How to transition to eVisas
Introduction
This article provides an update for applicants on the transition to eVisas, highlighting the replacement of traditional physical documents with secure, online records. Taylor Hampton Solicitors is here to guide you through this process, ensuring you understand how to access and use your new eVisa, the benefits it offers, and the steps you need to take. Read on to learn more about how eVisas will impact your immigration status and travel to the UK.
What Documents Are Being Replaced?
- Biometric residence permits (BRP)
- Biometric residence cards (BRC)
- Passport endorsements, such as indefinite leave to enter wet ink stamps
- Vignette stickers in passports, such as entry clearance or visa vignettes
Since 2018, millions have received an eVisa online through schemes like the EU Settlement Scheme.
What Is an eVisa? An eVisa is an online record of your immigration status and the conditions of your permission to enter or stay in the UK. You need to create a UKVI account to access your eVisa.
Switching to an eVisa doesn’t change your immigration status or the conditions of your stay in the UK.
Future Travel with an eVisa In the future, you can travel to the UK with just an eVisa and your registered passport. Until the end of 2024, continue carrying your physical documents if you have them.
Benefits of transition to eVisas
Transitioning to eVisas has some benefits, see for instance, below:
- Secure and tamper-proof
- No need to wait for a physical document after approval, though you might still need to provide biometric information
- Easier to prove your status at the UK border and share it with employers and landlords
Why Do I Need a UKVI Account?
UKVI is replacing physical documents with online records of your immigration status. A UKVI account lets you access your eVisa and share your immigration status using the “view and prove” service. Creating a UKVI account is free.
Using Your UKVI Account
With a UKVI account, you can view your eVisa details, update personal information, and ensure your passport or ID card details are current. Keep your passport with you while traveling. If you’ve updated your passport details but haven’t received confirmation, carry both your old and new documents to avoid delays at the border.
You can share your immigration status with third parties by generating a share code in the “view and prove” service. This code gives temporary access to your immigration status.
Getting an eVisa and a UKVI Account
- If You Have a Biometric Residence Permit: If your BRP expires on 31 December 2024, UKVI will inform you how to create a UKVI account and access your eVisa. Follow the instructions if contacted. If not, sign up for updates on the UKVI website.
- If You Have Other Physical Documents: If you have indefinite leave to enter or remain and prove your rights with a different document, apply for a “no time limit” (NTL) application to get a BRP. Then create a UKVI account to access your eVisa.
- If You Have a Biometric Residence Card: If you have a BRC and EU Settlement Scheme status, you already have an eVisa. Keep your BRC while traveling. If your BRC is invalid due to changes in immigration status, apply for a new immigration status. Avoid international travel until you have proof of status.
- If You Are a British or Irish Citizen: If you hold a British or Irish passport, you don’t need an eVisa or UKVI account. Use your passport to prove your status. Dual nationals or those with the right of abode may need to take action later.
New Applications Follow the standard application process for new permissions to stay in the UK. Guidance will be provided if a UKVI account is necessary.
Need Help?
Assistance is available for creating a UKVI account and accessing an eVisa. If you lack internet access or a suitable device, you can get help filling out your application. Note, Taylor Hampton Solicitors cannot give advice on individual applications and everything connected with transition to eVisas.
Taylor Hampton Solicitors is here to guide you through the eVisa process smoothly. Contact Leena Chouhan for further assistance on 0207 427 5972