eVisa and BRP Transition: 2026 UK Immigration Policy Update

If you hold a UK visa, you may have noticed that the familiar pink Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) card is no longer being issued. As of 2026, the UK has fully transitioned to a digital-only immigration status known as an eVisa. This means your right to live, work, or study in the UK is now proven online, not with a physical document. The Home Office confirmed that by March 2026, over 4.6 million former BRP holders had successfully activated their UKVI account, and new visa applicants are issued an eVisa from the start. Border Force data shows that digital status checks at UK entry points now account for 98% of all non-British arrivals, signalling the end of plastic biometric cards. This guide explains what the eVisa is, how the transition affects you, and how to manage your immigration status in 2026.

What Is the eVisa System and Why Was It Introduced?

The eVisa is a secure online record of your UK immigration permission. It replaces physical documents such as the BRP card, biometric residence permits, passport vignette stickers, and ink stamps. The transition is part of the UK government’s broader plan to create a fully digital border by 2025, with the final stage completed in early 2026.

Background of the BRP Phase-Out

From 31 December 2024, no new BRP cards were issued. All subsequent grants of leave became digital.
By 30 June 2025, existing BRP card holders were required to have set up a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account and accessed their eVisa.
As of March 2026, remaining BRP cards are no longer accepted as valid proof of status for right to work, rent, or travel. You must use the online service.

Key Benefits of eVisas

Security: Your immigration record cannot be lost, stolen, or tampered with, as it is stored on government systems.
Real-time updates: Employers and landlords check your status instantly via the Home Office online service, reducing paperwork.
Convenience: You can update passport details or report changes directly in your UKVI account without waiting for a new card.
Border speed: eGates now read your linked passport, meaning faster processing at airports if you are eligible.

Key Dates and Milestones for 2026

1 January 2026: The grace period for using expired BRP cards (where the holder had a valid eVisa) ended. No airline will allow boarding based on a BRP alone.
April 2026: The Home Office released updated guidance confirming that all active leave is displayed digitally. Individuals without an eVisa who still hold valid leave must create an account urgently.
Throughout 2026: UKVI continues to contact a small residual group of BRP holders who have not yet created accounts, offering support surgeries and digital drop-in sessions.

How to Access and Prove Your Immigration Status in 2026

Managing your immigration status now revolves around your UKVI account. If you made your visa application after mid-2024, your account was likely created automatically. If you held a BRP, you should have set up your account during the transition period.

Creating a UKVI Account and Viewing Your eVisa

To generate an eVisa for the first time (if you are late to the transition):

You need your BRP number, date of birth, and access to the email or phone number you used in your original visa application.
Visit the official GOV.UK “View and Prove” page and follow the steps to create an account.
Once verified, your digital status appears immediately. You will not receive a physical document.

If your UKVI account was created automatically, you can sign in using the identity document you registered with (usually your passport).

Using the ‘View and Prove’ Service

Log into your UKVI account at any time.
Select “View and prove your immigration status”.
You can generate a share code that is valid for 30 days. This code allows an employer, landlord, or university to check your right to work, rent, or study in real time.
You can also download a PDF summary of your status, though the share code is the primary verification method.

Proving Status to Employers, Landlords, and at the Border

Right to work: Provide your employer with your share code and date of birth. They check it via the Home Office employer checking service.
Right to rent: Landlords use the same share code system. They must verify it before a tenancy begins.
Travel: Ensure the passport you intend to use is linked to your UKVI account. Airlines query Home Office systems using your passport details; if all is in order, you can board. Carry your expired BRP only as a personal reference—border officers no longer require it.

If you’re concerned about accessing your digital status or updating your details, a licensed immigration advisor can provide clarity. EngTu’s network of experienced advisors (合作持牌顾问团队) is available to review your case and suggest practical steps.

Common Challenges and How to Resolve Them

Even with the transition largely complete, some individuals may encounter difficulties. Understanding how to address them can prevent travel disruptions and problems with proving your rights.

Lost or forgotten UKVI account credentials: Use the “recover access” function on GOV.UK. You will need your identity document and the recovery email or phone number you set up. If you cannot recover access yourself, contact the UKVI resolution centre (support available via phone and webchat; check official sources for current contact details).
Expired BRP and no eVisa: If you still have valid leave but never created an account, you must do so immediately. Contact UKVI as soon as possible; delays may occur in verifying your status if the original grant predates digital records.
Discrepancies between passport and eVisa record: When you renew your passport, you must update your UKVI account online. Failing to do this can cause a mismatch at the border. Update your details as soon as you receive a new travel document.
Trouble generating a share code: Check that your UKVI account status is “active” and that your personal details (name, date of birth) exactly match the information you provided to the checker. Technical glitches are rare but can be reported to the online help centre.

What the eVisa Means for International Students and Skilled Workers

International students arriving in 2026 receive a digital immigration permission linked to their passport before travel—no vignette sticker is placed in the passport. Once in the UK, they access their eVisa to confirm their study rights and term-time work allowance. Universities verify a student’s enrolment eligibility by using the share code, so students must keep their status up to date. For skilled workers, the change streamlines job changes: any new visa grant is reflected online immediately, and employers no longer wait for a physical card. However, maintaining accurate contact information with UKVI is critical to receiving notifications about your status expiry or renewal windows.

Individuals with indefinite leave to remain (ILR) who previously held a BRP must also use an eVisa, though many ILR holders with older vignettes in passports were invited to upgrade to an eVisa during 2024–25. By 2026, nearly all ILR holders whose documents have an expiry date are in the digital system. For those with truly legacy paper documents (stamps in expired passports), there is a separate UKVI service to create a digital record, which you should initiate well before any planned travel.

FAQ

Q1: Do I still need to carry my BRP card if I have an eVisa?

No. As of 2026, BRP cards are no longer valid for proving your immigration status. You only need your UKVI account and, when required, a share code. You can destroy your expired BRP or keep it for personal records, but it cannot be used for travel or identification.

Q2: What happens if I haven’t created my UKVI account yet, but my leave is still valid?

You should create your account immediately on the GOV.UK website using your BRP details or application reference. If you encounter difficulties, contact the UKVI resolution centre. Although your legal status remains valid, you will face practical problems proving your right to work, rent, or travel without a digital record. Delays in resolving legacy cases have been acknowledged by UKVI, so act early.

Q3: Can I use my eVisa when travelling outside the UK?

Yes. When you return to the UK, the airline will electronically verify your immigration permission using your passport details. Ensure your current passport is linked to your UKVI account before travel. If you recently changed your passport and haven’t updated your account, you may be denied boarding. Always check your UKVI account a week before departure.

Q4: How do I update my details if my passport or personal information changes?

Log into your UKVI account and use the “update details” function to register your new passport. The change is typically processed within a few days. For a change of name or nationality, you may need to submit supporting documents. Keep your contact details current so UKVI can reach you about your status.

References

Home Office, 2025, Introducing the UK’s digital immigration system: eVisa guidance
UK Visas and Immigration, 2025, eVisa: How to access your immigration status online
UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA), 2026, Immigration update: end of BRP and digital status
Office for National Statistics, 2026, Long-term international migration statistics incorporating eVisa data
GOV.UK, 2026, View and prove your immigration status: step-by-step instructions