eVisa rollout begins with immigration documents replaced by 2025

The next stage in the government’s plan to modernise the border and introduce a digital immigration system is under way, as the Home Office moves closer to the implementation of eVisas for nearly all visa holders living in the UK by 2025. As immigration lawyers we advise companies in Belfast, Northern Ireland and London to consider the important of having staff informed in advance of the introduction of eVisas by the end of 2024.

From 17 April 2024, the Home Office will begin to send emails to all those with physical immigration documents, called biometric residence permits (BRPs), inviting them to create a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account to access their eVisa, a digital proof of their immigration status. Invitations will be issued in phases before the process opens to all BRP holders in summer 2024. These emails will be sent to stakeholders based in Belfast, Northern Ireland and London at the same time.

The Home Office claim that eVisas are central to making the UK safer by reducing the risk of fraud, loss and abuse of physical documents, strengthening border security, and providing a more secure way to prove immigration status. As immigration lawyers we already have witnessed a degree of panic amongst employers based in Belfast, Northern Ireland and London with the introduction of eVisas by the end of 2024.

The Home Office outline that this will pave the way for increased automation to deliver the government’s vision for a contactless border. Minister for Legal Migration and the Border, Tom Pursglove MP, said:

“We’ve already taken really significant steps to digitally transform the border and immigration system, and this wider rollout of eVisas is a key part of that process. Replacing physical immigration documents with eVisas will ensure firm control over who comes here to live, work or study, strengthening border security and preventing abuse of the immigration system, while delivering cost savings for UK taxpayers”

The Home Office outline that eVisas bring substantial benefits to the UK public and to visa customers. They are secure, and, unlike a physical document, cannot be lost, stolen or tampered with. They can be accessed anywhere and in real time, putting customers in control of their own data and allowing them to swiftly update the Home Office with new contact or passport details. An eVisa is securely linked with the holder’s unique biometric information in the same way as a BRP or BRC, to protect against identity fraud. As immigration lawyers we advise companies in Belfast, Northern Ireland and London to consider the compulsory need to ensure all staff have completed the eVisa requirements by the end of 2024.

People checking immigration status will be able to conduct one quick and simple check using a secure online service on GOV.UK. Selected public bodies are already able to access immigration status to determine eligibility for public services automatically through system to system checks. As immigration lawyers we advise companies in Belfast, Northern Ireland and London that come 2025 it should be easier to conduct right to work checks using online services for eVisas moving forward.

This move to eVisas is in line with other countries which have replaced, or are planning to replace, their physical immigration documents with digital forms of immigration status. Physical immigration documents will be gradually phased out by 2025, as the Home Office transition to a fully digital border and immigration system for new and existing customers. This will deliver enhanced security and cost savings for the UK public and greater convenience for customers and status checkers. HR and leadership professionals in Belfast, Northern Ireland and London need to be aware that previous right to work checks may no longer be valid. It is therefore important to take the eVisa scheme seriously when discharging responsibilities around prevention of illegal working legislation.

CMC Immigration Law is an immigration practice based in London and Belfast which provides UK immigration services and solutions to businesses and private individuals throughout the world.