UK e-Visas Replaced Residence Permits Starting June 2025
In a bold move to digitize immigration control, the UK Home Office has permanently phased out all physical residence permits—including biometric residence permits (BRPs), biometric residence cards (BRCs), and passport visa stickers.
As of June 1, 2025, the UK now recognizes only eVisas, a digital record of immigration status, for all legal residents. Those who haven’t yet registered for their eVisa risk facing serious issues, including being denied re-entry into the country.
What Is an eVisa and Why Does It Matter?
An eVisa is a secure online-only document that verifies a person’s right to live, work, study, or join family in the UK. It replaces physical proof like residence cards or stamps and is now required for:
- Border control and airline check-ins
- Right to Work and Right to Rent checks
- Access to public services, healthcare, and benefits
You can view or share your eVisa status via a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account. A “share code” system enables verification by employers, landlords, and even airlines.
Who Needs to Take Immediate Action?
The policy shift affects millions of foreign residents. While many newer applicants were auto-enrolled into the eVisa system, hundreds of thousands still need to act—especially those in the categories below:
- International Students – Must register to continue renting accommodation, accessing student healthcare, or traveling abroad.
- Skilled Workers – Need an eVisa to meet employment eligibility requirements and pass mandatory Right to Work checks.
- Family Visa Holders – Spouses and dependent children must have individual eVisas to maintain lawful residence.
- Permanent Residents (Indefinite Leave to Remain) – Many ILR holders never expected to interact with the system again—but now must create a UKVI account.
- Legacy Document Holders – Those using old passport stamps or stickers must now apply through the ‘No Time Limit’ route to receive an eVisa.
Expired BRP? You Can’t Travel Without an eVisa Anymore
Until June 1, 2025, expired residence permits were temporarily valid for travel under a grace period. That window has now closed. Anyone traveling without an active eVisa may be refused boarding or re-entry into the UK—even if they still have valid immigration permission.
Pro tip: Print your eVisa confirmation page and take a screenshot before flying to the UK.
How to Get Your UK eVisa from June 2025 Onwards?
-
Create your UKVI account:
Visit: www.gov.uk/view-prove-immigration-status -
Verify your identity:
Use your passport, BRP, or BRC to link your immigration status. -
Generate your share code:
This allows landlords, employers, and airlines to verify your legal status.Advertisement -
Update personal info:
Your UKVI account also lets you update your contact details or travel document number.
Registration is free and no longer requires an email invitation from the Home Office.
Are Paper-Based Visas Still Accepted for UK e-Visa?
Not anymore for travel or most official checks. Here’s a breakdown:
| Document Type | Status After June 1, 2025 |
|---|---|
| BRP/BRC | ❌ Not valid for travel, limited use for ID checks |
| Entry Clearance Vignette | ✅ Valid only for initial entry, will soon be phased out |
| Legacy Passport Stamps | ✅ Still usable for now, but Home Office urges conversion |
Global Context: UK Leads the eVisa Race
While countries like Australia and Canada are adopting digital verification tools, the UK is the first country to fully abolish physical immigration documents—even for entry visas. The long-term goal is for all applicants to be automatically issued a UKVI account at the moment of visa approval, removing the need for visa stickers or permit collection.
References
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