As part of the UK government’s ambition for a digital border, UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI, part of the Home Office) have announced upcoming changes to the way immigration status is proved.
By the end of 2024, physical visas, such as a Biometric Residence Card (BRP), will no longer be issued and applicants will need to register for a UKVI account. An eVisa is an online record of immigration status and conditions of permission to enter or stay in the UK and will enable individuals to update/change their personal details directly with UKVI.
BRP card expiry dates will not go beyond 31 December 2024, even if the immigration status is longer than this. We understand that UKVI has started to contact BRP card holders regarding registering for a UKVI account and an eVisa. If you are a BRP holder and have not been contacted yet, you will be able to create your account and access your eVisa later in 2024. You can sign up for updates on the Online immigration status (eVisa) – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) webpage to keep up to date.
If you hold Indefinite Leave to Enter/Remain in the UK (also known as Settlement) with another physical document, such as a wet-ink stamp in a passport or vignette sticker, you will need to take action. Please see ‘If you have another physical document’ via Online immigration status (eVisa) – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) for what you need to do.
Students
The Visa and Immigration Student Advice Service (VISAS) will contact students where a new Right to Study check is required.
Members of Staff
- If you have Settlement in the UK and had a right to work check at the University on this basis, a new right to work check is not required.
- If you have a time-limited permission/visa to be in the UK and have ongoing work at the University, you will be contacted by HR prior to your visa expiry date about your intentions for your right to work in the UK.
For further details, including the process and benefits, please see the following links to UK Government information:
- Online immigration status (eVisa) – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
- Get access to your eVisa – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk
- Online immigration status (eVisa): help video – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
- Media factsheet: eVisas – Home Office in the media (blog.gov.uk)
If you have any questions
- If you are a University of Southampton student, please contact the VISAS team: Contact us: drop-in service and appointments | The Student Hub | University of Southampton
- If you are a University of Southampton member of staff, please contact the HR Staff Visa team via Ask HR: Contact us | Human Resources | University of Southampton