eVisa Guide
All UK Biometric Residence Permits (BRP) will expire on 31st December 2024, transitioning to a digital “eVisa” system starting on 1st January 2025.
This change means that people who previously relied on a BRP for accessing services like social security, healthcare, housing, or education, must now create an eVisa to demonstrate their entitlements.
If you are a migrant, and you do not have British citizenship, then it is likely you need to apply for an eVisa. For example if you have:
- Refugee status
- Humanitarian Protection
- Discretionary Leave to Remain
- Skilled Worker visa
- International Student visa
- Ukraine Scheme visa
- BNO / Hong Kong visa
- Family visa including spouse visa
*EU Settlement Scheme visa holders already have digital status and can prove their immigration status using the View and Prove service in their UKVI account, and generating a Share Code.
*Asylum seekers are not affected by the eVisa switch and should continue to use their Application Registration Cards as proof of ID.
It’s important to note that the expiration of BRP cards on 31st December 2024 does not signify the end of an individual’s immigration status. Thus, creating an eVisa is not an immigration application and does not require the help of a solicitor or immigration adviser; it is also free of charge.
We recommend that you create your eVisa before your BRP expires on 31st December 2024.
We aim up update this page as and when we learn more from the UK Home Office about the switch to eVisas.
Download a FREE eVisa Guide Poster or eVisa Guide Flyer with QR codes for your work or community space.
What is an eVisa, and what is a UKVI account?
An eVisa is an online record of your immigration status and the conditions of your permission to enter or stay in the UK. You need to create a UKVI account to be able to access your eVisa. You can start the process here: Get Access To Your eVisa
You can use an eVisa to travel to the UK together with your current passport which must be linked to your UKVI account. See Travel section below for more information.
You must create a UKVI account to access your eVisa and share information about your immigration status and conditions, such as your right to work, using the view and prove service. You do not have to pay to create a UKVI account.
Once you have created your UKVI account you will be able to view the details of your eVisa online, for example your type of immigration permission, when it expires and your conditions of stay in the UK. You will also be able to prove your immigration status. See Proving Your Immigration Status section below.
You should report an error to UKVI if your details are wrong on your eVisa, for example your name or immigration status. See Errors in the eVisa, Share Code issues section below.
You can update your personal information in your UKVI account, such as your contact details.
What is the process for creating an eVisa?
Everyone who has held a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP), including children, needs an eVisa. To create one, follow the steps in this link: https://www.gov.uk/get-access-evisa
- Set up a UKVI Account
- Verify your identity using the UK Immigration ID Check app [Android: Download from Google Play Store, iPhone: Download from App Store]. The process should take about 30 minutes
You will need:
- Access to a smartphone (with the UK Immigration ID Check app installed)
- A mobile phone number
- An email address
- Your BRP card or passport if you have access to one, or are permitted to use it. Note: You should not use your own national passport if have protection status based on a fear of your own national authorities as this could risk your refugee/protection status. Ukrainian and (BN(O) visa holders may use their national passport if they wish.
Once your eVisa is prepared, you will receive an email notification that allows you to view your status online.
Proving your immigration status
From 1st January 2025, you must use your eVisa to prove your entitlement to services such as social security, housing, healthcare, education and your right to work.
To prove your immigration status, you can access your eVisa using the View and Prove service. Log in with the credentials you used to create your UKVI account and eVisa.
View and prove your immigration status: Get a share code (https://www.gov.uk/view-prove-immigration-status)
Watch this Home Office video: How to prove your immigration status with an eVisa: