From January 2025, the UK Government is switching to a fully digital immigration system. This means that most migrants in the UK, including Skilled Workers, Health and Care Workers, and people with status under the Ukraine Schemes, will need to get an online record of their immigration status called an eVisa. This guide will introduce you to what an eVisa is, why you might need one, and how to apply. Updated 19 September 2024
An eVisa is digital evidence of your immigration status in the UK. The eVisa will replace your physical immigration document, such as your biometric residence permit (BRP) or biometric residence card (BRC).
Once you have access to your eVisa online, you can use it to view and prove your immigration status. According to the government, millions of people are already using eVisas to prove their immigration status in the UK.
It’s happening now. If you have a physical immigration document, like a biometric residence permit (BRP), it will likely expire at the end of 2024. Please get an eVisa to replace it before the end of the year.
Note: All non-EU migrants will need an eVisa by 31 December 2024. After that date, your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) will no longer be accepted as proof of immigration status or right to be in the UK.
If you have any of the following documents, you will need to get an eVisa. eVisas will replace:
Biometric residence permits (BRPs)
Biometric residence cards (BRCs)
Stamps in passports
'Vignette' stickers in passports
Some people will already have an eVisa. For example, most EU nationals with Pre-Settled or Settled Status will have electronic proof of their immigration status. If you are unsure whether you need to apply for an eVisa, please see the list of resources and supporting organisations at the end of this article.
Yes. If your immigration status requires you to obtain an eVisa and you do not do so by 31 December 2024, you will struggle to prove that you are legally entitled to work, rent, or prove your right to be in the UK.
You will need to create a UKVI account on the government website to apply for, and access your eVisa. The process is free. You can get your eVisa through the government website now, if you have a biometrics residence permit (BRP) or a Frontier Worker permit. If you have another physical immigration document, check if you can apply for the eVisa.
If you cannot apply for the eVisa yet, please continue to check the government guidance for updates. You may also receive an email invitation from the Home Office to apply for an eVisa.
Note: To create a UKVI account, you will need access to a smartphone, a mobile number and an email address. If you do not have one of these, or do not feel confident using the internet, you can get help on the phone or in person. Find out more about getting help with the eVisa application process.
We have seen cases of people who have received an eVisa with incorrect information on it. For example, some people in the UK on the Ukraine visa scheme have received an eVisa displaying their status as ‘humanitarian protection’, when it should say ‘Ukraine scheme’. We have also seen others who have the wrong date on their eVisa.
If you believe the status on your eVisa is incorrect, you should contact the Home Office Resolution Centre or use the Webchat function. We recommend that you continue to keep the Home Office informed of the problem. We are working in partnership with other charities to make sure the Home Office knows that this is happening, and hope to see it resolved as soon as possible.
In the vast majority of cases, the process should be simple enough for you to apply for an eVisa yourself. We are not in a position to support people with applying for eVisas, but there are organisations funded by the Home Office to support people.
Local Citizens Advice Bureaus can provide advice on visa applications, including filling out forms.
South West London Law Centres can help people without smartphones, those with limited internet access, language barriers, digital illiteracy, or disabilities
An application guide is also available from Free Movement. If you would like a step-by-step guide, see the Lancashire Council guide.