The UK is moving to a digital immigration system. At Right to Remain, we have been working to understand the change, and how to best support our communities as it is introduced.

We recognise that the best way to share information about important legal changes is in our communities, in clear, simple and accessible language. For this reason, if you are hosting an information session for your staff members, volunteers or members, and would like a Legal Education Officer from Right to Remain to attend to give a short presentation on eVisas, get in touch. 

This short blog explains the basics of the transition, with links to further information. 

What is the eVisa transition?

People will have to show their immigration status digitally using their eVisa after 31 December 2024. Accessing an eVisa first requires making an application for a UKVI account. 

This new eVisa system is designed to replace the physical documents which prove a person’s immigration status. 

BRP cards are currently used by people to show proof of their immigration status, and are used by people when they want to work, rent or claim benefits. On the deadline of 31 December 2024, all BRP cards will expire and can no longer be used to prove your immigration status.

As of 31 October 2024, the Home Office will no longer issue any BRP cards. We have written about this change in our latest legal update blog, which you can read here. 

What action do I need to take? 

If you have a BRP card which expires on 31 December 2024, you need to make a UKVI account to access your eVisa. If you have an old ‘legacy’ form of immigration status, such as a vignette sticker, you are advised to make what is called a ‘No Time Limit Application’, so that you can access your eVisa. Information on this is also available in our Key Guide.

If you work with people who might be affected by this transition to eVisas, we suggest that you start asking people if they are aware of this change. You may also need to start supporting people with making a UKVI account to access their eVisa.

Right to Remain have written a Key Guide on how to support someone with the transition to eVisas. This guide explains the process in more detail, and includes important information to consider if you are supporting someone with this change – such as how to avoid giving legal advice if you are not qualified.

Organise an information meeting with your community

This transition process has not been managed well by the Home Office, and many people have been confused about how this process will work. 

The new system will rely on people having heard about the change. It also relies on people having access to a smartphone to make their UKVI account and use their eVisa. We know that many people in the UK have limited access to the internet and may not have heard about this transition. 

For this reason, we are encouraging grassroots community groups to organise meetings to talk about what this change means, and support people with the transition.

If you are hosting a meeting for your organisation, and would like a Legal Education Officer from Right to Remain to attend to give a presentation, get in touch. Please note that we do not give legal advice to individuals. Please email esther@righttoremain.org.uk with your request.