The way international citizens prove their right to live and work in the UK is changing.
You must act now to ensure you can continue to prove your immigration status. The UK Government is replacing all physical immigration documents with an eVisa, which is a digital record of your immigration status.
Anyone who currently holds any kind of visa or indefinite leave to remain must register for an eVisa before 31 December 2024.
We have set out below what you need to know.
What is an eVisa?
A UK eVisa is a digital version of existing immigration documents and will replace all physical immigration documents from 1 January 2025. You can access your eVisa through an online UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account.
If your immigration permission is under the EU Settlement Scheme or you used the UKVI app to make your most recent visa application, you may already have an eVisa – check your UKVI account now.
Do I need one?
Yes – if you have a visa or indefinite leave to remain, you will need to register for an eVisa by 31 December 2024. You will need your eVisa to prove your right to enter the UK and to show you have the right to work. If you do not have an eVisa, you may encounter issues when re-entering the UK after travelling abroad.
How do I create an eVisa?
If you currently have a BRP you can set up a UKVI online account using the following steps:
- Go to: Get access to your eVisa (www.gov.uk) and select ‘Create an account.’
- Provide your personal details and either your passport or BRP number to create the account.
- Follow the instructions to download the UK Immigration ID check app.
- Using the app, take a photograph of yourself to confirm your identity.
- Once you have done this, you will receive a confirmation email asking you to sign into your new UKVI account.
- Sign into the account and check all details are correct.
You can find a guide on how to create your UKVI account here: Online immigration status (eVisa) - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
What if I don’t have a BRP?
If you have an indefinite leave to remain or indefinite entry permit or stamp in your passport, you must make a free “no time limit” (NTL) application. Once your NTL application is decided, you will receive an eVisa. You will be told how to access your eVisa in your decision email or letter.
The NTL application can be complex if you have spent time outside the UK and it is important to show that your grant of indefinite leave to remain or enter has not lapsed. Please get in touch with us for advice on making an NTL application.
Can I get help with my eVisa?
If you have a problem with your eVisa, contact UKVI in the first instance from Monday to Friday, 08:00 to 20:30, or Saturday to Sunday, 09:30 to 16:30:
UKVI contact centre
Webchat: eVisa Webchat (homeoffice.gov.uk)
Telephone: +44 (0)300 790 6268 - select option 3
Telephone: +44 (0)203 875 4669, if you are unable to dial 0300 numbers
If you need help setting up an eVisa – for example, because you do not have a smartphone – you can contact the We Are Group from Monday to Friday, 09:00 to 18:00:
We Are Group
Tel: 0333 344 5675
Text: 07537 416 944 - text the word VISA
Textphone: 18001 0333 344 5675
Email: visa@we-are-digital.co.uk
Can I apply for British citizenship instead?
Yes – if you have held indefinite leave to remain for at least 12 months and you meet the other requirements, you can apply for British citizenship. If you are married or in a civil partnership with a British citizen, you will qualify for citizenship as soon as you are granted indefinite leave to remain.
Obtaining British citizenship means you do not have to be concerned about registering for an eVisa or any future changes to the immigration system. British nationality law allows for dual citizenship, which means you may not have to give up your current citizenship.
We can help you with your application for British citizenship. We offer a fixed fee service with a generous discount for existing Thorntons clients.
Please contact our expert team on +44 3330 430350 or complete an online enquiry and a member of the team will contact you.
