As some of you may know, UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) has been developing a digital immigration system. One part of these developments is the creation of the e-visa: essentially, a digital record of your immigration status. These e-visas are a step towards streamlining the immigration process, making it easier for individuals to maintain and prove their legal status in the UK.
After reading this article, you will have a better understanding of what an e-visa is and the benefits of having one, how you can access your e-visa through your UKVI account, and how your UKVI account can be used to keep your details current and orginised.
What is an E-Visa?
An e-visa is an online record containing all the important details about your immigration status and the conditions of your stay in the UK. The UKVI’s transition to a digital system will result in the replacement of biometric residence permits (BRP), biometric residence cards (BRC), passport endorsements, and vignette stickers with e-visas.
The shift to an e-visa carries several advantages. You cannot lose or steal e-visas, and the application process for an e-visa is more efficient than that of traditional visas.
You must continue to carry physical documents until the end of 2024
How do I Access my E-Visa?
To access your e-visa, you must create a UKVI account.
How you can go about creating a UKVI account depends on the type of physical document you currently possess:
- Biometric Permit Holders: If you hold a biometric permit that is expected to expire on the 31st December 2024, you will be contacted by the government who will explain how you can create a UKVI account. You will be contacted before your permit expires.
- Biometric Residence Card: If you have a biometric residence card and have been granted status under the EU settlement scheme, you should already have an e-visa. You will find details on how to access your e-visa in your grant letter or email. If you have not been granted status under the EU settlement scheme or become a British citizen, and hold a BRC, that BRC will no longer be valid, as the EU free movement law no longer applies to the UK
- Other Physical Documents: If you possess indefinite leave to enter or remain in the UK (known as settlement) and you use an alternate document to prove your rights, such as a vignette sticker, you should make an NTL application. If this application is successful, you will receive a Biometric Permit. This, in turn, will allow you to create a UKVI account.
What can I do on my UKVI Account?
Your UKVI account will be free to create and will allow you to manage your e-Visa. You will be able to view your visa type, expiry date, and conditions on your account.
You will be able to access your e-visa details, and also update your personal information and passport details. This ensures your records are current and will make traveling across borders a more efficient and stress-free process.
Additionally, you can generate share codes to prove your status to employers or landlords. This is a secure method that grants temporary access to your immigration information without requiring you to memorise any codes.
Conclusion
The transition towards a digital immigration system promises enhanced security and ease of access regarding your immigration status. By taking the time to understand and manage your e-Visa and UKVI account, you will hopefully find yourself much more efficient when it comes to handling your visa documents.
Of course, the Tann Law team is always here to help. If you’d like any advice in regards to immigration, you can find our immigration page by clicking here.
Alternatively, to get in contact with one of our team, you can click here.