Corporate Immigration — UK government encourages the transition to e-Visas for Immigration documentation

Millions of individuals in the UK holding physical immigration documents are being encouraged to switch to an e-Visa as part of the Home Office’s efforts to digitise the immigration system.

Starting on 17 April 2024, eligible customers will receive invitations from the Home Office to create an online UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account for accessing their e-Visa, which serves as digital proof of their immigration status. The invitation process will be phased before opening to all BRP holders in summer 2024. This transition is regarded as an essential ingredient of the government’s initiative to modernise the UK immigration system and implement a fully digital immigration system by 2025.

What is an e-Visa?

An e-Visa is an online record of an individual’s immigration status and entry or stay permission in the UK. It is important to note that converting physical documents to e-Visas will not affect individual’s immigration status or entry permission. The Home Office has said that it is promoting e-Visas for their security benefits, shorter waiting times, and easier information sharing with third parties.

Action required

The necessary steps depend on the type of physical immigration document currently held:

• For Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) holders: Instructions for setting up a UKVI account and accessing e-Visas will be provided before the BRP expiry date. Those not yet contacted will receive instructions later in 2024.
• For other physical document holders: Individuals with indefinite leave should apply for a ‘no time limit’ (NTL) application. Those with a Biometric Residence Card (BRC) under the EU Settlement Scheme are already e-Visa holders and need no further action.

For British or Irish passport holders:

• No action is needed for British or Irish citizens. Others may need to take action in the future, with updates provided on the Home Office e-Visa guidance page.

For new applications

Applicants should follow the standard application process, with guidance on creating a UKVI account provided during the application.

Existing e-Visa holders

Those with existing e-Visas should update their UKVI account with any personal information changes.

Next steps

Due to the scale of the rollout, recipients may not receive emails immediately. Keeping contact details up to date with the Home Office is essential to avoid missing communication. For further assistance with creating a UKVI account and accessing e-Visas, individuals can contact Santa Fe UK Immigration Team and the Home Office.

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.