The UK is transitioning to a fully digital immigration system, urging immigrants to replace their physical documents with eVisas. This shift promises enhanced security, convenience, and free support for those needing assistance.
On Wednesday, the UK government announced a major initiative to switch all immigrants, including those from India, to an eVisa system. This move is part of a broader strategy to fully digitize the UK border and immigration system.
UK eVisa: Your Digital Immigration Pass
An eVisa is a digital document that replaces your physical Biometric Residence Permit (BRP). Your UKVI account stores your eVisa securely, serving as proof of your immigration status and your right to live in or enter the UK.
With an eVisa, you can travel to the UK without carrying physical documents, provided your passport is linked to your UKVI account. It’s like having your immigration status at your fingertips, always accessible and secure.
Key Transition Details
Starting next year, the UK will replace physical immigration documents like Biometric Residence Permits (BRP), passport visa vignettes, and biometric residence cards (BRC) with an entirely online system.
As many BRPs expire by the end of this year, users will transition to eVisas through their UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) online accounts.
Implementation Timeline
The eVisa transition began in April with direct emails sent to BRP holders detailing how to create a UKVI account. The service rolled out in phases and became available to all BRP holders last month. The Home Office aims for a seamless digital experience for users by 2025, reducing the need for passport retention or physical document collection.
Awareness Campaign and Support
A nationwide advertising campaign will raise awareness about the eVisa transition, urging those affected to switch before their documents expire in December 2024.
The Home Office assures that the eVisa system is user-friendly, highly secure, and more convenient than physical documents. eVisas remain tamper-proof and cannot be lost or stolen, and they do not change your current immigration rights or status.
Why the switch?
The move to eVisas offers several benefits:
• Convenience: Manage your immigration status online anytime, anywhere.
• Security: eVisas are tamper-proof and cannot be lost or stolen.
• Cost Savings: No more renewal fees or waiting for physical documents.
What to do if you have a physical immigration document?
1. Create a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) online account. Most BRP holders will receive an email with instructions.
2. Relax, it’s free! Switching to an eVisa won’t affect your immigration status and is completely free.
Need Help? Don’t Worry!
An Indian-origin Minister for Migration and Citizenship, emphasizes the importance of switching to an eVisa. “We encourage everyone with physical immigration documents to act now,” she said.
The UK government understands this might be a new experience for some. To ensure a smooth transition, they’re offering:
• Free Support: A £4 million grant program provides free assistance to vulnerable individuals through voluntary and community organizations.
• Nationwide Awareness Campaign: Look out for information about the switch to eVisas.
Key Dates
Don’t wait until the last minute! Start your transition to an eVisa today and enjoy a secure and convenient immigration experience.
• December 2024: Many physical immigration documents expire.
• By 2025: Most UK visa holders will have transitioned to eVisas.
Who Is Not Affected
The British government has clarified that this transition to eVisas does not affect British passport holders, Irish citizens, or those who have previously held an immigration status but have since acquired British citizenship.
Final Words
The UK’s transition to eVisas marks a significant step toward a fully digital immigration system, offering enhanced security and convenience. The UK government encourages immigrants to act now, offering free support to those who need assistance, to ensure a smoother and more efficient immigration experience by 2025.
Source: https://travelobiz.com/uks-immigration-system-goes-digital-time-to-switch-to-evisa/
