The UK Will Replace Physical Visa Documents with eVisa by June 2025

By June 2025, the UK will formally switch to electronic visas from paper ones, marking a significant step toward a completely computerized immigration system. The whole transition from conventional biometric resident permits (BRP), biometric residence cards (BRC), passport endorsements, and vignette stickers to a safe and effective online platform is being led by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).

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What is an eVisa?

An eVisa is an online record that lists a person’s immigration status and terms of stay in the United Kingdom. Unlike paper documents, eVisas cannot be misplaced, stolen, or altered. With a UKVI account, users may easily demonstrate their immigration status to employers, landlords, and other pertinent authorities at the border.

Millions have already switched to eVisas since 2018, particularly those covered by the EU Settlement Scheme. The UK is now requiring all visa holders to have it.

What Will Happen to Physical Visa Documents?

• BRPs and BRCs: After October 31, 2024, these documents will no longer be issued; however, they will still be valid until their expiration date.
• Passport stamps and vignette stickers: Individuals who have endorsements for indefinite leave in their passports and visa vignettes are required to convert to an eVisa.
• Windrush Scheme Recipients: Those who qualify for the Windrush Scheme will have the chance to apply online for proof of their immigration status.

Why is the UK replacing physical visa documents?

A number of issues, such as efficiency, convenience, and security, are driving the shift to eVisas. Among the main advantages are:

• Reducing the possibility of theft or loss: No more vignette stickers that have expired or lost BRPs.
• Faster processing: Following an application decision, there is no need to wait for or gather physical documents.
• Easy verification: Using share codes, travelers, employers, and landlords may quickly confirm an individual’s immigration status.
• Efficiency at the border: faster and simpler immigration inspections at UK entrance ports.

Read Also: The UK Announces Visa Application Processing Time for Inside and Outside the UK 2025

How Will the eVisa Work?

In order to access their immigration status, visa holders will need to register for a UKVI account. This web-based platform will enable them to:

• View the specifics of the visa, including the type of authorization, the date of expiration, and the terms of stay.
• To demonstrate their immigration status to employers or landlords, create a sharing code that is good for 90 days.
• Update your passport information to guarantee a seamless trip free of needless delays.

Who Needs to Apply for UK eVisas?

Many different types of visa holders are affected by the switch to eVisas, including:

• Holders of BRP and BRC: Individuals who possess biometric residency documents are required to register for a UKVI account and update their information appropriately.
• Passport endorsement holders: Applicants seeking an eVisa must have either indefinite leave to enter (ILE) or leave to remain (ILR) in their passports.
• Residents of the EU Settlement Scheme: Upon switching to an eVisa, they must continue to travel with their BRC until June 1, 2025, if it expires on or after December 31, 2024.
• New visa applicants: eVisas, rather than paper documents, will be automatically issued to future UK visa holders.

The UKVI offers further support services (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/online-immigration-status-evisa) to help those who are not familiar with digital platforms or do not have internet access set up UKVI accounts and obtain eVisas. Extra help may be given to vulnerable people to make sure they can handle the change.