Update on eVisas replacing physical immigration documents
UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) has announced that it will no longer be producing new/replacing a number of physical immigration documents as part of its efforts rolling out its online system known as an eVisa, making immigration digital by default.
The documents being replaced are biometric residence permits (BRP), biometric residence cards (BRC), passport endorsements such as indefinite leave to enter wet ink stamps, and vignette stickers in passports such as entry clearance or visa vignettes.
Individuals have been required to apply for a BRP (if they didn’t already have one) in order to register for a UKVI account and access their eVisa. However, the Home Office has announced that the BRP replacement service has now closed to new applications, with no BRPs being issued beyond 31 October. Guidance about creating a UKVI account is on the GOV.UK website.
Employers undertaking right to work checks on an individual with an eVisa will still need to request a share code to check their immigration status online, therefore this process has not changed.
We have updated the right to work checks standard to include guidance about eVisas. The standard will be further updated when physical documents such as BRPs are no longer valid/in existence.
For further information please see our eVisas page, which contains a link to access partner packs from the Home Office. The packs include support materials such as videos and model emails/intranet articles to inform impacted members of staff.
An upcoming webinar taking place on 7 November with representatives from the Home Office will be taking place and will be focusing on eVisas. You can find out more and/or register here.
