete roll out of e-Visas in the UK relating to digitisation. For those who are not aware, biometric residence permits (BRP’s) will no longer be valid from 31 December 2024! Migrants holding visas including indefinite leave to remain (ILR) or settled status should ensure they have registered for an e-Visa to evidence their visa status as soon as possible.

e-Visas will be required to prove evidence of stay in the UK, for example to show you have the right to work or rent. Furthermore, it will be required to be produced when travelling into the UK and is likely to be required when travelling to other countries. It is therefore important individuals ensure they are registered on the new system.

The Home Office have made the announcements to cover all scenarios including those who either have not been contacted to register or do not have the documentation required to register.

We have highlighted these below to bring this to wider attention based and is based on a circular by our professional association.

Post 1 November 2024 applicants who applied for visa

For those successful with applying for a visa post 1 November 2024, the Home Office will no longer issue a BRP but will instead provide information on how to register for an eVisa when sending out approval emails – please ensure the process has been followed if you fall into this category.

Individuals who do not have reference numbers

Individuals who no longer have access to their UK immigration reference number, such as a BRP or visa application number will now be able to request it when creating their UKVI account to enable them to register.

Individuals who do not have a valid identity document

For those who have been granted a visa prior to 31 October 2024 and do not have either a valid passport or a BRP should create a UKVI account to obtain an eVisa by using the following link:

Get access to your eVisa: Overview - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Please note, the Home Office may require you to attend an online identity interview.

Individuals who do not have a valid ID but need to update their details such as their name, nationality, date of birth or sex should use the following link:

Update your UK Visas and Immigration account details: Overview - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) 

The Home Office may request individuals who fall into this category to attend a biometric appointment.

Legal advice may be required if you fall into this category.

Issue with an eVisa

For those who notice a mistake on their eVisa such as the misspelling of their name, date of birth or photo should use the following link:

https://www.gov.uk/report-error-evisa

Checking status prior to travel

Individuals who notice issues before travelling should use the following link:

https://www.gov.uk/report-error-evisa

No Time Limit (NTL)

This relates to those who were given NTL or ILR/settlement prior to digitisation which may take the form of an endorsement in their passport or through a status letter and should make a free NTL application.

The Home Office have streamlined this process and will only require proof an applicant has ILR or settlement status, information relating to past travel and evidence of the most recent travel instead of documents to show their residence in the UK. However, the Home Office can request evidence of their residence. The application process for the NTL has been modified to enable an individual to create the UKVI account for the e-Visa then.

Once again legal advice may be required for NTL applications.

RLegal can of course advise and assist on this and can be contacted by sending an email to info@rlegal.com completing our online form or telephoning us on 020 7038 3980.