Biometric Residence Permits to be Replaced by the eVisa
The UK government is committed to the digitalisation of government processes and that includes digital immigration systems and individuals having an online immigration status.
Our Immigration Solicitors are receiving calls from those who have read about biometric residence permits and biometric residence cards being replaced and who are therefore worried about their UK immigration status.
In this article, our Immigration Solicitors look at the eVisa scheme.
UK Online and London-Based Immigration Solicitors
For immigration law advice call London-based OTS Solicitors on 0203 959 9123 or contact us online.
What is the eVisa?
The eVisa is part of the Home Office digital immigration system. As the Home Office goes digital it means that your immigration status can be checked online rather than relying on physical paperwork, such as your biometric residence permit.
The end of the biometric residence permit and biometric residence card
The eVisa will eventually replace:
- The biometric residence permit
- The biometric residence card
Immigration Solicitors understand that replacing physical immigration documents with an online immigration status is a worry for some people. There is something comfortable about being able to present an official or an employer or a prospective landlord with your biometric residence permit or card. It is therefore a concern for some visa holders to hear talk of BRP replacement or biometric residence card replacement.
The end of passport endorsements and vignette stickers
Passport endorsements (such as indefinite leave to remain status) or vignette stickers in passports will also end as the Home Office moves towards a digital immigration system.
Do you already have an eVisa?
You may already have online immigration status and an eVisa. For example, if you have successfully applied for settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme.
If you do not have digital immigration status the government plans to move you over to an online immigration status by replacing your existing biometric residence permit or card.
That will be a massive enterprise and one that will not happen overnight.
Timescale for the biometric residence permit and biometric residence card replacement
The Home Office has said that during 2024 it will update on timescales for biometric residence permit replacement with the eVisa.
You may end up with an eVisa if you need a visa or to extend your current visa during 2024. Obtaining an eVisa will involve setting up an online account with UKVI by registering for an account.
Once you have your eVisa you will only need your passport for travel purposes and you will not need your biometric residence permit or card as it will be replaced by the eVisa.
The benefits of the eVisa
You may question why further changes to the UK immigration system are necessary but Home Office officials say the benefits of the eVisa and digital immigration status are:
- The eVisa is more secure than the biometric residence permit or card as they cannot be stolen
- It will be easier to prove your immigration status using a digital immigration system – this will benefit you as well as third parties such as employers, landlords and financial institutions. Proving that you have the right to work, the right to rent or the right to open a bank account will be more straightforward. That’s because you will be able to choose to share your eVisa online with relevant third parties. The share code only gives the third party time-limited access to your online digital immigration status
- Travelling in and out of the UK should be easier
Will an eVisa affect immigration status?
The eVisa will not:
- Affect or change your immigration status
- Impose different visa conditions
Applying for an eVisa
You do not need to do anything about applying for an eVisa now. Your Immigration Solicitors can sort out an eVisa for you when applying for a visa from overseas or when you apply from within the UK for a visa extension or switch.
Until your biometric residence permit or biometric residence card is replaced you should continue to carry your BRP or card as normal.
The individual immigration team at OTS Solicitors is recommended for their expertise in the 2014 edition of Chambers Guide to the Legal Profession. Our friendly team of specialist Immigration Solicitors can help with all your personal and business visa needs.
UK Online and London-Based Immigration Solicitors
For immigration law advice call London-based OTS Solicitors on 0203 959 9123 or contact us online.
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