Find out what the switch to e-visas means for you.
What’s happening?
The UK Government are changing from all forms of physical documentation to a digital only system for everyone who hold physical immigration documents. Full details are available on www.gov.uk/guidance/online-immigration-status-evisa.
Who is affected?
Some people are already on the new digital e-visa system, but if you are living and working in the UK from overseas and rely on physical documentation to prove your status, you need to switch to the new system. If you have a biometric residence permit (BRP), biometric residence cards (BRCs), passport endorsements such as an indefinite leave to remain (ILR) wet ink stamp and vignette stickers in passports – such as entry clearances or visa vignettes, you will be affected by this change.
When do I need to do this by?
Physical documentation will cease to be valid by 31 December 2024 – but do not throw away your old documentation. You might still need it in the future for immigration applications (even if it is out of date). You should also continue to carry your in-date physical immigration documents with you when you travel internationally.
Why do I need to do this?
If you don’t make the switch by 1 January 2025, your ability to work, rent property, access services in the UK, or traveling in and out of the UK could be affected.
What do I need to do?
There are three stages to applying for an e-Visa:
Create a UKVI account
Link your BRP/passport and confirm your identity
Final confirmation of your identity and documentation
Before you start, you will need:
- Access to a smartphone – this will need to be an iphone 7 or newer model or an android which can make contactless payments.
- A mobile phone number and email address you can use again as you will need them each time you use your eVisa to prove your immigration status.
- Your BRP card or a valid passport with your BRP number or visa application number.
- The “UK Immigration: ID check” app.
To create the UKVI account, visit https://www.gov.uk/get-access-evisa.
What to expect after you have submitted your application and how to use your eVisa
You might not be able to view your eVisa because the Home Office first needs to create an account for you on their end and process your application. It can take a few weeks before the Home Office links your account. You will receive an email confirmation from the Home Office when your eVisa is ready.
To access and view your eVisa visit: https://www.gov.uk/view-prove-immigration-status. You will then be able to generate a share code to prove your right to live, rent and work in the UK with others such as employers or landlords.
What if I don’t have a BRP?
If you have another type of documentation which you use as evidence of your right to live in the UK, you will first have to replace this with a BRP via a ‘no time limit’ application – find out more by visiting Biometric residence permits (BRPs): Replace your visa with a BRP – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk). Once this BRP has been created for this specific situation, it will be possible to create a UKVI account as outlined above.
What if I need help?
While the Home Office has signposted guidance, help and phone numbers to support people through this process, UNISON is very concerned that this new system has the potential to create problems for our members both in creating these new accounts and issues with using digital systems to prove your right to work and live in the UK. UNISON has raised our concerns with the Home Office and will continue to highlight any issues you experience with the new digital eVisa system. Please let your branch know if you experience any issues particularly if it creates any problems for you at work.
The Home Office has resourced organisations in England, Wales and Northern Ireland to people with eVisa applications:
England: Migrant Help
Telephone: 07483 170100
Email: evisa@migranthelpuk.org
Scotland: Citizens Advice Scotland
Telephone: 0800 028 1456
Email: info@cas.org.uk
Wales: Welsh Refugee Council
Telephone: 0808 196 7273
Email: info@wrc.wales
Northern Ireland: Advice NI
Telephone: 0800 915 4604
Email: advice@adviceni.net
UNISON also offers free immigration advice via the charity JCWI. If you have been a member of UNISON for more than four weeks and need advice on any issues that come up with creating your UKVI account and accessing your eVisa, please get in touch. To access this, call UNISON Direct on 0800 0 857 857. Your contact details will be passed on to an adviser from the JCWI, who will call you on a Tuesday, between 10am and 4pm.
