Biometric Residence Permits set to expire

Biometric Residence Permits all expire on 31st December 2024.

This does not mean that your permission to enter or stay in the UK will end on 31.12.2024 but that digital immigration records, known as eVisas, are replacing physical documents.

You need to take action now to create a UKVI account to access your eVisa if you have not already done this.

What is an eVisa?

An eVisa is an online record of your immigration status and the conditions of your permission to enter or stay in the UK. It replaces physical documents like Biometric Residence Permits and cards, Passport endorsements and visa vignettes. The EU Settlement Scheme already uses eVisas.

Anyone with limited or indefinite permission to stay in the UK needs one so that they can view and share their immigration status e.g. with their employer or landlord and for travel.

Changing to an eVisa will not affect either the length or conditions of your current visa.

This link provides information on eVisas and why you need one: Online immigration status (eVisa) – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

How do you get an eVisa?

To get an eVisa you need to create a UKVI account. This link provides information on how to create a UKVI account, including a You Tube video:

How to create a UKVI account and access your eVisa (video) – GOV.UK

What to do if you are experiencing problems setting up or updating your UKVI account?

The Home Office have set up a tool to report any problems with either setting up an account or if any of the details are wrong on your eVisa. You can use this link:

Report an error with your eVisa – GOV.UK

They should then contact you within 10 working days to either confirm that they’ve corrected the details or ask you for more information.

How do you update your UKVI account e.g. if you get a new Passport

You need to update your UKVI account if you get a new Passport or change other key information like your address or mobile phone number. You can use this link:

Update your UK Visas and Immigration account details: Overview – GOV.UK

Be aware that if you change your name, Passport or any other details in the UKVI account while you are outside the UK you may not be able to update your UKVI account. If you cannot then you will then need to apply for a Temporary Visa to enter the UK.

Travelling to and from the UK

You cannot use a Biometric Residence Permit or Card for travel after 31.12.2024. You need to link your Passport to your eVisa to prove your immigration status when travelling. You will still need to carry your actual Passport for travel.

It is imperative to update your UKVI account if you get a new Passport – see above. If you have not received confirmation that your UKVI account has been updated, you should travel with your old Passport too.

Working in the UK / Renting a property

You can use your eVisa to access the view and prove service to generate a share code to enable an employer or landlord to check your immigration status.

You can still use a Biometric Residence Permit to prove your right to work and rent in the UK after 31.12.2024, provided you have permission to enter or stay UK beyond this date.

What if you have Indefinite Leave to Remain but never had a Biometric Residence Permit?

Some people were granted Indefinite Leave to Enter or Remain before the introduction of Biometric Residence Permits and prove their status using a Passport stamp or vignette.

They need to make a free No Time Limit (NTL) application. If successful, they will be able to set up a UKVI account to access an eVisa to prove their status.

What happens if you do not register for an eVisa by 31.12.2024?

Although you can still use a Biometric Residence Permit to prove your right to work and rent in the UK after 31.12.2024, if you have permission beyond this date, you will not be able to use this for travel. You do therefore need to create a UKVI account to access an eVisa.

Help with your eVisa

We can assist with setting up and using a UKVI account.

There are also organisations funded to provide free support to vulnerable and at-risk people who need help with creating their UKVI account and getting access to their eVisa:

eVisa: community support for vulnerable people – GOV.UK

Contact Us

If you have any concerns about these changes please do not delay and contact our specialist immigration experts today on 0191 232 9547.