understanding the new e-Visa and how we can help
The BRP card is no longer in production and students need to transfer to the e-Visa
e-visa transition from the BRP Card
As the UK government has now moved to a fully digital immigration system, there have been important changes for students with a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP).
Since 6 August 2024, individuals with a BRP that expires on 31 December 2024 can now register for a UKVI account and access their eVisa online, without the need for a separate invitation from UKVI.
This transition applies to all of our guardianship students, and as their guardians, we want to ensure our parents and students are informed and supported through the process.
end of physical BRP production
Since 31 October 2024, UKVI no longer produce physical plastic BRP cards for students. With the system becoming digital by default, as guardians we want to ensure that our students understand the importance of using their digital eVisa. This is a guide to help them in transition away from relying on physical documents.
By supporting guardianship students through this transition, we help ensure they remain compliant with UK immigration regulations and are fully prepared for their studies and travel in the UK. Although in the first instance, students and their parents should ask their school for assistance in registering online, our Guardianship Care Team here at Bright World is fully briefed and here to assist throughout this process.
We can help with anything from eVisa registration to liaising with schools and other authorities, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free experience for both students and their families.
what is an e-Visa?
An eVisa is a digital record of your immigration status and the conditions of your permission to enter or stay in the UK. To access their eVisa, students must create a UKVI account.
Switching from a physical document to an eVisa does not change their immigration status or the conditions of their permission to be in the UK.
Students can use their eVisa to travel to the UK alongside their current passport, which must be linked to their UKVI account. Until the end of 2024, it is advised that students should also carry their physical document, such as their BRP card, if they have one, until it expires.
Benefits of eVisas:
- Secure and tamper-proof: Unlike physical documents, eVisas cannot be lost, stolen, or altered.
- No waiting for physical documents: Once an application is approved, students will not need to wait for or collect a physical document. However, they may still need to provide biometric information in person, and will be advised of this on application.
- Convenience at the UK border and beyond: It is quicker and easier to prove your status at the UK border and share it with employers, landlords, or other third parties.
students arriving in the UK in January 2025
For students planning to travel to the UK from January 2025 onwards, it is essential they secure their eVisa before 31 December 2024.
How Bright World Guardianships can help
We can help overseas parents by guiding them through the steps of registering for a UKVI account before their BRP expires. By doing so, students will be able to access their eVisa details, which will be required for travel and any future immigration checks. It is important for students to complete their registration before 31 December 2024 to avoid any travel disruptions when entering the UK after January 2025.
If students have lost their BRP, guardians can help by advising them to use alternative documents, such as a passport or visa application reference number, to complete their UKVI account registration.
Assisting with eVisa Registration
As a guardian, we can:
- Provide support with UKVI account registration: We can assist guardianship students in setting up their UKVI accounts if they need help, ensuring the process is completed smoothly before the BRP expiry date.
- Liaise with schools on behalf of students: If there are any concerns or questions about a student’s eVisa or immigration status, we can help coordinate communication between students and their school or educational institution, ensuring that all necessary information is shared and the student remains compliant with UKVI requirements.
