UK Govt. to Replace biometric immigration cards with E- Visas by 2025

The United Kingdom (UK) has announced to replace physical biometric immigration cards with e-visas by 2025. As part of a digital border initiative, the UK will gradually switch from traditional documents such as Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) and Biometric Residence Cards (BRCs).

Presently, people from non-EU countries residing in the UK are issued BRPs to serve as evidence of their immigration status. These cards comprise biometric data and are used by Border Force officers to verify the identity of a resident in the UK.

A step towards digital systems

The new approach by the Home Office indicates a move towards digital systems, similar to those in Australia, where biometrics are gathered but physical cards are not issued. Rather, applicants get e-visas that can be verified online.

All existing BRPs are scheduled to expire by December 31, 2024, irrespective of their validity period. This measure is influenced by the UK's post-Brexit status, as EU requirements no longer apply. The Home Office targets to completely phase out BRPs by 2025.

A statement on the UK official government website convinces individuals that they will be able to prove their immigration status online without a BRP starting from January 1, 2025. UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) will offer updated regulations on how to verify immigration status in early 2024.

For the people, whose immigration status extends beyond December 31 or has no time limit (e.g., permanent residents with 'Indefinite Leave to Remain'), no action is needed, and their status will remain unchanged.

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To know more such immigration updates and apply for a relevant visa in your desired country in 2024, you may contact a qualified and reliable Visa and Immigration Expert at Visas Avenue Toll-Free No. 78-18-000-777 or you can drop us an e-mail at info@visasavenue.com.

- Rajneesh Kumar