Migrants permitted to remain in the UK beyond the end of 2024 will be most affected by the UK government’s plans to phase out physical biometric residence permits and immigration documents. The cards will expire on 1 January 2025 regardless of entitled residence in the UK or being a current card holder. There will be some temporary flexibility allowed for card holders to transition to eVISAs, as they can use their BRP until it expires rather than replace it on the expiry date.
However, BRP and BRC holders are obligated to adopt e-VISAs and should begin proceedings when they are notified by email as early as April. Card holders should be aware of receiving an email inviting them to activate a free UKVI account.
All data of current card holders will be transferred to a digital system for security. In line with digitalisation across government functions, the Home Office is opting for eVisas to prioritise security, reduce processing times and costs and speed up passport checks at the border. The government looks set to deliver the migration fully by the deadline of 31 December, 2024, with no delays.
An e-VISA is a digital record of an individual’s immigration status which proves the right to enter or remain in the UK.
A migrant’s immigration status or conditions to stay in the UK will not be affected by the change. Individuals granted permanent or indefinite leave years ago will be obliged to complete a ‘No Time Limit’ application.
