UK Visa Applicants Must Switch to eVisas by June 2025: Changes Announced for BRP Holders
Modernization of the immigration system in the United Kingdom is a major step that the country is undertaking. And there is a big change you should be aware of, especially if you are considering travelling, studying, working or moving to the UK in the near future.
The UK government will begin the complete rollout of digital eVisas in June and July 2025, and will use it to replace all physical forms of immigration status documents, such as Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs), Biometric Residence Cards (BRCs), and visa stickers (also called vignettes) in passports.
This is one of the changes that the UK is undertaking to achieve its larger aim of establishing a faster, secure, and paperless immigration system. The Home Office and the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) have already announced the plan of switching over and the effect it will have on millions of international applicants and residents.
What Is an eVisa?
An eVisa is a safe copy of your UK immigration status. It is not a physical document that you carry around but rather it is held online in your UKVI account which is connected to your passport or national identity document.
This is that you will no longer be issued plastic cards (such as BRPs) or physical visa stickers in your passport when applying most types of visas. Rather, after your visa has been granted, you will be capable of viewing, managing, and sharing your immigration status on your online account.
Key Changes Starting June & July 2025
The following is what you should know about the changes that will take place:
- Since 2 June 2025: BRPs and BRCs Will Not Be Valid to Travel
When you are already using a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) or a Biometric Residence Card (BRC) to confirm your UK immigration status, it is good to understand that these cards will cease to be valid beyond 2 June 2025.
What you should do instead:
- Log in or create your UKVI online account.
- Associate your present passport or ID document with your account.
- Digital eVisa can be used to demonstrate your immigration status and travel rights.
From this date onwards, possession of a BRP will not suffice to allow one to board a plane or enter the UK. You have to move to the digital approach.
- As of 15 July 2025: No More Vignette Visa Stickers Some Applicants
There is another major reform to be faced by overseas visa applicants particularly students and skilled workers. Applicants will not get a visa sticker in their passport many of them from 15 July 2025.
Instead:
- When applying visa, you will be requested to create UKVI account.
- Your visa will be in the form of eVisa only — without any physical evidence.
- When arriving in the UK, you will have to enter your UKVI account and digital eVisa to demonstrate your ability to travel and reside in the UK.
Note: Vignettes (stickers) are still going to be provided to certain categories, such as dependents and individuals applying in non-study/work visas.
Who Needs to Get an eVisa?
You will need an eVisa if:
- You are granted permission to stay in the UK for more than 6 months, or
- You have Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
This includes:
- Skilled workers
- Students
- Family visa holders
- Long-term residents
- People under settlement schemes
Even if you already have legal status in the UK, you must make sure it’s converted into a digital format.
Special Cases to Understand
The following are some of the unusual circumstances in which the rules can be somewhat different:
- BRP Will Not Be Replaced Lost or Expired.
In case your BRP has been lost, stolen or has expired, you will not be in a position to apply to receive a replacement card. Instead, you will have to log in with the UKVI account and access your digital eVisa.
- Should You possess Indefinite Leave and Old Stamps or Vignettes
Where you received your status physically stamped or on vignette, you will need to make an application to change your record to an eVisa format with unlimited time (No Time Limit) (NTL).
- EU Settlement Scheme or Windrush Status
In case you have already made an application under these schemes and were granted the same, your status will be automatically converted into a digital eVisa. There is no other action to be taken unless informed.
Final Thoughts
This transition to eVisas is a significant change in immigration status management in the UK. Admittedly, it might need some getting used to initially, but the digital system is likely to become a more convenient, secure, and efficient means of maintaining your UK visa status.
Make sure to plan ahead, particularly when you intend to visit the UK after June or July 2025. The faster you learn and adjust yourself to the new system, the easier it would be in your case.
