The Home Office is replacing physical immigration documents with a digital proof of immigration status called an eVisa, making immigration digital by default.
The documents being replaced are:
- Biometric residence permits (BRP)
- Biometric residence cards (BRC)
- Passport endorsements such as indefinite leave to enter wet ink stamps
- Vignette stickers in passports such as entry clearance or visa vignettes
Individuals who currently prove their immigration status using the above documents, will need to visit here >> to create a UKVI account to access their eVisa. This move to eVisas does not impact any individuals’ underlying immigration status.
Creating a UKVI account is free and straightforward and an eVisa is a secure and convenient way for individuals to prove their immigration rights, which cannot be lost, stolen or tampered with. Individuals who do not take action to create a UKVI account to access their eVisa may face unnecessary delays when demonstrating their immigration status. Videos explaining the process are available here >> . Once accessed, eVisas can be used to generate a share code to prove immigration status and associated rights such as the right to work and the right to rent using the view and prove service here >>.
If a current employee proved their right to work using a share code, then they will not need to evidence their immigration status again unless their visa is due to expire soon. Anyone who has a BRP with immigration leave that expires before 31 December 2024, but plans to remain in the UK, should seek to extend their visa in the usual way.
Employers undertaking right to work checks on an individual with an eVisa will still need to request a share code to check their immigration status online, therefore this process has not changed.
Further information, support and guidance is available here >>.
