Travelling to the UK Just Got Easier: Introducing eVisas for Residents!

Are you a resident of the UK holding a biometric residency permit (BRP)? Great news! The UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) is transitioning to a digital immigration system, replacing physical documents with a convenient online record called an eVisa.

This means smoother travel experiences and easier access to your immigration status information.

What is an eVisa?

An eVisa is a digital record stored in your UKVI account that shows your immigration status and authorization to enter or remain in the UK. Think of it as the online version of your BRP. With an eVisa, you can travel to the UK without needing to carry your BRP, as long as your passport is registered with your UKVI account.

Benefits of eVisas

• Convenience: No more juggling physical documents! Your eVisa is easily accessible through your UKVI account.
• Security: Your immigration information is securely stored electronically.
• Transparency: View your eVisa details online, including your permission type, expiry date, and stay conditions.
• Sharing Made Easy: Grant temporary access to your immigration status for employers or landlords through a secure “view and prove” service.

Who Needs an eVisa?

Anyone currently holding a BRP will need to create a UKVI account to access their eVisa. This includes those with:

• Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs): These are standard BRPs issued for various immigration categories.
• Passport Endorsements: This applies to those with endorsements like “indefinite leave to enter” stamps or vignette stickers in their passport.

Creating a UKVI Account

To access your eVisa, you must first set up a UKVI account. This account will be essential for managing your immigration status online, allowing you to update personal information and share your status with relevant parties. Notably, there is no fee to create this account—it’s completely free of charge.

Steps to create a UKVI account:

1. Register Online: Visit the UKVI website and follow the prompts to register.
2. Link Your Passport: Ensure your passport or ID card is registered with your UKVI account.
3. Access Your eVisa: Once registered, you can view details such as the type of permission you hold, its expiration date, and any conditions associated with your stay.

Sharing Your Immigration Status

Your UKVI account includes a “view and prove” service, which allows you to share your immigration status with employers, landlords, and other third parties. You can generate a share code that grants temporary access to your immigration information, ensuring privacy and security.

Key features of the “view and prove” service:

• Generate Share Codes: Create time-limited access codes whenever needed.
• Easy Access: No need to remember a unique code; generate a new one each time.

What About Other Physical Documents?

Indefinite Leave (ILR) with Physical Proof

If you hold indefinite leave (settlement) documented by a physical stamp or sticker in your passport, you’ll need to submit a “no time limit” (NTL) application. Upon successful application, you’ll receive a BRP, which allows you to create a UKVI account and access your eVisa later.

Biometric Residence Card (BRC)

If you have a biometric residence card (BRC) and have been granted status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you already possess an eVisa. No additional action is required to obtain one.

Travelling with an eVisa

With your eVisa linked to your passport, you can travel to the UK without needing additional physical documents. However, it’s crucial to keep your passport or ID card details current in your UKVI account to ensure seamless travel.

Conclusion

The transition to a digital immigration system marks a significant step towards modernizing the UK’s immigration processes. By creating a UKVI account, immigrants can efficiently manage and share their immigration status online, simplifying travel and interactions with employers and landlords. Embrace this digital change to ensure a smooth and hassle-free stay in the UK.