United Kingdom UKVI Digital Immigration Transition

Key Points  

• The U.K. will replace its physical visa documents with eVisas under the UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) Digital Immigration System  

The UK Visa and Immigration Digital System  

The United Kingdom (U.K.) previously announced its transition to the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) Digital Immigration System. The system will replace all physical visa documents with eVisas, marking a significant shift in how immigration status is verified. This transition aims to streamline processes and enhance accessibility for visa holders. 

The following documents will be phased out in favor of eVisas: 

• Biometric Residence Permits (BRP) 
• Biometric Residence Cards (BRC) 
• Passport endorsements, including indefinite leave to enter wet ink stamps 
• Visa vignette stickers 

Implementation Timeline: 

• 6 August 2024 – UKVI account registration and eVisa sign-up open for all visa holders. 
• 31 December 2024 – All BRPs officially expire, and visa holders are encouraged to transition to eVisas. 
• 1 January 2025 – 31 March 2025 – Initial grace period allowing continued use of expired BRPs for travel. 
• 1 June 2025 – New extended grace period deadline for BRP and BRC holders to transition to eVisas. 
• 2 June 2025 – Expired BRPs and EUSS BRCs will no longer be acceptable evidence of immigration status for travel. 

What This Means for Employers and Foreign Talent 

Antonio Lam, Director of U.K. Immigration Services at Envoy Global, noted that this shift does not affect visa expiration dates but does require visa holders and employers to adapt to the digital system for proof of status. Ensuring employees register for a UKVI account and secure their eVisa will be critical in maintaining smooth workforce mobility.