The UK is trying to modernise its immigration system, moving towards a fully digital framework. Starting this year, the UK is phasing out the issuance of physical immigration documents, such as Biometric Residence Cards, Biometric Residence Permits, passport endorsements, and visa vignette stickers. These traditional documents, which have long been used to prove an individual’s immigration status, will be replaced by eVisas, digital records stored within an online account accessible through the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) portal.
At the end of 2024, the UK government stopped issuing physical immigration documents. Instead, immigration status will be recorded electronically, linked to an individual’s travel document, and can be accessed through a UKVI account. This move to digital records is part of the broader effort to streamline the immigration process and make it more efficient.
While this transition will not impact an individual’s immigration status, visa eligibility, or application requirements, it will change the way that immigration status is verified. All individuals with existing immigration documents, such as Biometric Residence Permits and visa vignettes, will need to create a UKVI account to access their eVisa details. Those who may have lost their physical immigration documents can use their travel document or visa application reference number to create an account and retrieve their eVisa information.
Applicants facing issues with the eVisa system, such as technical difficulties, will be able to use expired Biometric Residence Permits to prove their immigration status until March 2025. This grace period has been extended to 1st June 2025 to ensure a smooth adaptation to the new digital system.
What employers need to know
Employers should be aware of the shift from physical immigration documents to eVisas and ensure that current employees with physical documentation are informed about the change. Employers may need to conduct new Right to Work checks for employees who previously had time-limited permission that was verified through physical documents. Since eVisas will be digital records, the verification process will be streamlined through the online UKVI system, but employers should stay updated on any additional guidelines.
Should you have any queries regarding the above information or if you require assistance with your corporate, employment or immigration matter, please get in touch with a legal professional at Hudson McKenzie via email at londoninfo@hudsonmckenzie.com or by telephone +44(0) 20 3318 5794.
The information provided does not amount to legal advice.
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