Preparing for the UK’s Visa Rollout: A guide for Migrants and Sponsors
The UK government is transitioning to a fully digital immigration system, with eVisas’ replacing physical visa documents such as BRPs (Biometric Residence Permits), BRCs (Biometric Residence Cards), and visa vignettes. This move is part of the Home Office’s aim to streamline and modernise the UK’s immigration services. This change affects most visa holders – including those with Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), Skilled Worker visas – and the employers who support or hire them.
Here is what this means for you and the steps you may need to take.
What is an EVisa?
An eVisa is a digital record of an individual’s immigration status. It is available online and shows your right to study, work, live and rent in the UK. It is accessible through your UKVI account and allows you to create share codes and prove your status with employers, landlords or other services.
If you currently own a BRP, BRC or have a Visa Vignette. Can you keep these documents?
The short answer is – Yes! Even though your BRP is likely to have expired, as all have on the 31st of December 2024, you will still be able to use your current physical document for personal records, and to assist you in future immigration applications. However, from the 1st of January 2025, BRPs and BRCs can no longer be accepted for proof of status.
Additionally, since 2nd June 2025, these documents will no longer be valid for travel in and outside of the UK. You will need an eVisa linked to your UKVI account to prove your right to enter the country.
You are encouraged to register for an eVisa as soon as possible, to ensure that there are no unforeseeable disruptions in your future travels.
Changes to Visa Vignettes from 15th July 2025
From 15 July 2025, visa vignettes will no longer be issued for the following visas:
- Students
- Global Business Mobility
- Global Talent
- International Sportspersons
- Skilled Workers
- Temporary Workers
- Youth Mobility Scheme
Instead, these visa holders will receive an eVisa. Only a limited number of applicants – such as dependants and children, will continue to receive a vignette alongside their e-visa.
From 11 November 2025, UKVI will begin inviting applicants who have only received vignette stickers to set up their UKVI and eVisa account. Once your account has been set up, you can then use either your eVisa or vignette sticker as proof of status.
From 2026, the Home Office intend to replace all visa vignettes with eVisas.
How to apply for an eVisa (if you hold Indefinite Leave to Remain)
If you currently hold Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), you can still use your current ink stamp or visa vignette to prove your rights, including for travel.
However, it is still recommended to obtain an eVisa for security and convenience purposes. When obtaining an eVisa as an ILR holder, you are encouraged to apply via the No Time Limit (NTL) application process.
For this, you’ll need:
- The document showing ILR (e.g. your expired BRP)
- Your passport or travel document showing your most recent entry to the UK.
- You will not need to provide evidence of residence but may be asked if you have been outside the UK for two years or more.
- You can also travel freely whilst your NTL application is being processed.
Once your application has been approved, you will receive a decision letter or email from the Home Office, which will give you instructions on how to access and view your eVisa.
What to do if you don’t have valid ID
If your document has expired, but you were granted permission to stay in the UK before November 1st, 2024, you can now create a UKVI account without needing to wait for Home Office support.
A new self-service creation process is currently being rolled out and is anticipated to make it easier for those without valid ID to get started.
Details for Employers and Sponsors
Employers and sponsors should prepare for this shift by:
- Using the online right to work checking service (instead of simply relying on physical documents for proof).
- Ensuring HR and compliance teams are trained to understand how to check eVisas using share codes.
- Continue to check and record students and worker’s dates of arrival, including for those without vignettes, until further notice.
- Being aware that all BRP’s have expired on the 31st of December 2024, regardless of the holder’s visa end date.
Stay Informed During this Transition Period
The UK’s move to a fully digital immigration system marks a major shift in how individuals prove their rights and access immigration services. As such transition progresses, it is important for visa holders, employers, and sponsors to stay updated and understand the steps required.
If you or your organisation may be affected, make sure:
- Your contact details are up to date, using the UKVI portal.
- Make sure you are updated with the latest news and information from the Home Office regarding the eVisa changes.
- Ensure that you can access your eVisa and if there are any issues, report to the Home Office.
- Be aware that you may be asked to show your eVisa to prove your status during travels, and that BRPs and BRCs will no longer be allowed as proof of status.
Being prepared now will help ensure a smoother transition later.
Need help with your EVisa?
If you require any assistance with your EVisa, please get in touch with the author here.
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