The UK government has recently announced a significant change to its immigration process: Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) are being phased out and replaced with eVisas. This transition marks a major step towards digital transformation, simplifying the way visa holders manage and prove their immigration status in the UK. Here’s everything you need to know about the change and how it may affect you.
What Are BRPs and eVisas?
For years, BRPs served as physical proof of immigration status for visa holders in the UK. They contained important biometric details, including a photograph and fingerprints, as well as the holder’s visa information. However, as technology evolves, the UK government is moving towards a more modern, digital alternative: eVisas.
An eVisa is an online record of your immigration status, eliminating the need for a physical document. It allows you to check your visa status online and share it securely with employers, landlords, and other relevant organisations. This move is intended to enhance convenience and reduce the risks associated with losing or damaging physical permits.
Key Points About the Transition
1. BRPs Are No Longer Issued
As of now, BRPs are no longer being issued to visa holders. However, if you applied for a visa from outside the UK before this change, you can still collect your BRP. This collection is usually done at your designated Post Office or alternative location as specified in your visa application.
2. New Visa Holders Use eVisas
New visa holders will now receive an eVisa instead of a BRP. Once your visa application is approved, you will be provided with an online immigration account. Through this account, you can access and manage your immigration status.
3. How eVisas Work
• An eVisa is linked to your passport and other personal details.
• You can view your eVisa by logging into the View and Prove Service.
• Sharing your immigration status with others is simple and secure through this online service.
4. For Current BRP Holders
If you already have a BRP, it will remain valid until its expiry date. However, after that, you will transition to an eVisa system when you renew your immigration status.
Why the Change to eVisas?
The shift from BRPs to eVisas is part of the UK government’s broader effort to digitalise public services. By introducing eVisas, the process becomes more secure, accessible, and environmentally friendly. eVisas also reduce the risk of fraud and ensure that your immigration status is always up-to-date.
What Should You Do Now?
If you are a current or prospective visa holder in the UK, here’s what you need to do:
• For those applying for a visa from outside the UK: Follow the instructions in your application to collect your BRP if applicable, or access your eVisa online.
• For current BRP holders: Continue to use your BRP until its expiration date. When it’s time to renew, you will automatically switch to the eVisa system.
• Stay informed: Regularly check updates from Gov.uk to ensure you’re aware of any further changes to immigration processes.
Advantages of eVisas for International Students and Workers
• Convenience: No need to carry a physical card, as your visa information is securely stored online.
• Security: Reduced risk of losing important documents.
• Accessibility: Easy sharing of your immigration status with employers, educational institutions, and landlords.
• Environmentally Friendly: Digital records reduce the need for plastic-based physical cards.
Conclusion
The transition from BRPs to eVisas represents a progressive step forward for the UK’s immigration system. For international students, workers, and residents, this change provides a more streamlined and secure way to manage your immigration status. While the transition may require some adjustment, the benefits of eVisas are clear: increased convenience, enhanced security, and a modernised approach to immigration.
For more detailed information on collecting your BRP or transitioning to an eVisa, visit the official Gov.uk website.
Source: Gov.uk – Getting Your BRP if You Applied from Outside the UK.
What Are BRPs and eVisas?
For years, BRPs served as physical proof of immigration status for visa holders in the UK. They contained important biometric details, including a photograph and fingerprints, as well as the holder’s visa information. However, as technology evolves, the UK government is moving towards a more modern, digital alternative: eVisas.
An eVisa is an online record of your immigration status, eliminating the need for a physical document. It allows you to check your visa status online and share it securely with employers, landlords, and other relevant organisations. This move is intended to enhance convenience and reduce the risks associated with losing or damaging physical permits.
Key Points About the Transition
1. BRPs Are No Longer Issued
As of now, BRPs are no longer being issued to visa holders. However, if you applied for a visa from outside the UK before this change, you can still collect your BRP. This collection is usually done at your designated Post Office or alternative location as specified in your visa application.
2. New Visa Holders Use eVisas
New visa holders will now receive an eVisa instead of a BRP. Once your visa application is approved, you will be provided with an online immigration account. Through this account, you can access and manage your immigration status.
3. How eVisas Work
• An eVisa is linked to your passport and other personal details.
• You can view your eVisa by logging into the View and Prove Service.
• Sharing your immigration status with others is simple and secure through this online service.
4. For Current BRP Holders
If you already have a BRP, it will remain valid until its expiry date. However, after that, you will transition to an eVisa system when you renew your immigration status.
Why the Change to eVisas?
The shift from BRPs to eVisas is part of the UK government’s broader effort to digitalise public services. By introducing eVisas, the process becomes more secure, accessible, and environmentally friendly. eVisas also reduce the risk of fraud and ensure that your immigration status is always up-to-date.
What Should You Do Now?
If you are a current or prospective visa holder in the UK, here’s what you need to do:
• For those applying for a visa from outside the UK: Follow the instructions in your application to collect your BRP if applicable, or access your eVisa online.
• For current BRP holders: Continue to use your BRP until its expiration date. When it’s time to renew, you will automatically switch to the eVisa system.
• Stay informed: Regularly check updates from Gov.uk to ensure you’re aware of any further changes to immigration processes.
Advantages of eVisas for International Students and Workers
• Convenience: No need to carry a physical card, as your visa information is securely stored online.
• Security: Reduced risk of losing important documents.
• Accessibility: Easy sharing of your immigration status with employers, educational institutions, and landlords.
• Environmentally Friendly: Digital records reduce the need for plastic-based physical cards.
Conclusion
The transition from BRPs to eVisas represents a progressive step forward for the UK’s immigration system. For international students, workers, and residents, this change provides a more streamlined and secure way to manage your immigration status. While the transition may require some adjustment, the benefits of eVisas are clear: increased convenience, enhanced security, and a modernised approach to immigration.
For more detailed information on collecting your BRP or transitioning to an eVisa, visit the official Gov.uk website.
Source: Gov.uk – Getting Your BRP if You Applied from Outside the UK.