We Belong's eVisa Resource Hub

What you need to know about the eVisa digital transition scheme.

What is the eVisa Scheme?

For hundreds of thousands of people, Biometric Residency Permits (BRPs) show proof of the right to reside, rent, and work in the UK. As you may be aware, the Home Office is transitioning to a fully digital immigration system by 2025. This transition involves replacing physical Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) with a digital proof of immigration status known as the eVisa. The eVisa will serve as proof of your right to live, work, and rent in the UK.  

Originally, BRP holders were urged to register for an eVisa by 31st December 2024 with the full implementation scheduled for 1st January 2025.   

However, on 4th December, Seema Malhotra, Minister for Migration and Citizenship, announced in a written statement to the House of Commons that the government has decided to postpone the transition to the digital system due to concerns about a potential Windrush-style scandal, as many people reported difficulties accessing their eVisa accounts or experienced issues creating a UKVI account which hindered their ability to provide proof of their right to reside, rent, and work in the UK. 

What this means for BRP holders: 

Please keep your expired BRPs, you may be able to use this as evidence if you apply to stay in the UK. 
 
If you plan to travel after 31st December 2024, you may be able to use your expired BRP to re-enter the UK until 31st March 2025, provided that:  

1. Your BRP expires on or after 31st December 2024.  

2. You still have permission to reside in the UK. 

We will continue to closely monitor the updates. However, it’s very important to understand the new process and know you don’t need to wait until the last minute to apply. 

We Belong's eVisa Info Session

We've put together this helpful resource page from our last eVisa information session as part of our Legal Advice Clinic. Please note this is an overview of what was discussed in the info session in which we provided an overview of the process NOT individual case advice. We highly encourage you to view the full Zoom recording above for full instructions and visual aid and a Q&A session answered by a trusted solicitor. 

Please know that you can contact us at info@webelong.org.uk or register for our Legal Advice Clinic for dedicated eVisa support sessions throughout the upcoming transition period. 

Overview of the eVisa process

The eVisa signup consists of a 2 - stage process which involves creating your digital status in their database before you can access the information about your immigration status. It is similar to creating a miniature application for the Home Office. 

Stage 1: Creating a UKVI account.

Before you begin make sure you have access to the following: 

  • A valid passport or biometric residence permit (BRP or Application Number). 
  • Access to a smartphone or any device with an internet connection. 
  • A mobile phone number. 
  • An email address. 

To begin creating your UKVI account please go to: https://www.gov.uk/get-access-evisa. You or somebody else can create the account for you, for example, your solicitor. 

You will need the following information: 
- Document number 
- Expiration date 
- Full name 
- Date of birth 
 
You will be sent security codes as you create your account to the email and mobile phone details you input. 

Stage 2: Link your eVisa to your account and confirm your identity 

1. Once you create your application account, you will be prompted to download and switch to a mobile application to scan your identity document and follow the instructions to take a new photo of yourself to confirm your identity.  

The mobile application is called UK Immigration: ID Check and can be found on Google Play (Android) or the App Store (Apple iOS).

2. After you have confirmed your identity as required you will be guided back to the GOV.UK website and asked to fill out a questionnaire, set up an account security and confirm your personal details and preferred contact method.  
 
3. You must review your account information and then click submit to finalise linking your eVisa to your account. After you have linked your eVisa account you will receive confirmation that you can access your eVisa account on an average of 10 days of setting this up.

Disclaimer:

Being given help to create your eVisa account is SEPARATE from being given immigration advice. So on that basis, any help given will be of a technical/ digital nature and so does not fall within the OISC Practice Note. Those who assist you must be cautious not to stray into providing immigration advice and or services unless they are regulated under the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999.

Additional Guidance

Take preventive measures to avoid mistakes or delays such as, not having your own mobile phone or email address, entering the wrong details by mistake when you are online, not having the level of IT knowledge required for this process, have learning needs or disability, or wanting to travel abroad.  
 
Don't worry, there is support to help you get this right.

Additional Links and Resources

Help accessing your immigration status  

If you need help accessing or using the online immigration status services, you can contact the UKVI Resolution Centre:  Telephone: 0300 790 6268  

Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays), 8am to 8pm UK local time  

Saturday and Sunday, 9:30am to 4:30pm UK local time  

You can also report an error with your eVisa (correcting important details such as names, immigration status or contact details) to the Home Office:   https://www.gov.uk/report-error-evisa   

Organisations that support with eVisas 
 
Home Office's list of organisations to support people with eVisas- https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/evisa-community-support-for-vulnerable-people/list-of-organisations 

South West London Law Centres- swllc.org/2024/09/11/new-service- support-with- evisas 

The 3 Million page on collating issues with digital status called 'Report It.'  https://the3million.org.uk/report-it#:~:text=Please%20email%20us%20at%20info,in%20advance%20for%20your%20contribution.