Why Make More are offering free support?
The world is moving towards increasing digitalisation: from streamlining day-to-day tasks like transportation, booking appointments and shopping, to how we communicate between each other or manage our finances. Documents that show your immigration status and identity are no exception.
Throughout 2024, the UK Government is introducing electronic visas (eVisas): a new digital form of proof for your right to enter and remain in Britain.
If you are a non-British passport holder, you may be subject to these changes and required to take action. At Make More, we are here to help you navigate this process.
What is an eVisa?
eVisas are a digital, up-to-date record of your immigration status which can be easily accessed by employers, landlords, education institutions and more. eVisas are intended to replace all forms of physical immigration documents, such as:
• Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)
• Legacy paper documents such as a passports with an ink stamp or vignette sticker (where the holder has indefinite leave to enter or indefinite leave to remain)
• Biometric Residence Card (BRC)
An eVisa is not only accessible from anywhere at any time, but also cannot be damaged or lost, making it a more secure form of proof of your immigration status compared to physical documentation! In addition, digitalisation of visas improves access to government services as the information of your status is readily available to authorities (e.g. the Department for Work and Pensions and the National Health Service in England and Wales, where you will no longer need to provide proof of status). You can find out more about how your data will be used here.
Do eVisas impact my immigration status?
No, eVisas do not change your immigration status – you will still have the same permission to enter, stay or work in the UK as with your physical permits. eVisas will simply be an alternative way to present this status digitally to whom it might concern.
Who needs to apply for one?
If you are using physical proof of immigration status in the UK in 2024, you need to transition to using eVisas.
Anyone who holds a British passport or is an Irish citizen, including those who previously held an immigration status but have since acquired British citizenship, do not need to do anything. British citizens without a British passport due to being dual nationals (excluding Irish passport holders) might also be required to take action in the future.
How can I transition to an eVisa?
The process is free, entirely online and, in most cases, will not require you to send the Home Office your passport or physical evidence of immigration status. To begin, you’ll need to visit https://www.gov.uk/get-access-evisa and create a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account. Your UKVI account will allow you to directly access your eVisa at any time, as well as share it with any parties that require proof of your immigration status.
Don’t worry if you don’t remember whether you already have a UKVI account or not: click on this link and follow the steps, or check your original grant email or letter to confirm.
For those who are struggling with using computers or smartphones, or who have trouble accessing such device or an internet connection to complete this process, there are a few options available. You can use the Government’s ‘Assisted Digital’ service, with more information found here, or reach out to UK charities and organisations (including Make More!) that support vulnerable individuals in need of help with their eVisas. More information can be found here or in the ‘What support does Make More offer?’ section below.
Do children under 18 need an eVisa?
Yes, children under 18 will also require eVisas. The parent or guardian will need to create a UKVI account for the child, which can be transferred to them (using this link) when they become 18 years old, or when they can manage the account on their own. To create the account, you will need the child’s identity document and date of birth and to follow the same process as if you are creating an account for yourself, using https://www.gov.uk/get-access-evisa
Do I need to update my eVisa account information?
Yes, you need to keep your (and your child’s) UKVI account up to date with information such as any passport changes or contact details. To do so, use ‘Update your UK Visas and Immigration account details’ service at www.gov.uk/view-prove-immigration-status .
How does an eVisa work?
Once you’ve created your UKVI account, you will be able to instantly generate a time-limited ‘share code’ which external parties (such as employers, landlords, etc.) can use on the governmental website to verify your immigration status, right to work or right to rent. In terms of international travel, you will now only need to present your passport at border checks as your eVisa will be digitally linked to it, allowing authorities automatic access to your information.
You’ll also be able to view your eVisa and verify your rights to work, rent and claim benefits yourself, at any given point.
Do I still need my physical documentation?
Yes. Until your physical immigration documents expire, you should continue to travel internationally with them as well as your passport, even if you’ve created a UKVI account.
You should also keep your physical documents such as a BRP as you may need them when applying for UK visas in the future.
How long do I have to apply for an electronic visa?
You should create a UKVI account and update to an eVisa by 31st of December 2024.
Under the current plans, the Home Office will have fully transitioned to digital proof of immigration status by this date, with no more physical documents issued from 31st October 2024 onwards. The majority of currently existing physical documents expire on or before 31st December 2024.
If your immigration documents expire before 31st December 2024, and you are intending to apply to extend your stay in the UK, you can apply for a visa as usual, and you will be provided with information on how to transition to an eVisa during this process.
What support does Make More offer?
At Make More, we are committed to helping underrepresented communities through a range of challenges, such as digital support, skills training, S.T.E.M. education programmes and well-being initiatives. You can find out more about us at https://www.make-more.org/
We are also assisting with the transition from physical immigration documents to eVisas that is affecting many individuals and their children through 2024. The full information can be found on this link.
You can call us on 01922 308 136 with any questions regarding both the process of eVisa and any other support we offer.
Alternatively, you can fill out our short online form found here and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
Where can I find more information?
The website of the UK Government contains a variety of resources and information regarding eVisas. You can find out more by visiting www.gov.uk/evisa.
For help with accessing your eVisa application, you can also try the Government’s own webchat, or call the UKVI resolution centre at 0300 790 6268 or +44 (0)203 875.
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