Visa holders have been put on high alert to upgrade to the UK’s new eVisa system before the impending December 31 cut-off, as the Home Office aims to digitise millions of immigration documents.
Many biometric residence permits (BRPs) and biometric residence cards (BRCs) have an expiring deadline this month which coincides with the department’s transition to the online format.
Already, more than three million individuals have moved to the eVisa. The Home Office urges: “Those yet to switch are encouraged to do so before the end of the year to make the most of the benefits of using an eVisa, joining the millions – including all EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) status holders – who already have an eVisa.”
Additionally, parents or guardians are reminded they will also need to do this process on behalf of their children who hold BRPs or BRCs.
People with indefinite leave who prove their status with ink stamps or passport vignettes are not being forced to change but the Home Office recommends obtaining a No Time Limit stamp for an eVisa.
Officials say the conversion to digital visas is both cost-free and simple via an online application, adding, they say, a layer of security by safeguarding visas against against loss, tampering or fraud.
And they stress that the switch to eVisas won’t affect your existing rights or immigration status, with airlines and carriers provisionally accepting BRPs and EU Settlement Scheme BRCs until March 31, 2025 if they expire on December 31st or in the new year.
This grace period aims to ease the transition, but the end date will be under review and may change.
Seema Malhotra MP, Minister for Migration and Citizenship, commented to say: “It is encouraging to see that over 3.1 million people have now taken action to access their eVisa and are making use of the convenience and security that this brings.
“For those who are yet to switch to an eVisa, a wide range of guidance and support is available.”
She also added: “I have been listening to feedback from visa holders, stakeholders and MPs, and we are continually streamlining and adapting to ensure this is a smooth transition.
“As part of that, I am pleased to confirm greater flexibility on carriers accepting expired documents, to smooth the transition for those travelling internationally without compromising on border security.”