"Millions" of people have until the end of the year to switch to a digital visa before their paperwork proving their immigration status in the UK expires. It comes as physical records of a person’s right to be in the UK are being phased out and replaced by eVisas. This means by 2025, many of the documents will "no longer be valid".
Why do you need to switch to an eVisa? “I am honoured and excited to lead this new and groundbreaking Command. I am under no illusions as to the challenges that lie ahead, but I am determined we will face them head-on.” Meet the new Border Security Commander, Martin Hewitt.
pic.twitter.com/LzCtYqQ1a9 — Home Office (@ukhomeoffice) September 15, 2024 The move which affects people using a biometric residence permit (BRP), a passport containing a visa vignette sticker or ink stamp (for those with indefinite leave to enter/remain), or biometric residence card (BRC) is part of government efforts to use a completely digital immigration and border system from next year.
Since April, the Home Office has been asking people to set up an online UK visas and immigration (UKVI) account to access their eVisa. However, the department said the account will not change, affect or remove a current immigration status or rights in the UK. Ministers hope the changes will cut the risk of fraud, loss and abuse of paperwork, boost border security and save money.
The eVisa will be linked to the person’s biometric information including physical features like fingerp.