UK Visas and Immigration are developing a digital immigration system known as an eVisa. This means that the government are replacing physical Biometric Residency Permit documents with an online record of immigration status.
The documents being replaced are:
- Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)
- Biometric Residence Card (BRC)
- Passport endorsements, such as indefinite leave to enter
- Vignette stickers in passports, such as entry clearance or visa vignettes
An eVisa will be needed to access a range of public services, such as funding for childcare, benefits applications, and housing and employment services. People you work with may not know about this change if they do not have an email account or don’t regularly check their emails.
Everyone who has a right to remain in the UK who doesn’t have British or Irish Citizenship, needs to register for an eVisa online before 31 December 2024. To do this, people will need access to the internet to create a UKVI account, and then download and use the UK immigration ID check app.
Please note that people who have come to the UK under the EU Settlement Scheme should already have an eVisa and do not need to apply again.
More information from the Home Office includes how to set up an online eVisa account, which people will need in order to access their information. There is also more information on the Leeds Migration Partnership website and the Right to Remain website. If your organisation would like to support eVisa applications for your clients or members, please contact the 100% Digital Leeds team and we can discuss any digital inclusion support you may need.
Leeds Refugee Forum: eVisa support session for volunteers, community leaders and staff
18 November, 1:30pm – 3:30pm, One Community Centre, LS9 7SG
Leeds Refugee Forum are offering a training session for volunteers and community leaders to understand and navigate the new eVisa system. Topics will include a breakdown of the eVisa process, guidance on how to apply, critical deadlines, and troubleshooting common issues. Book onto Leeds Refugee Forum – eVisa support session for volunteers, community leaders and staff via email.