The Home Office had previously confirmed they would be introducing a digital immigration system at the end of 2024, after which time physical immigration documents would not be accepted. However, after initially extending the deadline until the end of March, the Home Office has just confirmed that the deadline has now been extended until at least 1 June 2025.
The current position is that UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) will completely replace physical immigration documents with a fully operative online system on 1 June 2025, unless the deadline is pushed back again.
The introduction of eVisas will mean that biometric residence permits (BRPs), biometric residence cards (BRCs), passport endorsements (indefinite leave to enter wet ink stamps), and vignette stickers in passports (entry clearance or visa vignettes) will be replaced by an online record reflecting an individual’s immigration status and the conditions of their permission to be in the UK.
Although all BRPs and BRCs expired on 31 December 2024, they can still be used to travel if individuals have valid permission to stay in the UK, but this is only (now) until 1 June 2025. We anticipate that once this grace period has ended, those without eVisas will encounter difficulties proving their immigration status and may well be refused entry to the UK and may well even be denied boarding by transport carriers.
Why are eVisas being introduced?
According to the Home Office, eVisas will allow for faster and more reliable verification of immigration status. The introduction of the eVisa system will remove the need to check physical documentation, improving the efficiency of right-to-work checks and preventing disruption to employment start dates.
The most obvious benefit of the new system is that there will be less scope for fraudulent activity as eVisas cannot be stolen, lost, or tampered with. Travelling will also be significantly easier because the eVisa can be easily linked to passports.
With the 1 June 2025 deadline looming, individuals should create a UKVI account and apply for an eVisa at the earliest opportunity and ideally well before the 1 June 2025 deadline. Transferring physical documents to eVisas will not affect an individual’s current immigration status or visa conditions. It is advisable for individuals to keep their physical documents which may assist with future applications to stay in the UK as well as in the event that there are any issues when travelling. Those who use passport endorsements or vignette stickers to prove their rights are encouraged to make a free No Time Limit application for an eVisa.
Please contact Tim Hayes or Ashif Ali for any advice in relation to these and any other Immigration matters.
