Corporate Immigration update—The Home Office has rolled out eVisa availability to most immigration categories, meaning most BRP holders can now apply for an eVisa

By way of an update on, the UK Home Office has rolled out eVisa availability to most immigration categories, meaning that most BRP holders can now apply for an eVisa without waiting for an invitation email from the Home Office.

Such individuals should be able to set up their account on the gov.uk website and following the steps set out on the website.

What actions should employers take?

We recommend notifying your relevant employees about the need to create their online UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) accounts, where their immigration status can be viewed, by 31 December 2024. Employees who do not apply for an eVisa by this date may face difficulties traveling to the UK, proving their status, or demonstrating their right to work in the UK after this date.

Please ensure that all relevant employees are aware of this requirement, which applies to all BRP holders, not just sponsored individuals.

Further recommended action points

• Ensure employee records are complete and accurate to avoid missing any affected employees in communications or reminders.
• Send regular reminders to affected employees to ensure they apply before the deadline.
• Make sure all affected employees are aware of the steps to set up their e-Visas and consider providing HR or training sessions if appropriate.
• Ensure employee records in HR systems detail accurate permission expiry dates. If a recorded expiry date is 31 December 2024, verify that this is not just the BRP expiry date, as the actual permission expiry date may be later.
• Remind employees to update their online UKVI accounts with their current passport details before traveling to avoid re-entry issues into the UK.

What steps should affected employees take?

Here is a brief summary of the process BRP holders need to follow to obtain their e-Visas:

1. Create a UKVI account– Follow the steps on the gov.uk website, providing personal details and a current or expired BRP number. If a BRP cannot be provided, use the immigration application number.
2. Link eVisa to the account – Once the account is created, an option to link it to the eVisa should appear, which may take several hours to days.
3. Complete identity check – Download the UK Immigration: ID Check app to a device with Near Field Communication capability, connect the UKVI account to the app, and upload a digital photo and BRP scan.
4. View eVisa – After completing the ID check and final questions on the UKVI account, a notification will confirm the eVisa is ready to view. Verify that the details are accurate.
5. Add travel document to UKVI account– Link the passport or ID card to the eVisa to keep the immigration status accessible once the BRP expires.
6. Future eVisa access – Once the UKVI account and eVisa are created, sign in to the Home Office’s view and prove service to access the eVisa.
   BRP holders should still carry their physical document when traveling to avoid any issues at ports. For more information, visit the frequently (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/online-immigration-status-evisa).

Santa Fe analysis:

For expert advice and assistance with the future applications contact our immigration experts. However, we notify our clients that there are number of changes in the immigration rules.
If you are considering applying for a UK visa, you may therefore wish to submit your application sooner rather than later. And, whenever you apply, professional advice from an immigration experts will help to ensure that your application is approved first-time.