E-visas will be familiar territory for many, including EEA nationals. But for thousands, having no physical document to prove their UK status is an extraordinary, and possibly daunting prospect.
As we get closer to what some call a ‘cliff-edge’ date of 1 January 2025 (when all visas will be electronic) everyone who holds a visa or indefinite leave to remain should familiarise themselves with the concept and protocols around e-visas.
*Registering for an e-visa is a simple process that should not be confused with making a visa application. For help with an immigration application (be it a visa extension, indefinite leave to remain or naturalisation) you should continue to seek legal advice for support with the application form, documents and requirements.
Biometric Residence Permits – what now?
A key piece of advice for e-visa holders is to keep hold of your BRP while it remains valid, and travel with it, as border officers may ask to see your BRP.
Successful visa applicants will be familiar with having had to cut up and return their old BRP, when a new BRP is issued. The Home Office could even fine BRP holders up to £1000 for not returning an old BRP.
Moving forward, people should follow the new guidance.
For more tips and advice like this on e-visas, there is an abundance of official resources.
From short information videos to troubleshooting services, most of your questions can be answered online.
The Home Office periodically update guidance pages to ensure they contain accurate information.
Top tips:
- Bookmark and read the top gov.uk information pages.
- Check the ‘last updated’ section on the information page, for an overview of changes made over time.
- Register for your e-visa if you have not done so already.
- Keep your e-visa up to date with your current details.
- Keep hold of your old BRP (if applicable) until it expires.
Here are a few gov.uk pages that we recommend saving to your bookmarks:
Here are a few gov.uk pages that we recommend saving to your bookmarks:
INFORMATION
Online immigration status (eVisa)
Information on eVisas and why you need one.
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/online-immigration-status-evisa
Online immigration status (eVisa): help videos
Videos explaining what an eVisa is and how to access and use one.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/online-immigration-status-evisa-help-video
Check your eVisa is correct before you travel
How to check your eVisa details are correct before you travel in or out of the UK.
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/making-sure-your-evisa-is-correct-before-you-travel
 UKVI ONLINE SERVICES
Get access to your eVisa
https://www.gov.uk/get-access-evisa
View and prove your immigration status: get a share code
https://www.gov.uk/view-prove-immigration-status
Update your UK Visas and Immigration account details
https://www.gov.uk/update-uk-visas-immigration-account-details
Report an error with your eVisa
