Previously, only nationals for certain overseas countries could apply for a UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) account and get access to a eVisa. An eVisa is a digital record of your immigration status and the conditions of your permission to enter or stay in the UK. The eVisa replaces these physical documents:

• biometric residence permits (BRP)
• biometric residence cards (BRC)
• passport endorsements, such as indefinite leave to enter stamps
• vignette stickers in passports, such as entry clearance or visa vignettes

From 6th August 2024, eVisas will no longer just be available on an invitation basis but will be open to all to all holders of a biometic residence permit that expires on 31 December 2024.

The Future Borders & Immigration System (FBIS) User Experience Advisory Group has advised that:

"From today (6 August 2024) if people have a biometric residence permit (BRP) that expires on 31 December 2024, they can now create a UKVI account and access their eVisa. They should do this before the expiry date of their BRP. They can use their travel document, such as a passport, or visa application reference number to create their UKVI account if they have lost their BRP card.

They should only request a replacement BRP if it has been lost or stolen and they have no other form of identity document to create a UKVI account.

If they cannot see their eVisa details as soon as they create their UKVI account, they do not need to anything. UKVI will contact them directly by email once their eVisa is available to view. They can use their BRP to prove their immigration status until their eVisa details are available."

For further information, please see www.gov.uk/evisa or you can contact one of our lawyers at Latitude Law for further advice.

If you would like to learn more about how to apply for an eVisa, please click here to watch an instructional video from the Home Office's official YouTube Channel.