In a significant effort to digitize immigration regulation, the UK Home Office has indefinitely phased out all physical residence permits, which include biometric residence permits (BRPs), biometric residence cards (BRCs), and passport visa stickers.
As of June 1, 2025, the United Kingdom currently identifies only e-Visas, a digital record of immigration status, for all lawful residents. Those who have not yet enrolled for their e-Visa risk experiencing severe problems, including being refused re-entry into the nation.
ALSO SEE: UK Work Visa Application/Requirements
MEANING OF AN E-VISA AND WHY IT IS IMPORTANT
An e-visa is a secure online document that confirms an individual’s right to settle, work, study, or reunite with family members in the United Kingdom. It supersedes physical evidence such as evidence cards or stamps and is currently needed for:
- Border regulation and airline check-ins.
- Liberty to job and right to rent reviews.
- Entrance to public services, healthcare, and gains.
You can check or share your e-Visa status through a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account. A share number system allows confirmation by employers, house owners, and even airlines.
WHO REQUIRES TO TAKE IMMEDIATE ACTION
The policy adjustment impacts thousands of international residents. While several newer candidates were auto-registered into the e-Visa system, thousands of people are still required to act, mostly people in the classes below:
- Foreign students: The student is required to enroll to continue renting housing, access student health services, or participate in overseas trips.
- Skilled employees: Require an e-Visa to fulfill job qualification conditions and pass compulsory Right to Work reviews.
- Family Visa Holders: Partners and dependent kids are required to have personal e-Visas to maintain legal residence.
- Permanent residents (Indefinite Leave to Remain): Several Indefinite Leave to Remain holders who previously did not anticipate needing to communicate with the system again are now required to create a UKVIA account.
- Legacy Document Holders: Individuals who previously used old passport stamps or stickers are now required to apply via the “No Time Cap” pathway to obtain an e-Visa.
EXPIRED BRP: NO TRAVEL WITHOUT AN E-VISA ANYMORE
Until June 1, 2025, expired residence permits were temporarily authentic for travel under a grace duration. That portal has been shut down. Anyone traveling to the United Kingdom without an active e-visa may be denied boarding or re-entry, even if they still hold valid immigration authorization.
Pro Tip: Print your e-Visa verification page and take a screenshot before traveling to the United Kingdom.
HOW TO OBTAIN YOUR UK E-VISA FROM JUNE 2025 ONWARDS
- Generate your UKVI account: Go to www.gov.uk/view-prove-immigration-status.
- Confirm your identity: Use your passport, BRP, or BRC to verify your immigration status.
- Develop your share code: This permits landlords, employers, and airlines to confirm your lawful status.
- Update private information: Your UKVI account also allows you to update your contact information or travel document code.
Enrollment is now free and no longer requires an email request from the Home Office.
