Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) cards prove as evidence of your immigration status, as well as your rights to work and claim benefits.
The expiry date of BRP cards that were recently issued is December 31, 2024. New BRP cards will not be issued after this date. This is due to the Home Office's transition to an online visa system.
The Home Office updated this guidance on 6 August 2024, announcing that all individuals with a BRP are eligible to apply for a UKVI account. This implies that you are no longer required to await an invitation from the Home Office in order to submit an application.
The guidance was once again updated on 15 August with the addition of the following information: "You should retain your expired BRP card, as it may be required for future applications to remain in the UK or for your personal records."
What does E-Visa Mean?
Your BRP card expiring on 31 December 2024 does not automatically imply that your leave (or visa) will also end at that same time. This implies that you will be required to verify your identity electronically (online) in the future.
Prior to submitting your application, it is advisable to ascertain the expiry date of your existing leave permit.
Current holders of a biometric residence permit (BRP) that will expire on 31 December 2024 are now eligible to create a UKVI account and obtain an E-Visa. It is advisable to do this prior to the expiry of your BRP.
If you have lost your BRP card, you can create a UKVI account by using your travel document, such as a passport, or the reference number from your visa application.
If you have the required permission to stay in the United Kingdom, once you’ve created your UKVI account, you will be able to sign in to the view and prove service to access your eVisa.
If you have a BRP card or physical document, you will still need to bring it with you when you travel until the end of 2024.
How will I be able to prove my status online?
In order to access your eVisa and prove your immigration status, you will first need to make a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account. Your account will be linked to a physical document, such as a passport or ID card.
In order to create a UKVI account, you will need:
Making an application for a UKVI account is free. Applying for a UKVI account does not affect your immigration status or the conditions of your stay in the UK.
For those who hold another physical document, you must first obtain a BRP. Once you have the BRP, you will need to create a UKVI account.
EU Settlement Scheme and Windrush Scheme
If you have a biometric residence card (BRC) and you have been granted status under the EU Settlement Scheme, then you already have an E-Visa and you do not need to take any action to obtain one.
To continue living in the UK you should get an immigration status as soon as possible. You may be able to make a late application to the EU Settlement Scheme as a family member of a relevant EU, other EEA or Swiss citizen. Do not travel internationally until you have obtained proof of your immigration status.
If you or your parent were settled in the UK on 1 January 1973, or you arrived in the UK before the end of 1988, you should check if you are eligible to apply for evidence of your status under the ‘Windrush scheme’.
Potential problems of E-Visa
It has been pointed out that this change to a digital system risks a repeat of the Windrush scandal, in which many people with valid rights to live and work in the UK were unable to prove their immigration status.
It is likely that people with limited access to the internet will struggle to access an online account, and the government has not put measures in place to address this.
Concerns regarding people who are unable to use the system because they lack the requisite computer literacy, English language skills, or access to essential technology persist. Organisations and watchdogs keep an eye on the issue and encourage people to share their experiences and voice any concerns.
For expert advice and assistance regarding any aspect of UK immigration law, including E-visas, contact us on 0203 865 6219 or leave a message on our website.