People with visas are being warned over an upcoming December 31 deadline. Many of these visas – named biometric residence permits (BRPs) and biometric residence cards (BRCs) – are due to expire this month, alongside the Home Office’s push to move millions to the eVisa system.
The new system will be replacing physical immigration documents with digital proof of immigration status that people can use at borders for a streamlined process. The Home Office issued a fresh warning this week as 3.1 million people have now made the switch.
“Those yet to switch are encouraged to do so before the end of the year to make the most of the benefits of using an eVisa, joining the millions – including all EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) status holders – who already have an eVisa.” The department said that parents or guardians of children that use BRPs or BRCs need to take action on behalf of these children.
People with indefinite leave to remain who use ink stamps or passport vignettes to prove their rights in the UK can continue to use this. However, the Home Office advised them to apply for a No Time Limit to access an eVisa too.
Switching to eVisas is a free process that can be done online. The Home Office claims the change will offer extra security to people as it says these digital proofs of immigration cannot be lost, stolen or tampered with.
The switch also won’t impact, change or remove any of your current rights or immigration status, the Home Office claims. Airlines and other carriers are able to accept BRPs and EU Settlement Scheme BRCs until March 31, 2025 provisionally even if they expire on December 31 or later. This is to help make the transition a bit smoother but this deadline will be kept under review and is subject to change, officials say.
Seema Malhotra MP, Minister for Migration and Citizenship, said: “It is encouraging to see that over 3.1 million people have now taken action to access their eVisa and are making use of the convenience and security that this brings. For those who are yet to switch to an eVisa, a wide range of guidance and support is available.
“I have been listening to feedback from visa holders, stakeholders and MPs, and we are continually streamlining and adapting to ensure this is a smooth transition. As part of that, I am pleased to confirm greater flexibility on carriers accepting expired documents, to smooth the transition for those travelling internationally without compromising on border security.”