BRP Cards to Be Phased Out After 31 October 2024: Key Information on the eVisa Transition

18 October 2024

The Home Office has confirmed that Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) cards will no longer be issued or replaced after 31 October 2024. Holders of UK visas in various immigration categories will need to create an account on the UKVI website to obtain an eVisa, which will confirm their immigration status.

Visa holders are strongly advised to create their UKVI account as soon as possible, with a deadline set for the end of 2024. Below, we explain what an eVisa is and outline the five key steps to obtaining one.

1. What is an eVisa? 

An eVisa is a digital record of a person’s immigration status. It is available to individuals who recently applied for immigration permission using the UK Immigration ID Check App (or the EU Exit App for Appendix EU applications). During this process, a UKVI account is created. Once permission is granted, the eVisa can be accessed through the UKVI account, allowing the individual to view and share their immigration status when needed.

2. How to Obtain an eVisa

The process to obtain an eVisa involves five main steps:

1. Create a UKVI Account – You will need to provide personal details via the UKVI online portal, including your current or expired BRP number. If a BRP number is unavailable, you may be able to create an account using your immigration application number (UAN).
2. Link the eVisa to the Account – Once your account is created, an option to link your eVisa should appear, though this process can take several hours or, in some cases, a few days.
3. Complete Identity Check – Download the UK Immigration ID Check App on a Near Field Communication (NFC)-enabled device and connect it to your UKVI account. You will need to upload a digital photo and scan your BRP. Common challenges at this stage include difficulties with photo recognition, particularly for children, and locating the chip in the BRP.
4. View the eVisa – After completing the ID check and any final steps in your UKVI account, you will receive a notification confirming that your eVisa is ready to view. It is essential to verify that the details on the eVisa are correct, as errors relating to personal details, immigration status, and conditions have been reported in the past.
5. Add Your Travel Document – To ensure ongoing access to your immigration status once the BRP expires, you must link a current travel document (such as a passport or ID card) to your UKVI account and update it when renewed. This will allow your eVisa to be accessed using your travel document when travelling. It is advisable to keep a secure record of the travel document used to log into your UKVI account, along with any relevant immigration application reference numbers, in case the document is lost or stolen in the future.

3. BRP Holders Who Also Have an eVisa

If you currently hold both a BRP and an eVisa (this mainly applies to visa nationals who recently used the App for an immigration application), you can still use your BRP for travel. However, you must ensure that your UKVI account is linked to your current travel document by the end of 2024.

4. Individuals with an eVisa Only

Non-visa nationals who recently used the App and only have an eVisa must keep their UKVI account up to date. It is crucial to monitor the account and update any relevant information promptly to avoid potential issues with immigration status.

For further advice and assistance with transitioning to an eVisa, or any other immigration matters, please contact our immigration team. We are here to help.