The UK government has recently announced plans to phase out Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) by the end of 2024, transitioning fully to digital e-Visas by 2025. This shift represents a significant step toward modernizing the UK immigration system. With approximately 4 million BRP holders currently in the UK, the digital transformation is expected to simplify processes and enhance security.

What is Changing?

• Traditionally, BRP cards have been used to prove visa status for non-British nationals residing in the UK. However, as of January 1, 2025, the UK will no longer issue physical BRP cards, opting instead for eVisas. eVisas are digital records of immigration status that can be accessed online. This transition aligns with the Home Office’s broader efforts to streamline immigration services, making the system more efficient and less reliant on physical documentation.

Benefits of eVisas

eVisas offer several advantages over BRPs:

1. Accessibility: Individuals will be able to access and prove their immigration status online anytime. This can be done using the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) online account, where personal details such as passport numbers and visa validity are stored.
2. Security: A digital format reduces the risk of lost or stolen BRP cards, which can lead to identity theft or complications in proving residency status.
3. Environmental Impact: The shift away from physical cards is environmentally friendly, reducing the need for plastic production and distribution.

Impact on Visa Holders and Employers

• For individuals currently holding a BRP, there is no immediate need for concern. The BRP cards will remain valid until their expiration date or the end of 2024, whichever comes first. However, it’s important to note that visa holders will need to ensure their information is updated in the UKVI system to transition smoothly to an e-Visa.
• Employers must take proactive steps to adapt to these changes. Until now, employers have been using BRP cards as part of their Right to Work checks. With e-Visas, employers will need to access employees’ immigration status digitally. The Home Office has introduced a new “digital status share code” system, where employees can share their status via an online link, making it easier for employers to verify immigration status in real time.

How to Prepare for the Transition

1. Check your UKVI Account: If you’ve previously applied for a UK visa using the UKVI account, you likely already have access to your e-Visa. You can log in to your account to confirm your details are up to date, including your name, passport information, and visa validity.
2. Update Information: Keep your personal information, such as your contact details and travel documents, updated in the UKVI system to avoid delays when traveling or re-entering the UK.
3. Employers’ Next Steps: Employers should familiarize themselves with the digital status verification process by ensuring they understand the UKVI Right to Work check system.

The Future of UK Immigration

• The move towards e-Visas is just one part of the UK’s broader immigration digitalization strategy. Other areas of digital transformation include digital border entry and the integration of digital services for all visa categories. While the transition may pose initial challenges, particularly for those unfamiliar with digital processes, the Home Office has set up support services to assist visa holders during the shift.
• In conclusion, the replacement of BRPs with e-Visas marks a significant milestone in modernizing the UK immigration process. For visa holders, ensuring a smooth transition will mean keeping UKVI accounts updated and being proactive in familiarizing oneself with the digital format. Employers will also need to adjust their verification processes to accommodate e-Visas. As we approach the end of 2024, the UK’s digital immigration era will become the new norm.