What is an eVisa?
From 31st of December 2024, the United Kingdom will replace physical immigration documents, such as the Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) and the Biometric Residence Card (BRC), with a digital system known as the eVisa. The eVisa is an online record of immigration status in the UK, detailing the conditions under which you are permitted to enter and remain in the country.
Who Must Register for the eVisa?
- Spouses and dependents family members of European citizens.
- Individuals holding student visas.
- Distinguished professionals with Global Talent Visa.
- Professionals under the Skilled Worker Visa.
- Workers holding Intra-Company Transfer Visas.
- Entrepreneurs with an Innovator Founder Visa.
- For all visa categories listed above, the requirement to register for an eVisa also applies to all dependents and family members of the primary visa holders.
- It generally applies to all individuals residing in the UK who possess the above-mentioned residence cards, which expire on 31st of December 2024, or whose cards have already expired.
Why is it Necessary to Register for the eVisa?
After 31st of December 2024, residence cards (BRPs and BRCs) will expire and will no longer be valid to prove your right to live, work, rent property, or access public services in the UK.
Without the eVisa, you may face difficulties re-entering the UK after international travel, including the possibility of being denied entry, as you will be unable to prove your immigration status upon entry into the country.
Advantages of the eVisa:
The transition from residence cards (BRPs and BRCs) to the eVisa is part of the UK’s effort to digitise its immigration system, enhancing efficiency and security in visa management while reducing the risk of document loss or forgery. It also facilitates online access and sharing of your immigration status, eliminating the need to carry additional physical documents besides your passport, which is linked to your UKVI account when travelling.
Why Should You Avoid Last-Minute Registration?
- The deadline for eVisa registration is 31st of December 2024, leaving limited time to complete the process.
- The system is expected to face high demand during this time, coinciding with the festive season and holiday period, when fewer staff may be available to process and approve applications.
- Technical issues may arise due to the volume of registrations being processed.
- Your personal information, residence card, and current passport must be up-to-date and linked to your UKVI account before initiating the eVisa registration. Failure to update these details beforehand may lead to problems during the application process.
- If someone else assisted you in creating your UKVI account or applying for pre-settlement or settlement (EU Settlement Scheme) using their email or phone number, you may face difficulties receiving verification codes via email or phone during registration.
- Negative impacts may arise for vulnerable individuals, including the elderly and/or those facing challenges either in accessing electronic devices or in using them effectively (e.g., navigating applications or websites for e-visa registration). These barriers could prevent them from completing their registration before the 31st of December 2024, deadline, leaving them unable to assert their rights.
- Home Office sources have indicated that many UK residents may face difficulties returning home from international travel, if they have not completed eVisa registration before departure. Without an approved registration, they may be unable to access their employment or housing.
Consequences of Not Obtaining an eVisa:
- Issues during check-in and boarding at airline counters.
- Long wait delays at border control as immigration status is verified.
- Challenges communicating with immigration officers.
- Potential refusal to enter the country due to difficulties verifying or proving immigration status.
- Loss of access to rights such as residing, working, studying, renting property, and using public services.
Final Considerations:
For further information or assistance with eVisa registration, please contact us. Farani Taylor Solicitors has a highly specialised legal team ready to assist you with your eVisa registration.
London, 23 December 2024.
Isabela Dantas Silva
Foreign Lawyer
07578858484