Transition to E-Visa: Grace Period Extended to 1 June 2025

Navigating the UK’s Digital Immigration Overhaul

On 27 February 2024, the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) announced a significant update to its digital transformation agenda: the grace period for transitioning from physical immigration documents to the new e-Visa system has been extended to 1 June 2025. Originally set to conclude on 31 March 2025, this extension provides individuals, employers, and stakeholders with additional time to adapt to the UK’s fully digital immigration framework.

This blog explores the implications of this change, the legal context, and actionable steps for compliance.

Understanding the Grace Period Extension:

Under the updated policy, Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) and EU Settlement Scheme Biometric Residence Cards (BRCs) with expiry dates on or after 31 December 2024 will remain valid until 1 June 2025.

This ensures that holders retain proof of their right to live, work, or study in the UK during the transition. Critically, the UKVI has emphasised that no further extensions will be granted, making this the final opportunity for individuals to transition to the digital system.

The extension acknowledges practical challenges in rolling out the e-Visa system nationwide, including delays in public awareness and technical onboarding. However, the UKVI stresses that the 1 June 2025 deadline is absolute, and failure to act could result in loss of access to essential services or complications when travelling.

What is an E-Visa?

The e-Visa is a digital proof of immigration status, replacing physical documents such as BRPs, BRCs, and visa vignettes. It forms part of the UK’s broader strategy to modernise border control and immigration enforcement under the Immigration Act 2016 and subsequent regulations.

Key Features of the E-Visa:

• Accessible Online: Linked to a UKVI account, the e-Visa allows holders to view and share their immigration status digitally.
• Multi-Purpose: Proves rights to work, rent, and access public services (e.g., healthcare via the NHS).
• Travel-Friendly: Replaces the need for physical documents at the border, though a valid passport is still required.
• The shift aligns with global trends toward digital ID systems, enhancing security and reducing fraud risks. Notably, e-Visas are not a new visa category but a digital format of existing permissions.

Everyone must have their own UKVI account. Where a child under the age of 18 is unable to create and manage their own account, a parent or guardian should do this for them.

How to Transition to an E-Visa: A Step-by-Step Guide:

All BRP/BRC holders must create a UKVI account and link their e-Visa by 1 June 2025. Here’s how:

1. Create a UKVI Account

Visit the UK Government’s e-Visa portal and sign up using your email. Ensure your details match those on your BRP/BRC.

2. Link Your E-Visa

Enter your BRP/BRC number (found on the back of the card) and passport details to connect your digital status.

3. Complete Identity Verification

Use the UKVI ID Check app (iOS/Android) to scan your biometric passport.

4. Review Your E-Visa

Confirm your personal details, immigration conditions (e.g., work restrictions), and expiry dates are accurate. Report discrepancies to UKVI immediately.

5. Add Travel Documents

Update your account with any new passports or travel documents to avoid delays at borders.

6. Finally, Share Your Status: with employers, landlords, or banks via the View and Prove Service.

Employers, landlords, and public service providers are legally obligated to conduct digital checks via the:

• Right to Work Share Code Service
• Right to Rent Checking Service

Failure to comply with digital verification post-June 2025 could result in civil penalties (up to £60,000 per illegal worker) or criminal charges under the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006.

Implications for Individuals:

Travel and Re-Entry to the UK:

E-Visa holders must ensure their UKVI account is linked to their current passport. Border Force officers will scan passports to retrieve digital status automatically. If your passport expires, update your UKVI account before travelling to avoid being flagged for manual checks.

Right to Work and Rent:

Landlords and employers must use share codes for digital checks. Physical documents (e.g., BRPs) will no longer be valid after June 2025, even if the printed expiry date is later.

Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) Holders:

Those with ILR must also transition to e-Visas. Physical ILR stamps in passports will be phased out, though existing endorsements remain valid until the deadline. Anyone with indefinite leave to remain (ILR) who uses an ink stamp or vignette in a passport to prove their rights can continue to use their documents as they do today, including for travel, but they are still encouraged to make a free No Time Limit (NTL) application to access an eVisa at www.gov.uk/eVisa .

Employer Responsibilities: Preparing for the Digital Shift: Employers play a pivotal role in ensuring compliance. Key steps include:

Audit Your Workforce:

Identify employees relying on BRPs/BRCs and notify them of the transition. Maintain records of visa expiry dates and share code requests.

Update Onboarding Processes:

Train HR teams to conduct digital Right to Work checks using the Home Office portal.

Communicate with staff:

Provide staff with guidance documents and deadlines. Partner with immigration advisors for tailored support.

Avoid Discrimination. Ensure digital checks are applied uniformly to all employees to comply with the Equality Act 2010.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What if I lose access to my UKVI account?

Reset your password via the portal or contact the UKVI Resolution Centre. Always keep your email address updated.

Can I still use my BRP for travel during the grace period?

Yes, until 1 June 2025. However, airlines and border staff are increasingly prioritising digital checks.

What happens after June 2025?

Physical documents become invalid. Non-compliance may result in denied services or entry to the UK.

The UK’s transition to e-Visas marks a historic shift toward a streamlined, secure immigration system. While the extended grace period offers breathing room.

Individuals must prioritise creating UKVI accounts, verifying details, and understanding digital processes.

Home Office Resolution has been set up to assist vulnerable individuals in creating their accounts and to assist those experiencing technical difficulties. Details of these organisations can be found here.

For further guidance, consult the Home Office’s official e-Visa resources or contact our Immigration Team today. The clock is ticking—ensure your status is secured in the digital age before 1 June 2025.