We have some exciting news you won’t want to miss if you hope to study in the UK for the next academic year. With the launch of eVisas, the UK is altering its immigration policy. Yes, the government of the United Kingdom intends to replace physical biometric residency permits with digital visas. With the most recent implementations, almost all visa holders residing in the UK are expected to have an eVisa by 2025. Rest assured, those who are already in the UK, as this will not impact their rights or immigration status at this time.

As of April 17, 2024, the Home Office has begun sending emails to all foreign nationals with physical immigration documents to put things into motion. These tangible documents, often referred to as biometric residence permits (BRPs), serve as evidence of immigration status. Before the process of digitalization begins in the summer of 2024 for all BRP holders, the government intends to send out these invitation emails in stages.

Immigrants must create an account with UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) and update all necessary information to obtain an eVisa. Moreover, obtaining this eVisa doesn’t come with any extra fees, and as stated, it won’t have any impact on the rights or immigration status of foreign nationals in the UK.

This shift is about more than just getting rid of paper records; it’s about starting a new, more secure, and efficient era. With just a few clicks, you can now easily complete the visa process, which will ease your travel and reduce stress while visiting the UK.

Furthermore, the UK government is strengthening its defences against scammers by going digital. This modification also removes the possibility of physical documents being lost or misused, providing immigrants with the highest level of security within the nation. 

Sharing the vision behind this digital change, Mr Tom Pursglove MP, Minister for Legal Migration and the Border stated, “We’ve already taken significant steps to digitally transform the border and immigration system, and this wider rollout of eVisas is a key part of that process. Replacing physical immigration documents with eVisas will ensure firm control over who comes here to live, work or study, strengthening border security and preventing abuse of the immigration system, while delivering cost savings for UK taxpayers.”

Foreign nationals who currently possess an eVisa can log in to their (UKVI) account normally and update personal data as needed. Physical immigration documents will be gradually phased out by 2025 with the help of these steps and measures, providing immigrants moving to the UK with greater convenience.

If you intend to study in the UK for the next academic year, you need to be aware of the most recent changes. You can get in touch with KC’s Study Abroad Consultants to learn more about this most recent change or to apply for the upcoming intakes. Not only will our professionals provide you with the information you need, but they will also help you with the application, admission, and visa processes. To put it briefly, they will provide complete support until you arrive at your ideal study location.

In the meantime, continue to dream big and keep an eye out for more updates of this kind to stay informed!