NEW - eVisa support programme in Wales
From December 31st all BRP cards will be replaced by an eVisa.
If you live in Wales and would like support in creating your UKVI account or applying for an eVisa, the Welsh Refugee Council can help.
Starting on October 1st 2024, you’ll be able to book your eVisa support appointment with the Welsh Refugee Council.
What is an eVisa?
An eVisa is an online record of your immigration status and the conditions of your permission to enter or stay in the UK. You will need to create a UKVI account to be able to access your eVisa.
Updating your physical document to an eVisa does not affect your immigration status or the conditions of your permission to enter or stay in the UK.
In the future you’ll be able to use an eVisa to travel to the UK – you will not need to carry a physical document, except for your current passport, which must be registered to your UKVI account.
Until the end of 2024 you will need to continue to carry your physical document when you travel, if you have one.
The benefits of eVisas include:
- they are secure and cannot be lost, stolen, or tampered with (unlike a physical document)
- you will not need to wait for, or collect, a physical document after your application is decided – you might still need to provide biometric information in person, and we will tell you if you need to do this
- it will be quicker and easier to prove your status at the UK border, and share your status with third parties like employers and landlords
Why do I need a UKVI account?
UKVI are replacing physical documents with an online record of your immigration status.
You need to create a UKVI account to access your eVisa and share information about your immigration status and conditions, such as your right to work or rent in the UK, using the view and prove service.
You do not have to pay to create a UKVI account.
Watch a video on how to create a UKVI account and access your eVisa
How will I use my UKVI account?
Once you have created your UKVI account you will be able to view the details of your eVisa online, for example your type of permission, when it expires and your conditions of stay in the UK.
You can update your personal information in your UKVI account, such as your contact details.
Your eVisa will be linked to your passport in your UKVI account. You must keep your passport or ID card details up to date in your UKVI account and tell us about any changes, so that your immigration status can be easily identified at the UK border. You’ll still need to carry your current passport with you.
If you’ve told the Home Office you have a new passport and you’re still waiting for confirmation that your UKVI account has been updated, you should also carry your old document with you, if possible, to avoid unnecessary delays at the border.
You can share your immigration status information with third parties, such as employers or landlords, by generating a share code in the view and prove service, which will give them time-limited access to your immigration status information. You can get a new share code whenever you need one – you do not have to remember a single unique code to be able to prove your status.
The Home Office will continue to share relevant information about your immigration status automatically with some government departments and other public authorities. This will reduce the need for you to interact with online services when proving your immigration status.
Watch a video on how to travel with your eVisaHow do I get help?
To access support, please contact the Welsh Refugee Council via phone to book an appointment.
