The UK is moving to a digital immigration system. As part of this transition, people will have to show their immigration status digitally using their eVisa after 31 December 2024.

We 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 if you are supporting someone with this change.

BRP cards no longer issued

On 26 September 2024, the Home Office closed its BRP replacement service, meaning that you can no longer request a replacement if yours is lost or stolen.

From Thursday 31 October 2024, BRP cards will no longer be issued by the Home Office. This means no new BRP cards will be sent from this date onwards.

Positive asylum decision 

This deadline affects the move on process – which is the period after a person is granted refugee status. 

Currently, if you receive a positive decision on your asylum claim, you are meant to receive a BRP card which you can use as proof of your identity.

People in the asylum system are not currently affected by the move to eVisas. But when a person receives a positive decision and is granted refugee status, they will need a way to be able to prove their immigration status, so they can rent, work and claim benefits.

Now the process will change. If you receive a positive decision on your asylum claim, you will no longer wait to be issued with a BRP card. The Home Office will create a UKVI account and issue an eVisa for newly granted refugees within 14 days of a positive decision letter on their asylum claim. This will be explained in the decision letter. 

No Time Limit Applications 

This deadline also affects No Time Limit Applications – which is the process by which a person with a legacy immigration document applies for a BRP card in order to make the UKVI account.

This process will also change. If you make a No Time Limit Application after Thursday 31 October you will not be issued with a BRP. 

As a result of their change, people with legacy documents are encouraged to still make a No Time Limit Application. But from Thursday 31 October 2024 onwards, they will receive an eVisa instead of a BRP. 

What does this mean for our communities?

This transition to eVisas has caused confusion for many people. The changes have not been communicated clearly and there are many problems with the process. 

It is important that these changes are communicated clearly and widely. You can do this by sharing the Toolkit page with your communities. 

If you receive a positive decision on your asylum claim, it is important that you read your decision letter very carefully. From 31 October 2024 onwards, it will have information about your UKVI account and eVisa, and how to report any problems.