On this page you will find information on what is an eVisa and how you can set-up access to your eVisa. This page will be updated as we get more information on eVisas. Please check gov.uk website for up-to-date information on eVisas: Online immigration status (eVisa)
Page last updated: September 2024
What is an eVisa?
eVisa is an online record of your permission to stay in the UK (leave to remain). It is not an application for permission to stay in the UK.
Currently when you get leave to remain following a positive asylum decision the Home Office issues you a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) as proof of your leave to remain. All physical BRP cards will expire on 31.12.24 because eVisas are replacing BRP cards. With an eVisa you will access your immigration status online. You can use an eVisa to prove you have permission to stay in the UK (leave to remain).
Updating your physical BRP card to an online eVisa doesn’t change your leave to remain. Make sure to check your current leave to remain expiry date and prepare for your application before it ends.
Who can set-up eVisa?
If you have a BRP that expires on 31.12.24, you can now start to set-up access to an eVisa. You don’t need to wait for the Home Office to contact you.
If the Home Office contacted you to set-up your eVisa access, follow their instructions. Getting an eVisa is free.
If your BRP is lost or stolen, you will have to apply for a replacement BRP first. After you receive your replacement BRP you can start the eVisa set-up process. You don’t need to create a UKVI account if you already have one, e.g. if you used a UKVI account to get a visa before.
How to set-up access to an eVisa?
You will need to create a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account to access your eVisa online. If the Home Office contacted you to create a UKVI account please follow their instructions.
You may complete the steps in one sitting, or you can complete the steps at different times. Make sure you have all the necessary information, documents and devices with you.
To set-up access to an eVisa, you will need:
- your date of birth
- your BRP card
- access to an email address
- access to a mobile phone number
- a smart phone with internet access. The phone must be:
- an iPhone 7 or newer model
- an android phone that can make contactless payments
- to scan your BRP card and take a photo of the BRP using the ‘‘UK Immigration: ID check’ app
- to be available to scan your face and take a photo of yourself using the ‘UK Immigration: ID check’ app
Steps to set-up an eVisa:
What to do with the BRP card after I access eVisa?
You can continue to use your BRP to prove your immigration status until it expires. Keep your expired BRP card safe with you as a personal record. You may need your BRP for future applications to stay in the UK.
Help with eVisa set-up
You may find it hard to set-up e-Visa access on your own. This could be due to your age, disability, mental health condition, homelessness, English language skills, or other vulnerabilities such as being a victim of domestic abuse or human trafficking. You can find a list of organisations who can support you with eVisa.
If you live in Scotland, Citizens Advice Scotland can provide a face-to-face appointment with an interpreter to help you with your eVisa. Use the online postcode tool to Find your local Citizens Advice Bureau and contact them to check if they can help you.
eVisa issues
There are many concerns over the roll-out of a digital-only eVisa system.
Concerns about eVisa include difficulty downloading the ‘ID check’ app, difficulty using the app, lack of device, internet access and digital skills and incorrect information recorded on eVisa.
Things you can do:
- If you have difficulty downloading the app try another smart phone device. The ‘UK Immigration: ID check’ app will not store your information on the app. It is just to confirm your identity. Once identity check is complete you can delete the app
- If you suspect that an email or text you received from the Home Office or your solicitor is not genuine, always check with someone you trust
- If you get an email or text to pay for an eVisa do remember that Home Office will not ask for payments for eVisa as eVisa is free
Useful information and links
- Find out information on eVisas: Online immigration status (eVisa) - GOV.UK and Online immigration status (eVisa): help videos
- Create a UKVI account Get access to your evisas (www.gov.uk) and Check if you can access your eVisa
- Find out guidance on using the ‘UK Immigration: ID check’ app
- Check out how to view and prove your immigration status
- Get help with the online application from We Are Group: Get help with your online Home Office application - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Need more help?
Call our free, confidential, helpline for an appointment with one of our experienced advisers. You can ask for an interpreter.
