The UK visa system is (mostly) moving online. Below we outline the steps on how to set up your new eVisa which will be used in the near future (and almost certainly after 31st December 2024) to verify your immigration status.
Who is eligible for an eVisa?
As of October 6th, everyone with a biometric residence permit card can make an application for an eVisa account.
All current BRP cards expire 31 December 2024. This does not mean your leave will expire on this date (to know when your grant of leave expires you should check your approval letter). However, your BRP card will no longer be a valid way to prove your immigration status. You will instead need to prove this using an eVisa.
The Home Office are still in the proves of finalising the system so you may not be able to see your eVisa details as soon as you create your account. Do not panic if this is the case. You should simply schedule to try again later (and before the end of the year).
In order to set up your eVisa, you will normally need:
– A mobile number
– An email address
– Access to either an iPhone (7 or above) or an android phone which can make contactless payments
– Your BRP card or a valid passport with your BRP number or Unique Application Number (which can be found on your submitted application form)
Creating a UKVI account:
You will first need to make an account on the gov.uk website.
You will be asked if you are using a BRP card or your passport to prove your identity. Your passport cannot be expired and your BRP cannot have expired more than 1 year ago.
You will then need to enter the details of your identity document.
Once this has been done, your UKVI account will be created. This is the account you will use to access your eVisa.
Confirming your Identity
In order to connect your eVisa to this UKVI account, you will need to confirm your identity.
You will need to use the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app on a mobile phone to do this.
The app will ask you to connect your UKVI account either through a connection code or by scanning a QR code which will appear on your web browser.
The app will also instruct you through scanning your identity document and taking a photo so the Home Office can verify who you are.
If your phone is not an iPhone (model 7 or above) or an android phone which can make contactless payments, you can use someone else’s phone such as a family member or a friend to complete your identity verification. The app can be deleted once you have completed the above steps.
Accessing your eVisa:
After your identity has been confirmed, you will need to move back to the gov.uk website in order to add further personal details.
You will then submit your eVisa application. You should bear in mind that is a mini application in order to view your status. You cannot extend your leave or switch your route through this application.
It may take some time for the Home Office to confirm your details and so you may have to wait several days for your eVisa account to be ready to view.
You will be contacted by the Home Office once your eVIsa is ready.
You can then use the system to view and prove your current immigration status.