Home Office confirms eVisa transition: expired biometric residence permits no longer accepted at the border

Current rules

The current rule clarifies that an eVisa is a digital record of identity and immigration status, detailing the type of visa or indefinite leave to remain (settlement) in the UK, along with conditions such as permission to work or study. An eVisa is issued upon successful application for a visa or other UK permission. eVisas have superseded physical immigration documents, although biometric residence cards (BRCs) may still be used in certain scenarios, and visa vignettes (stickers) remain valid until their expiration. Access to an eVisa requires a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account, which can be established without cost. Access to the eVisa will usually be immediate if it is linked to the UKVI account, but it may take up to 24 hours. To use an eVisa, individuals can view it and generate a share code to demonstrate their immigration status, for instance, when securing new employment or renting accommodation. Travel is permitted with an eVisa after passport or travel document details have been added.

Overview

The UK Home Office has introduced eVisas as the primary method for recording an individual's immigration status and conditions within the UK. This digital record replaces physical immigration documents, including Biometric Residence Cards (BRC) and visa vignettes, providing a streamlined online system. All new immigration permissions granted will be issued as eVisas, accessible via a UKVI account, for demonstrating status to third parties or for international travel.

What changed in the latest version

This clarification matters for individuals with an eVisa as it provides a clear expectation for how quickly they can access their digital immigration status after it is linked to their UKVI account. While access is typically immediate, the allowance for a potential delay of up to 24 hours means that individuals should plan accordingly, especially if they require their eVisa urgently for employment checks, housing applications, or travel. Failing to account for this potential delay could result in temporary inconveniences or missed opportunities where immediate proof of status is required. For employers and landlords, this means that while most eVisa holders will have instant access, there is a small window where an applicant's status might not be immediately verifiable, necessitating flexibility in their verification processes.

Explained simply

Imagine getting a digital ticket for a concert. Normally, it shows up on your phone instantly, but sometimes it takes a little while for it to appear, maybe up to a day. The UK's new online visa system is similar. When you get permission to stay in the UK, it's now a digital record, called an eVisa. You can usually see it in your online account straight away, but occasionally you might need to wait up to 24 hours. It's like waiting for your digital ticket to load.

Frequently asked

Version history

1. v1Effective 2 Jun 2025EffectiveLow impact
   Home Office confirms eVisa transition: expired biometric residence permits no longer accepted at the border

   The UK Home Office has updated its guidance on eVisas, clarifying the timeframe for accessing a digital immigration status. Previously, the access timeframe was not explicitly stated. The updated guidance now specifies that individuals will usually be able to access their eVisa immediately if it is linked to their UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account, though it could take up to 24 hours. This update reinforces the digital nature of UK immigration status, which replaces physical documents and is used for proving immigration status, such as for employment or housing, and for travelling.