If you’ve recently received a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) in the UK, you may have noticed that it will expire on December 31, 2024. This expiration date is an important milestone, as your BRP will no longer be valid after that date. It’s essential to apply for an eVisa to replace your BRP before this deadline to ensure your immigration status is properly documented.

At Sanam Travel, we specialize in guiding you through every legal step required to transition from BRPs to eVisas. Whether you’re wondering if you can travel with your eVisa or how the application process works, we’re here to address your concerns and help you navigate this change with ease.

Can I Travel with an eVisa?

Yes, once you have successfully transitioned to an eVisa, you can travel just as you would with a BRP. The eVisa links your passport or travel document to the UK’s online immigration system, ensuring that your status is easily verifiable.

It’s crucial to update your UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account with your most current passport details, especially before the BRP expiration date. If you fail to update your account or complete the transition before December 31, 2024, you may encounter delays at the UK border or challenges in proving your immigration status.

How the eVisa System Works

The eVisa system electronically records your immigration status, including details like expiration dates and any conditions tied to your stay, such as work rights or access to public funds. By maintaining up-to-date passport or ID card information in your UKVI account, your status remains accessible for verification.

You can share your eVisa status with employers, landlords, and other third parties by generating a share code through the ‘View and Prove’ service. This code provides temporary access to your immigration information, and it can be regenerated as needed.

Steps to Transition from BRP to eVisa

Here’s a simple breakdown of the steps you’ll need to follow to apply for and link your eVisa:

1. Create a UKVI Account

The first step in the process is to create your UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account. This service is free of charge, but beware of scams that might request payment for account creation. To get started, make sure you have:

• Access to a smartphone
• A mobile phone number and an email address
• Your BRP card (if applicable) or a valid passport with your BRP number
• Your visa application number

Once you’ve set up your account, you’ll receive a confirmation email—keep it safe as it contains important details for accessing your account.

2. Confirm Your Identity via the UK Immigration ID Check App

After setting up your UKVI account, you’ll need to confirm your identity through the UK Immigration: ID Check app. This can be downloaded from the App Store or Google Play. Using the app, you’ll be asked to:

• Take a photo of your BRP (front and back)
• Scan the biometric chip inside the card
• Complete a biometric scan of your face
• Capture a clear photo of yourself for your eVisa

Ensure the photo is taken against a plain background with no shadows to guarantee that it meets the required standards for your eVisa.

3. Link Your eVisa to Your UKVI Account

Once your identity is confirmed, complete the ‘Contact Preferences’ section in your account, and set up security questions for future verification. After signing the digital declaration, submit your eVisa application.

It may take a few days for your eVisa to appear in your UKVI account. Once your eVisa is ready, you’ll receive an email with instructions on how to view and verify your status. Be sure to keep this email safe.

4. Update Your UKVI Account and Passport Details

Before traveling, ensure that your passport details are up-to-date in your UKVI account. If your BRP is still valid, you must carry it with you while traveling. Once your eVisa is linked to your passport, it will become your primary travel document.

Failure to update your account could lead to delays and issues when entering the UK.

Traveling with Your eVisa

When you travel to and from the UK, you must carry your passport and your eVisa. Immigration officers will scan your passport and biometric data at the border. It’s essential to keep your UKVI account updated to prevent any complications.

Make sure you link your eVisa to your passport details before the BRP expires. If your passport expires, update your UKVI account immediately and ensure your eVisa is linked to the new document.

Supporting Your Family: How to Manage Dependents

If you have dependents in the UK, each family member will need their own UKVI account and eVisa. Make sure to follow the same steps for each individual to ensure their immigration status is correctly documented.

eVisa Application: Additional Guidance

The UK government is transitioning from BRPs to eVisas to improve efficiency and security. If you previously received a BRP, you’ll need to apply for an eVisa through the official UK government website. Once approved, follow the steps to link your eVisa to your UK passport.

For detailed instructions on linking your eVisa, you can use one of the following methods:

• Online via the UK Government Website
• Using the UKVI App
• Contacting UKVI by Phone

Conclusion

The transition from BRPs to eVisas is an important step, but with the right guidance and preparation, the process can be smooth and efficient. At Sanam Travel, we offer expert legal assistance to ensure your eVisa application is completed without any issues. Contact us today for professional support throughout the entire process, and feel free to check out our reviews to see how we’ve helped others navigate their immigration journeys.

By following these steps, you’ll ensure that your immigration status remains valid and secure, giving you peace of mind while living or traveling in the UK.