The Home Office is replacing physical immigration documents with an eVisa. All Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) are due to expire at the end of 2024. If you are heading home over the winter break, it’s important you have created a UKVI account to access your eVisa before you travel, so you can return to the UK for the rest of your studies without issues at the UK Border.
What do Biometric Resident Permit (BRP) holders need to do?
If you have a BRP you need to create a UKVI account to access an eVisa.
If you hold a BRP that expires on 31 December 2024 and have immigration permission to be in the UK beyond this date, you should follow the instructions on this Home Office page to create a UKVI account now.
Creating a UKVI account is free and straightforward. Once you have created your UKVI account, you should update your account with any new passport or contact details.
Who is affected by this change?
Everyone that uses a BRP who does not already have an eVisa is affected by this change, as all BRPs are due to expire at the end of 2024. Please note, this means the card will expire – not your immigration permission. However, you need the eVisa to evidence your continued right to be in the UK.
What if students already have a UKVI account and an eVisa as well as a BRP?
If you already have a BRP as well as an eVisa, then you do not need to do anything else. Students who already have an eVisa should ensure that their UKVI account is kept up to date with their latest contact information and any passport which they intend to travel with.
What happens if students do not create an account to access their eVisa?
BRP holders should take steps to create a UKVI account and access their eVisa before it expires to prevent any unnecessary delays in proving their rights. Students with expired BRPs may not be able to use them to travel internationally.
Further support
Further information, including details of the eVisa support available, can be found at www.gov.uk/evisa.
Kent Students’ Union Advisers are trained to give immigration advice to Kent students, so can help support you with this process. See the KSU Advice Service website to learn more.