Starting 1 January 2025, the UK will transition to a fully digital immigration system, replacing physical immigration documents with eVisas. This significant change will affect millions of foreign nationals living in the UK. Here’s what you need to know to prepare for the switch.
What is Changing?
From 31 December 2024, most physical immigration documents issued by the Home Office, such as biometric residence permits (BRPs) and cards, will expire. Moving forward, individuals will prove their immigration status through a digital system accessible via the government’s “View and Prove” website.
The digital eVisa will be linked to the individual’s passport or travel document, allowing users to share a code to demonstrate their immigration status for activities such as:
- Travelling to the UK
- Proving the right to work
- Renting property
Airlines, ferry services, and international train operators will be able to access passengers’ immigration status automatically during check-in. The Home Office has announced a three-month grace period to ease the transition, during which expired physical documents will still be accepted until 31 March 2025.
What Should You Do to Prepare?
- Set Up a UKVI Account: If you haven’t already, create an account on the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) platform. This account will house your digital immigration status.
- Link Your Travel Document: Ensure your eVisa is connected to your current passport or travel document to avoid issues when travelling or proving your status.
- Understand the “View and Prove” System: Familiarize yourself with the website that generates share codes to confirm your immigration status for employers, landlords, or other entities.
Who is Affected?
As of December 2024, over 3.1 million individuals have already transitioned to eVisas. However, with more than 4 million foreign nationals in total requiring this change, nearly 1 million still need to make the switch.
The groups most impacted include:
- Individuals with expiring physical immigration documents
- Those unaware of the transition or unable to access their UKVI account
- People waiting on visa renewals, also known as having 3C leave
What About Travel?
From January 2025, airline carriers and other travel providers will integrate automated immigration checks into their systems. These checks rely on your eVisa being linked to your travel document. If the automated check fails, travel providers can use the “View and Prove” system to verify your status manually.
Grace Period for Expired Documents
To address potential disruptions, the Home Office has introduced a grace period from 1 January to 31 March 2025. During this time, expired biometric residence permits and cards will still be valid for travel and proof of status.
Individuals with indefinite leave to remain (ILR) who use ink stamps or vignettes in their passports to confirm their rights can continue using these documents without disruption.
Potential Challenges with the Digital System
Despite assurances of a “smooth transition,” concerns remain about the reliability of the Home Office’s digital systems. Previous technical issues, such as merged identities and incorrect immigration records, have led to significant problems for affected individuals. Experts and charities have highlighted key risks:
- Merged Identities: Instances where biometric or biographical details of different individuals are incorrectly linked.
- Delays for 3C Leave Holders: Many individuals awaiting visa decisions are not yet issued eVisas, leaving them unable to prove their rights effectively.
- Lack of Awareness: Some individuals may not know about the transition or how to access their digital status.
- Staff Training: Concerns that airline and travel personnel may not be fully trained on the new processes, leading to potential friction at border checks.
Expert Insights
Dr. Kuba Jablonowski, a digital sociology lecturer at the University of Bristol, likened the shift to moving from vinyl records to Spotify: “You can still listen to music, but it’s very different. If Spotify stops working, you lose access to your music. Similarly, people now depend entirely on the Home Office’s digital system to prove their status.”
Nick Beales from the refugee charity RAMFEL emphasized the potential impact on livelihoods for individuals unable to prove their status, stating, “Many people aren’t being issued eVisas while waiting years for visa applications to process.”
Final Thoughts
The transition to a digital immigration system marks a significant step in modernizing the UK’s immigration processes. However, it also poses challenges for individuals unfamiliar with the system or affected by technical glitches. To ensure a smooth transition, affected individuals should:
- Act promptly to create and update their UKVI accounts
- Familiarize themselves with the “View and Prove” system
- Seek assistance if they encounter difficulties
If you’re unsure how these changes affect your immigration status, consider seeking professional legal advice to navigate the transition smoothly.
