What is Happening
The Home Office is changing how people can view and prove their UK immigration status. This means the way you check your own status and how you show it to employers, landlords, or other organisations will be different. From 31 December 2024, the Home Office will stop using physical cards, like Biometric Residence Permits (BRP), as proof of immigration status.
Right now, if you’ve been granted leave to remain in the UK, you probably hold a BRP. But all BRP expire on 31 December 2024 and won’t be valid after that date. You also won’t be able to request a replacement card.
From 1 January 2025, you’ll need to use a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) online account to prove your immigration status. This includes things like your right to work, rent, or access NHS services beyond emergency care.
The important thing to know is that this change isn’t automatic. To get your new digital status (called an e–Visa), you’ll need to set up a UKVI account and apply online.
Some people have already received an email invitation from the Home Office to apply. But the latest guidance is clear: you don’t need to wait for an invitation you can register now.
The detail process of registration of UKVI account is given below:
What you need to do?
There are some stages you have to follow to apply for an e-visa:
- Create an UKVI account
- Link you passport or confirm your ID verification
- Final confirmation of your ID and document
You don’t have to finish the application in one sitting you can start it, save your progress, and come back to it later.
The process itself is fairly straightforward, but it can be a bit frustrating. Many people have reported problems at the identity check stage, where you’re asked to scan your BRP or passport and upload a passport-style photo.
We are gonna tell you the whole process which you have to follow when you are going to apply for an e-visa in detail:
One more thing if you are already in UK please don’t throw your BRP. You may need this for future immigration application.
Before you start
To make your application you will need
- Access of internet
- Access of smart phone– this need to be done on Iphone 7 or the newer model, or an android phone that can make contact less payments. If you don’t have a smart phone or you smart phone don’t meet these requirements you can borrow from someone to make your application.
- Access to the “UK Immigration ID check” app download
- A mobile phone number
- A valid addrerss
- A valid Email address
- Your BRP valid card or a valid passport with your BRP number or Visa Application number
Create a UKVI account
For UKVI account you have to click on this link:
You will be asked to provide:
- You personal details like your name, nationality, Date of Birth,
- The detail of your identity document (BRP or Passport)
- You will also have to connect your account to your email address or phone number
Make sure you can access the email address and phone number you use when setting up your account. Security codes will be sent there, and you’ll need them each time you log in to use your e-Visa.
Note:
The Home Office hasn’t said exactly when they’ll stop giving out BRP to people who are still waiting on an immigration decision. This means that if your leave to remain is granted in the next few weeks, you might need to apply for your e–Visa before your BRP even arrives. In that case, you can use your immigration application number instead.
If you hold a ‘legacy document’ (proof of immigration status issued before BRP’s were introduced), you’ll also need to complete the e-Visa application process.
Link your BPR or Passport to confirm your identity
After setting up your UKVI account, you’ll be asked to “link your e–Visa” to it. To do this, you’ll need to confirm your identity using the UK Immigration: ID Check app. The app will guide you to scan your ID document and take a passport-style photo.
Important: make sure you use the same document you used when creating your UKVI account.
- Download the “UK Immigration: ID Check” app.
- Connect the app to your UKVI account. You can do this in two ways:
- Connection code: The app will show you a code. Copy this and type it into your UKVI account.
- QR code: Allow the app to use your camera, then scan the QR code that appears in your UKVI account.
Note: If you’re completing the whole application on your phone, it’s easier to use the connection code.
- Take a photo of your ID document.
- If you’re using a BRP, first take a picture of the back of the card, then the front.
- If you’re using a passport, take a picture of the photo page with your passport or personal detail.
- Scan the electronic chip on your ID document. Take off any phone or card cases, then place your phone directly on your BRP or passport.
- Scan your face by following the steps shown in the app.
- Take a passport-style photo using the app.
- Check your photo and make sure you’re happy with it.
- Confirm your personal details when prompted.
Note: Lots of people have reported issues with scanning documents or taking the photo. Don’t worry if it doesn’t work the first time you may need to try a few times before it goes through.
Final confirmation of your identity documentation:
- Once you’ve confirmed your identity in the app, you’ll be taken back to the gov.uk website to finish the application. The final steps are:
- Re-enter your BRP or ID details.
- Add your contact details. These are the details the Home Office will use to update you about your e-Visa.
- You can either use the same details from your UKVI account or enter new ones.
- Set up 3 security questions. Make sure to write down your answers somewhere safe you’ll need them if you ever have to speak to the Home Office about your account.
- Read the declaration, confirm, and continue.
- Check everything is complete and submit your application.
What to expect after submitting your application
Don’t worry if you can’t see your e-Visa right away. The Home Office first needs to finish setting up your account and processing your application, which can take a few weeks. Once everything is ready, you’ll get an email confirmation from them.
When your e-Visa is active, you can view it here: gov.uk/view-prove-immigration-status. From there, you’ll also be able to generate a share code to prove your right to live, work, and rent in the UK.
It’s not yet clear how frustrating the application will be. But if you’re not confident using a computer or smartphone, you can get help from BICAS Consultancy UK limited, a company working for the guidance and support of the students to help them in every field of foreign education.
