The Home Office is phasing out the use of BRPs after 31 December 2024 and is introducing an electronic system where immigration status will only be viewable online. This is known as an eVisa.
All Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) produced during the last few years have an expiry date of 31/12/2024, even if the immigration permission lasts until a later date. The Home Office plans to transfer everyone into an electronic eVisa system by the end of this year to replace BRP cards. You will be able to use your new eVisa account to prove your immigration status and the conditions attached to your visa. You will need to register for the new online system and the Home Office is encouraging everyone to do this as soon as possible. You will need to continue to carry your BRP card with you when you travel, up until it expires on 31/12/2024. We also encourage anyone travelling back into the UK in January 2025 to carry their expired BRP in case of any technological issues at the border.
You can find a video from the Home Office explaining these changes here.
- How to register
You should register for an eVisa account as soon as possible and definitely before the end of December 2024. You will need to register online at the link below:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/online-immigration-status-evisa
You will need your BRP card or your passport and either your current BRP card number or your visa application reference number for the visa application. If you are applying using your BRP card, you need to remember to update your account later on to add your passport, so that you can travel after 31/12/2024. If you are applying using your passport, you should use your current passport (even if it is not the same one you used in your visa application).
You will also need access to a smartphone to use the UKVI ID app to verify your identity and take an up-to-date photo of yourself. The ID app will only work on an iPhone 7 or above, or with an Android phone that can make contactless payments. If you do not have a smartphone, or your phone is not compatible with the app, you should ask a friend or family member if you can use their smartphone to verify your identity instead. It can take a few days to confirm your identity details after you submit them in the app and you will not be able to progress with your online registration until this stage has been completed.
Once you have completed the registration process, you will be able to use the eVisa system to view and prove your immigration status and check the conditions of your visa. It may take a few days after you register for the account for it to become fully activated and for your details to show. Once you have access to your details, you need to check carefully that it is correct. If you do not think the eVisa details are correct, you should contact the eVisa Resolution Centre or email the International Advice Team for further advice.
- Proving your status
Once you have registered for your eVisa, you will be able to log into the 'View and prove' system to give to the University, employers or landlords to provide your status. Be aware that some parts of the system will not be fully available until 2025. From 01/01/2025, airports and some other UK Government agencies will also be able to verify your status electronically using the eVisa system and you will no longer need a BRP card when you travel. In case of technological issues, we strongly advise anyone travelling back to the UK in January 2025 to continue to carry their expired BRP card.
If you have any problems generating codes or viewing your status, you should contact the eVisa Resolution Centre or email the International Advice Team for further advice.
- What if I apply for new immigration permission after I register for the eVisa system?
The Home Office is currently still issuing BRP cards to anyone applying for a visa from overseas or for extension applications made from inside the UK, but they will only be valid until 31/12/2024. You would need to continue to carry your new BRP card with you when you travel until it expires on 31/12/2024. If you have already registered for the eVisa system, then your eVisa account should automatically be updated with your new visa details once it is granted. If you have not registered with the eVisa system before you apply, you will need to register once you have your new visa.
If you apply for a new visa or visa extension after 01/01/2025, you will not be issued with a new BRP card as they will no longer be in use. If you already have an eVisa account, it should be updated with your new visa details. If you do not already have an eVisa account, you will need to register once you have been told that your application is successful.
We recommend that everyone checks their eVisa account carefully after they are granted a new visa to make sure the details are correct. If you are unsure, or you think there is an error, you should email the International Advice Team as education institutions have a method of bulk-reporting issues, or alternatively you can contact the eVisa Resolution Centre.
- Updating your eVisa account
It is very important that the details held on your eVisa account are always up-to-date. If they are not, you may have difficulties when proving your immigration status and travelling to the UK. If there are changes in your circumstances (for example, you get a new passport or change your email address) then you need to update your account using the online 'update my account' service available at the link below:
https://www.gov.uk/update-uk-visas-immigration-account-details/update-your-ukvi-account
It can sometimes take a few days for the account updates to be processed so you should do this as soon as possible after your details change. You may not be able to prove your immigration status or travel to the UK if your account has not been updated in time.
If you have any problems updating your eVisa account, you should contact the eVisa Resolution Centre or email the International Advice Team for further advice.
- What if my BRP card is lost/stolen before it expires on 31/12/2024?
You can find more information on our Lost or Stolen BRP webpage.
Last updated: 15/10/2024 KB