UK eVisa System 2025 – What the New Digital Immigration Status Means for You

Introduction

The UK is entering a new digital era of immigration control. From 2025, physical Biometric Residence Permits (BRP) will be phased out and replaced with the new UK eVisa system — a fully digital immigration status managed online.

For many, this change raises questions: How do I prove my right to stay in the UK? What happens to my BRP? Will employers and landlords still accept it?

In this article, our team at AHJ Immigration, experienced immigration solicitors in Birmingham, explain what the UKVI eVisa means for visa holders, employers, and dependants across the UK — and how to make the transition smooth and secure.

What Is the UK eVisa System?

The UK eVisa is a digital immigration record that shows your permission to live, work, or study in the UK. Instead of a physical card, your immigration status is now linked directly to your passport and stored online in your UKVI account.

This digital system is part of the Home Office’s plan to simplify immigration, reduce fraud, and improve accessibility for both visa holders and the authorities.

Why Is the UK eVisa Replacing BRP Cards?

Since 2015, BRP cards have been used as proof of immigration status. However, they come with limitations — they can be lost, damaged, or expire even when your visa is still valid.

From January 2025, all BRP cards will officially stop being valid, even if your visa end date is later. This is because your legal status will now be recorded digitally instead.

The shift to digital immigration status aims to:

• Reduce document fraud
• Allow instant online verification by employers, landlords, and public services
• Simplify travel and border control
• Save applicants time and paperwork

How to Access Your Digital Immigration Status

You can access your eVisa through your UKVI account. Once you’ve logged in using your email and identity verification details, you’ll be able to:

• View your immigration conditions (e.g., right to work, study, or access NHS services)
• Update your passport information
• Generate a share code to prove your status

If you haven’t already created a UKVI account, the Home Office will contact you by email before your BRP expires to help you register.

What Happens If You Don’t Create a UKVI Account?

Failing to create your account can lead to problems proving your immigration status — especially when:

• Starting a new job
• Renting accommodation
• Applying for benefits or healthcare
• Re-entering the UK after travel

Employers and landlords are required to check your right to work or rent via the UKVI online service, not your BRP card. Without an eVisa record, these checks can fail — potentially leading to job or housing delays.

Who Needs to Transition to the eVisa?

Most visa holders with a physical BRP card will need to transition, including:

• Skilled Worker Visa holders
• Graduate Visa holders
• Spouse and Family Visa holders
• Students and dependants
• ILR and pre-settled status residents

Even if your BRP expiry date is December 2024 or beyond, your digital record must be set up to avoid issues.

UK eVisa for Employers and Landlords

For employers, the eVisa will change how Right to Work checks are done. Instead of viewing a physical card, you’ll request a share code from the applicant’s UKVI account.

For landlords, Right to Rent checks will also move entirely online. This makes verification faster — but it means both parties must ensure all personal details match exactly (including passport numbers and dates).

How AHJ Immigration Can Help

At AHJ Immigration, we’ve already supported many clients through the UKVI digital transition. Whether you need help setting up your UKVI account, correcting details, or understanding your immigration conditions, our specialists can guide you through every step.

We also assist with related services like:

• Change of Conditions / Leave to Remain
• Fee Waiver Applications
• UKVI eVisa Applications
• Document and Status Checks

Every case is handled with care and accuracy to ensure your transition to the eVisa system is stress-free.

How to Prepare for the eVisa Transition

To make sure you’re ready for 2025:

1. Check your BRP expiry date.
2. Update your passport details if you’ve renewed your passport recently.
3. Watch for Home Office emails about linking your BRP to a UKVI account.
4. Create your UKVI account early to avoid last-minute issues.
5. Keep your login details safe — your immigration record depends on them.

If you’re unsure about any step, speak to our immigration team for a free 30-minute consultation to review your status and next steps.

Why It Matters to Act Early

The eVisa rollout will happen gradually, but waiting could lead to avoidable complications. For example:

• Missing emails from the Home Office
• Mismatched passport numbers delaying your share code
• Inability to prove right to work or rent
• Travel delays at border checks

Taking action early ensures you stay compliant and protected.

How We Help – Your Consultation Options

At AHJ Immigration, we make immigration simple and stress-free.

Free 30-Minute Consultation – We’ll review your immigration history, current visa type, and the steps you need to link your digital status.

1-Hour Paid Consultation – A deeper review of your documents and full written advice on your specific case. (The fee is deductible from your application cost if you proceed with us.)

Call us today on 0121 828 2224 or book online to secure your consultation slot.

Disclaimer

Immigration rules and digital transition requirements are subject to change. Information in this article is correct as of October 2025. We update our guides regularly as new Home Office updates are released.

FAQs

1. What is the UK eVisa system?
It’s a digital immigration record that replaces physical BRP cards. Your visa status is now stored online in your UKVI account.

2. When will BRP cards stop being valid?
All BRP cards expire on 31 December 2024. From 2025 onwards, only your eVisa will confirm your immigration status.

3. How can I access my eVisa?
Log in to your UKVI account using the email linked to your application. You can view your details and create share codes for employers or landlords.

4. What if I lose access to my UKVI account?
You can recover your account through GOV.UK by verifying your identity and linking your passport again.

5. Can AHJ Immigration help with setting up my eVisa?
Yes. We assist with UKVI eVisa registrations, account errors, and document checks to ensure your record is correct.