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As the UK moves towards a fully digital immigration system, the introduction of e-Visas marks a significant shift in how individuals prove their right to live, work, and travel in the country. While this transition brings advantages in terms of security and accessibility, it has also created confusion and challenges for many. In this blog, we explore what an e-Visa is, its benefits, and the current issues that individuals are facing during the rollout.

What Is an E-Visa?

An e-Visa is an online record of a person’s immigration status and the conditions of their permission to enter or remain in the UK. Unlike traditional physical documents such as biometric residence permits (BRPs) or vignette stickers in passports, an e-Visa is stored digitally and can be accessed through a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account.

To use an e-Visa, individuals must link it to their passport and obtain a share code when necessary to prove their immigration status. This digital approach eliminates the risks associated with losing or damaging physical documents.

Benefits of E-Visas

The move to a digital immigration system offers several advantages, including:

• Security: An e-Visa cannot be lost, stolen, or tampered with, unlike physical permits.
• Convenience: Individuals no longer need to wait for or collect a physical document once their application is approved.
• Ease of verification: E-Visas simplify the process of proving immigration status at UK borders and for employers or landlords.

However, while these benefits are clear, the implementation of e-Visas has not been without its difficulties.

The Challenges of Transitioning to E-Visas

1. Difficulties Accessing Digital Status

Many individuals have encountered difficulties accessing their UKVI accounts and viewing their e-Visa details. Some have reported that their e-Visa displays incorrect information or does not show their leave to remain correctly. Others have struggled to link their passports to their e-Visa, creating issues when proving their status to employers, landlords, or at the UK border.

2. Issues with Expired BRP Cards

Until recently, individuals with expired BRP cards faced uncertainty about proving their immigration status. While the UK government has now confirmed that expired BRPs can still be used to access Right to Work and Right to Rent services, many were initially left confused about their legal status.

3. Complications with International Travel

One of the biggest concerns with eVisas has been the impact on international travel. Some travellers have experienced issues where airlines were unable to verify their e-Visa status, leading to boarding denials. While a new 24/7 carrier support hub has been introduced to assist airlines in verifying immigration statuses, concerns remain that some carriers may still err on the side of caution and refuse boarding.

4. Lack of Support for Affected Individuals

For those experiencing difficulties with their UKVI accounts, the available support is limited. The UKVI Resolution Centre, which handles e-Visa related queries, often has long wait times and limited operating hours. Additionally, the Home Office has stated that it does not accept liability for any losses arising from e-Visa access issues, leaving affected individuals with little recourse.

5. Problems for Vulnerable Groups

Certain groups have been disproportionately affected by the e-Visa transition, including refugees and individuals granted immigration status after 31 December 2024. Some have been unable to access their e-Visa at all, creating barriers to employment, housing, and travel. Additionally, those who previously relied on physical documents, such as vignette stickers, have faced difficulties in proving their status under the new system.

How to avoid potential problems

If you are experiencing difficulties with your e-Visa, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk of disruption:

• Ensure your UKVI account details are correct: Regularly check that your passport details are up to date to avoid any issues when travelling.
• Generate a share code in advance: If you need to prove your immigration status to an employer or landlord, request a share code well before the deadline.
• Keep a record of your immigration status: While printed documents are not considered proof of status, having a printed copy of your e-Visa details for personal reference may be helpful in certain situations.
• Seek legal assistance if needed: If you encounter difficulties proving your status or accessing your UKVI account, obtaining legal advice can help resolve the issue.

Transitioning to an E-Visa

The UK Gov recently announced that, due to the issues plaguing the transition to digital, the deadline to make the transition will be extended to June 1st 2025.

This allows people with expired biometric residence permits (BRPs) or EU Settlement Scheme biometric residence cards (EUSS BRCs) to continue to travel to the UK. After June 1, 2025, expired BRPs and EUSS BRCs will no longer be accepted as proof of immigration status when traveling to the UK.

So, if you’re eligible, it’s important to create a UKVI account soon to ensure you aren’t caught out by the change. You can create an account on the government website.

How We Can Help

At Slater Heelis, we understand the challenges posed by the transition to digital immigration. If you need help with an e-Visa or have concerns about your immigration status, our immigration legal team is here to assist you. We can provide guidance on updating your UKVI account, resolving errors, and ensuring that you can prove your right to live and work in the UK without difficulty.

For expert advice and support, contact our team today by filling out our online contact form, or call 03301 734 354.