As part of efforts to fully digitalize its immigration system, the United Kingdom is phasing out the use of physical immigration documents, with eVisas to replace current physical equivalents.
By the end of 2024, physical immigration documents such as Biometric Residence Cards, Biometric Residence Permits, passport endorsements, and physical ‘vignette’ visa stickers which provide proof of the immigration status a person holds will no longer be issued. Instead, from 2025, the immigration status of all persons will be recorded electronically and will be accessible through an online United Kingdom Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account, linked to the individual’s travel document.
This new format will have no effect on visa or permit eligibility or application criteria and requirements. Rather, the exclusive use of eVisas will only change the way individuals prove their immigration status.
Biometric Residence Cards and Biometric Residence Permits show an expiry of December 31, 2024. Holders of these document plus those with passport endorsements and physical vignette visa stickers should set up a UKVI account to access their eVisa. BETA testing is underway and will be open to the majority of individuals during the UK summer of 2024.
Employers should ensure that existing employees with physical immigration documents are aware of the changes and may need to re-do Right to Work checks where the initial check was conducted manually on a time-limited permission. As part of efforts to fully digitalize its immigration system, the United Kingdom is phasing out the use of physical immigration documents, with eVisas to replace current physical equivalents used to prove immigration status.
Source: https://www.fragomen.com/insights/united-kingdom-evisa-system-on-track-for-2025-commencement.html#:~:text=By%20the%20end%20of%202024%2C%20physical%20immigration%20documents%20will%20no,in%20legal%20rights%20or%20obligations.
