In anticipation of the UK government’s transition to digital “E-visas” for the majority of visa categories, UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) has begun sending emails to holders of UK Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) cards, inviting them to establish an online UKVI account. If this has an impact on you, you will need to take proactive measures to manage this transition.

Why is there a move to E-visas?

UKVI was unable to issue BRP cards with an expiration date beyond 31 December 2024, regardless of the duration of the visa or the presence of Indefinite Leave to Remain, as the UK lacked the “next generation encryption technology” to store biometric data beyond that date. After Brexit, the UK government intends to establish a wholly digital border, eliminating the need for physical visa documents for the majority of visa categories, rather than reissuing new BRP cards with later expiration dates. BRP cardholders who do not currently possess a UKVI account are required to take proactive measures to transition to an E-visa by December 31, 2024. UKVI has not yet disclosed a significant amount of information regarding this procedure. The actual visa expiration date, as certified in the BRP cardholder’s decision letter or email, will be verified by the E-visa.

Who needs to apply for eVisa?

You will receive an email from DoNotReply.evisadirectmail@notifications.service.gov.uk with the subject line “Important information about your BRP and changes to the UK immigration system” in due course. Kindly refrain from disregarding it. The email delineates the process for applying for a UKVI account and the necessary information. We suggest that you promptly establish your account upon receiving the invitation, as the number of individuals affected by this will be substantial.

It is mandatory for all BRP cardholders to establish an individual account and obtain an E-visa. This encompasses offspring and dependents who are unable to continue using their family member’s account.

After establishing a UKVI account, it is crucial to update the passport associated with the account to guarantee that your status can be verified promptly and accurately. Additionally, it is crucial to ensure that any modifications to your contact information are promptly updated.

BRP cardholders who have acquired a British passport and become British citizens, as well as those who have a UKVI account due to their existing E-visa or EUSS Pre-Settled or Settled Status, are not required to take any action. UKVI has not yet provided information for British citizens who possess a Certificate of Entitlement; therefore, they will be required to take additional measures later this year to verify their status.

What happens if I don’t apply?

BRP cardholders who fail to acquire a “E-visa” by December 31, 2024, will be unable to furnish evidence of their status to banks, landlords, and employers. Additionally, they may be denied entry to the United Kingdom beginning on January 1, 2025. The Home Office has stated that there will be a transitional period for individuals who do not apply; however, we do not suggest that this period be relied upon.

In the event that you have not yet received an email, please remain vigilant for one in the coming months and confirm that it has not been blocked in your Junk Mail folder. Your email may not be received for some time, as it is being sent in batches.

I have not received an email. What should I do?

If Atty Magsino was designated as the contact on your application form, we may receive an email instead. Legal representatives will be contacted by UKVI at a later date in 2024. Afterward, we will establish communication.

We will provide additional guidance regarding the application process as soon as additional information becomes accessible.

If you have any enquiries regarding the creation of your UKVI account or your E-visa status, please do not hesitate to reach out to us.

My name is Atty Lindoven Magsino, BSc, MBA, GDL, LLM, DBA (cand). I am a member of the UK Law Society. My SRA License No: 644167. I am a qualified Solicitor (Attorney-at-law). Please contact me on 07446888377.