In this digital era, every industry is in the phase of digitisation. The UK immigration system is no exception. They are all set to step into the digitisation process by implementing eVisa UK. This replaces the Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) and Biometric Residence Cards (BRCs), passport endorsements and vignette stickers in passports in future.
UK eVisa and Its Impact on Immigration Status
UK eVisa is a digital record of the immigration status and conditions for permitting an individual to enter and stay in the country. Unlike traditional physical documents and visa stamps, eVisas UK is readily available in the digital space and can be accessed easily through the UKVI (UK Visa and Immigration) platform.
To access their online eVisa UK, visa holders must create an account on the UKVI platform. Once eVisa UK registration completed, they can effortlessly log in to their account to view and manage their immigration status. This digital platform also facilitates sharing details with others and allows users to update information, including their passport numbers. It is crucial to note that updating physical documents like BRP to eVisa UK system does not affect, either their immigration status or the permission of an individual to enter or stay in the country.
The UK government’s decision regarding the shift to eVisa UK, exhibits their commitment to providing a streamlined, user-friendly immigration system to the residents in the UK. The process of eVisa started in 2018 along with the EU settlement scheme. Furthermore, it was initially planned that the existing BRP and BRC holders should get eVisa by the end of 2024. However, the home office recently announced that the BRPs expiring after 31 December can still take advantage of the proof of status until 31 March 2025. However, it doesn’t mean that the visa of an individual expires on this particular date, but they must take action to create UKVI account to access their eVisa by this date.
How to Apply eVisa UK?
To apply for eVisa UK, the residents of the country need to set up an account in the UKVI platform by confirming their identity using the ‘UK immigration ID checkup’ app with a valid passport or BRP.
Before starting the process, the residents need to provide their phone number and email address. These must be used each time whenever they need to prove their immigration status online. Along with the phone number and email address, the person also needs to have any one of the following:
- A valid passport and visa application number (this is a global web form [GWF] number or Unique Application Number [UAN])
- A valid passport number and the Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) number
- BRP Card
to set up the entire process.
Always remember to provide information in the updated passport if any changes occur, including the renewed passport number. This action helps to avoid possible complications that can occur during travel to the UK or while proving immigration status.
Benefits of UK eVisa
The UKVI states that with the implementation of UK eVisa, individuals and organisations can enjoy several benefits. It includes:
- eVisa UK is more secure than physical documents, including BRP and BRC
- eVisa will generate instantly and be available on the UKVI platform once the visa gets approval. In other words, as the processing time of eVisa is shorter, it would eliminate the time needed to anticipate the delivery of physical documents.
- UK eVisa makes the process of proving a visa holder’s status quick and easy at the time of their entry into the UK.
- Verifying an individual’s right to work or rent, has become easier and more reliable
- Quick and accurate immigration checks
- Improves compliance with legal requirements
- It helps the visa holder to share the relevant details about their immigration status easily with their employers, government agencies and landlords through a share code.
The share code become the main feature of the employment verification system of the UK. This ensures that the employer and the employee adhere to the immigration law. It is a unique digital code issued by the UK Home Office for non-UK citizens to prove their right to work in the UK. It streamlines the process of proving employment eligibility by providing an efficient verification method.
Non-UK citizens can obtain a share code by logging into the official website of the UK government. The individual must share the required personal details and documents, and the system will generate a unique code accordingly. To share their immigration status with their employees or landlords, they can share this unique code and their birth date.
To view the verification result, the employer or the landlord must visit the UK government’s website and enter the share code and the person’s date of birth.
The share code is only valid for 90 days from the issuing date. If the share code expires before the employer or landlord verification, the individuals can generate a new one and share it with the employer and the landlord. Reduces administrative burdens and minimise errors.
Who Requires UK eVisa?
Not every individual living in the UK is affected with the UK immigration BRP to eVisa transition. However, several key groups in the country require a transition to eVisa.
- Individuals holding Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) or Biometric Residence cards (BRCs)
- Participants in the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
- Holders of ILR (Indefinite Leave to Remain) with old-style passport stamps or vignettes.
In addition, the children who require immigration eVisa status must have separate UKVI accounts. Parents or guardians can manage the accounts on behalf of children who are under 18.
Possible Downfalls of eVisa
The introduction of UK eVisa has inevitable downfalls, which needs to be addressed.
- Thousands of visa holders will attempt to register for their online UKVI account simultaneously, leading to system failure.
- Many people avoid taking steps to secure their UK eVisa. Therefore, raising awareness about the eVisa process, how it works, and other relevant information is necessary.
- Another potential issue arises with the training provided to Border Force officials on eVisa procedures for handling the entry of people into the country.
How to Report Issues Related to eVisa?
During the UK eVisa process, applicants may encounter several issues. However, reporting them at the right time helps to tackle the issues effectively.
Suppose an applicant encounters an issue related to their photo, name, type of permission, validity date or conditions to leave. In that case, the applicant must report the issue using an error form provided by UKVI. After the form submission, the applicant can expect a response within ten working days. Once the issue is resolved, the Home Office send a follow-up mail stating the same.
The Home Office always advise applicants to avoid calls or webchats with UKVI. Instead, they prefer to fill out the error form to resolve the issues. The error form is specifically for resolving UK eVisa errors.
As the government introduced a grace period for the eVisa rollout, the Home Office advised visa holders to set up a UKVI account as soon as possible and ensure the details provided for the UK eVisa are correct. This helps the Home Office to rectify the errors raised by applicants at the earliest without causing delays.
Help Available for Vulnerable Individuals
Applying for an eVisa can be challenging for some individuals, particularly when it involves creating a UKVI account. Those who may require additional support include:
- Individuals who are sick or disabled
- People with limited English language proficiency
- Homeless individuals
For such cases, applicants can assign a trusted person to assist them with setting up a UKVI account. Additionally, the UK Home Office has partnered with several organisations to provide support to those in need. The organisations include:
- Migrant Help
- Action Foundation
- Afghanistan and Central Asian Association (ACAA)
- BeLifted
- Bristol Citizens Advice Bureau
- Central British Fund for World Jewish Relief
- Central England Law Centre and many more.
Apart from the above-mentioned group of people, the home office will provide its assisted digital services to the following:
- Lack confidence in using mobile phones or computers
- Do not own a mobile phone or other electronic device
- Do not have access to the internet
This service is provided by We are Group. If you want the assistance from them:
We Are Group
Tel: 0333 344 5675 (Monday to Friday from 9am to 6pm)
Text: 07537 416 944 – text the word VISA
Textphone (using Next Generation Text): 18001 0333 344 5675
Email: visa@we-are-digital.co.uk
These services ensure that individuals facing technological or language barriers can complete their eVisa applications efficiently and with proper guidance.
Final Thoughts
With the implementation of the UK eVisa, UK immigration is on the path of digital transformation. With the replacement of physical documents, the Home Office digitally secures the data and thereby increasing accessibility and efficiency. In turn, this step also helps to ensure the immigration data of the visa holders are safe and secure.
At City Legal Solicitors, we have a team of experienced immigration solicitors who are ready to assist people with eVisa applications and other immigration legal services. Want expert assistance? Contact us today on 020 8175 4000 or email us at enquiries@citylegalsolicitors.co.uk for more information.
