Changes to the UK Immigration System – Apply by 31 December 2024

 posted by | 05/11/2024

Changes to the UK Immigration System – eVisa 

UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) are in the process of replacing physical immigration documents (including BRP/BRC) with a digital proof of immigration status called an eVisa.

For those utilising a physical immigration document and does not yet have an eVisa, you will now be able to create an account and access your eVisa via the Home Office webpages.

The UKVI account allows individual’s to:

– View and prove their rights in the UK for an employer, landlord, education and other organisations such as government services and the National Health Service.

– Update personal details including contact details, travel documents and personal information.

– Link travel document(s) for return travel to the UK.

It is important that individuals apply before 31 December 2024 to avoid delays in evidencing their UK immigration status i.e. for ‘Right to Work’ purposes or when travelling in and out of the UK.

Key Points: 

– If you currently evidence your immigration status using a biometric residence permit (BRP), a Biometric Residence Card (BRC), physical Frontier Worker Permits (FWPs) or legacy paper documents such as a passport containing an ink-stamp or visa vignette sticker please visit gov.uk/evisa to create a UKVI account to access your eVisa.

– This applies whether you have a permanent (i.e. ILR) or temporary visa/ immigration status in the UK.

– Obtaining an eVisa is free, takes approximately 10 minutes to complete and will not change your immigration status for the UK.

– eVisas should be linked to current passports or travel documents before travelling so they are visible to border control when entering the UK, even after a short holiday or business trip abroad.

Next Steps

Please note that it is important that you ensure that you and any affected family members have access to your eVisas before 31 December 2024.

Video – What is an eVisa?

Video – How to create a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account 

Video – How to travel with your eVisa

Video – How to prove your immigration status

– In some cases, the University may need to complete a new Right to Work check with you before 31 December 2024 as a result of this change. We will contact you directly if this is the case.

– Drop-in sessions will be available from PPC in the coming weeks. To register your interest please email RTW@lincoln.ac.uk.

Helpful Links

UKVI Information on the eVisa status

Get access to your UKVI Account

Update your UKVI Account details

View and prove your immigration status

Chat service for help for accessing your UKVI Account

Recovering your UKVI Account