Goodbye cards, hello codes: the shift to UK eVisas explained

The UK has completed a significant shift in its immigration system, replacing physical residence permits and passport endorsements with a fully digital model centred on electronic visa records, known as eVisas. Overseas nationals living in the UK or applying for long-term visas will no longer routinely receive biometric residence permits or immigration stamps. Instead, their immigration status is recorded and accessed online through a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account.

This change represents a fundamental transformation in how individuals evidence their lawful status in the UK. The ability to prove immigration status remains critical across a wide range of everyday activities, including international travel, commencing employment, renting property, accessing healthcare or public benefits, and opening bank accounts. Under the new system, individuals demonstrate their status digitally, typically by generating a share code for employers or landlords, or through automated checks conducted by government departments and carriers such as airlines.

Importantly, expired biometric residence permits and cards are no longer valid for travel to the UK. Individuals who have not registered for or accessed their eVisa risk being denied boarding by carriers, even where they hold valid underlying immigration permission.

While many individuals already have an eVisa in place, including EU nationals granted status under the EU Settlement Scheme, a significant cohort of UK residents must take proactive steps to ensure they can access their digital record. This includes new visa holders, individuals with indefinite leave to remain who rely on historic physical documents, and those with expired biometric cards.

A significant number of long-term residents continue to hold indefinite leave to remain evidenced by passport stamps or vignettes. Although these remain valid for the time being, the Home Office encourages conversion to an eVisa through a “No Time Limit” application.   

Failure to secure access to an eVisa carries practical and potential legal consequences. While holders of expired biometric cards may continue to use them for limited in-country purposes for a transitional period, they face risks of non-compliance and disruption, particularly when travelling. Those relying on legacy documents may continue to do so for now, but this position is subject to future policy change.

Overall, the UK’s transition to eVisas reflects a clear policy direction towards a digital-first immigration system. While the Home Office considers eVisas to be more secure, as they cannot be lost, stolen or damaged, individuals must ensure they are able to access and demonstrate their status effectively to avoid disruption.

If you or your organisation encounter any difficulties accessing, evidencing or converting immigration status under the new eVisa system, our team would be pleased to provide tailored advice and practical support to ensure ongoing compliance and minimise disruption.

For further information please contact Julia Jackson or your usual Wedlake Bell adviser.

This article is for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or a comprehensive statement of the law. Specific legal advice should always be sought in relation to individual circumstances.

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