The UK government is replacing physical immigration documents which includes Biometric Residence Cards and Permits as well as paper vignette stickers in passports with a digital proof of immigration status called an eVisa.

As part of its aim to have a digital immigration status for all, eVisa holders will be able to access their eVisa status through a UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) account.

From autumn 2024, almost all UK new visa applicants will be issued an eVisa as BRP cards are no longer produced after 31 October 2024.

Existing visa holders with a plastic BRC/BRP card will notice almost all are due to expire on 31 December 2024. This expiry date refers to the document only, and not to the holder’s underlying immigration status which is a different date shown on the UKVI account and an online right to work check.

Action required for visa holders as soon as possible and before 31 December 2024

Employees who have received a physical document e.g. BRP card and who use this to prove their immigration status who do not already have a UKVI account will need to take action to create a UKVI account to access their eVisa.

Visit https://www.gov.uk/guidance/online-immigration-status-evisa to find out what to do to create a UKVI account to access the eVisa.

A video is also available at the link below about eVisas:
How to create a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account and get access to your eVisa (youtube.com)

You can also ask for help with creating a UKVI account and getting access to an eVisa. Clicking on the link here eVisa Webchat takes you to a chat window where you can type your question.

These changes do not change the need to conduct follow up right to work checks. These will continue to take place when an employee’s existing permission to stay is due to expire as happens now. You will be asked to provide a share code for an initial or follow-up right to work check using the Home Office online system.