UK transitions to E-Visas: The UK Home Office has recently announced a major overhaul of the immigration system, which involves the transition of physical documents to a fully digital eVisa system. This move aims to streamline processes and improve security. This guide will help international students understand the new regulations, application procedures, and deadlines to ensure compliance and avoid any disruptions to their immigration status in the UK.
What is the recent notification from the UK Home Office?
The UK government has launched a significant campaign urging all immigrants using physical immigration documents to transition to eVisas. This includes students and residents holding biometric residence permits (BRP), passport visa vignette stickers, ink stamps confirming “indefinite leave to enter/remain,” or biometric residence cards (BRC). The Home Office plans to phase out these physical documents and shift to an entirely digital immigration system by the end of 2024. The transition will allow users to access their immigration status online via the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) system.
An overview of the the eVisa system
An eVisa is an online record of an individual’s immigration status, outlining the conditions of their permission to stay in the UK. It replaces the need for a physical document like a BRP or a visa vignette. With an eVisa, students can prove their immigration status to employers, landlords, or educational institutions online, providing a more secure and convenient way to manage their stay in the UK. It does not alter the conditions of the visa or the individual’s rights but simplifies the process of verification.
What is the new rule for international students?
Starting from September 2024, international students enrolling in UK universities for the September 2024 or January 2025 intakes, who apply for their Student Route Visa before November 1, 2024, may still receive a BRP. However, these students will be contacted by the Home Office upon arrival in the UK to convert their BRP to an eVisa through a straightforward and free online process. It is crucial for students to complete this process as instructed to ensure they can accurately prove their immigration status in the UK.
Who needs to switch to an eVisa?
- Current students: Those holding a BRP expiring on December 31, 2024, need to switch to an eVisa. They can set up a UKVI account and access their eVisa immediately without waiting for a formal invitation from the UKVI.
- New students: Those arriving for the September 2024 or January 2025 intake with a BRP will be required to switch to an eVisa after arrival. They will be contacted by the Home Office to complete this process.
How to transition to a UK e-Visa: A step by step guide
Step 1: Create a UKVI Account
If you don’t already have a UKVI account, visit the UKVI website and create one. You will need:
- A smartphone for identity verification.
- A mobile phone number and email address.
- Your BRP card or a valid passport with your BRP number or visa application number (GWF or UAN).
Step 2: Confirm Your Identity
Use the ‘UK Immigration ID Check’ app to verify your identity. This step will link your eVisa to your UKVI account. Once verified, you will receive an email confirming that you can access your eVisa online.
Step 3: Access Your eVisa
Log into your UKVI account to view and manage your eVisa. You can use this account to share your immigration status with employers, landlords, or educational institutions as needed.
Important Deadlines and Action Steps for UK e-Visa transition
- For New Students: Those applying for a Student Route Visa before November 1, 2024, and issued a BRP must switch to an eVisa upon arrival. Failure to complete this transition may lead to difficulties in proving immigration status.
- For Current Students: Those with BRPs expiring on December 31, 2024, should create a UKVI account and access their eVisa immediately. This process can be done without an invitation from the UKVI.
Exceptions and benefits of converting to electronic visas
There are certain exceptions to the eVisa requirement. If you plan to stay in the UK for less than six months, you are not required to switch to an eVisa. Additionally, individuals who were granted their immigration status in the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man are exempt from this transition. Those exempt from immigration control, such as diplomats or individuals with the ‘right of abode,’ are also not required to switch to an eVisa.
Transitioning to an eVisa, however, offers numerous benefits. From a security standpoint, eVisas are far superior to physical documents as they cannot be lost, stolen, or tampered with. In terms of convenience, they allow individuals to prove their immigration status online without the need to carry or present any physical documents. Moreover, the transition to an eVisa is free, which means significant cost savings as it eliminates the need to replace lost or damaged physical immigration documents.