As the UK government gradually moves to eliminate physical immigration documentation, it is important to understand the move to the eVisa system; particularly to employers and employees in the UK who will have to operate in a new digital environment. At Millern & Carter, we guide you through this journey with clarity and authority.
Why UK Employers Should Care About the eVisa Transition
The move to eVisas is not just a technical update; it represents a fundamental transformation in how immigration status is verified. According to the Home Office, millions of visa holders have already changed status to digital, and physical BRPs would be phased out by 2025.
According to Tom Pursglove MP, the Minister of Legal Migration, “this change reinforced border security and prevented misuse of the immigration system, but also provided a cost saving to UK taxpayers.” For employers, this change means:
- Faster employment checks. Employers can verify a worker’s status via a secure online UKVI service, rather than checking brittle physical cards.
- Reduced risk of document fraud: eVisas are “linked with the holder’s unique biometric information … to protect against identity fraud.”
- Simplified record-keeping: no more storing scans of BRPs or paper cards immigration status is managed through digital UKVI accounts.
What Employees Need to Know About eVisa and the BRP Phase‑Out
What is changing for BRP Holders
Physical Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) are being phased out. According to the government’s rollout plan: most BRPs will expire by 31 December 2024, and after that, individuals will need to rely on their UKVI online accounts to access their eVisa.
Current eVisa Adoption Rates & Deadlines
According to UK parliament, as of January 2025, just over 4 million people have successfully created a UKVI account to access their eVisa yet an estimated 600,000 still need to complete the switch.
As per Davidson Morris, the UK government has extended the “grace period” for expired BRPs and BRCs: holders whose documents expired on or after 31 December 2024 can continue to use them for travel until 1 June 2025.
Support for Vulnerable Individuals
The government understands that not all the applicants can cope with the digital shift independently, and, therefore, provides £4 million in grant support to assist vulnerable visa holders through community organizations. This ensures no one is left behind due to digital exclusion.
Leading Through the Transition: How Millern & Carter Can Help
At Millern & Carter, we leverage our deep expertise in UK immigration law to support both employers and employees during the eVisa transition:
- Employer Compliance Reviews: We audit HR and identity-verification procedures to ensure that your contracting procedure is in harmony with the new UKVI online checks.
- Employee Onboarding Assistance: We support the visa holders in establishing their UKVI accounts, connecting their passports, and overcoming technical challenges.
- Risk Mitigation Strategy – We help you anticipate technical or non‑compliance risks (for example: failed setup, inability to generate share codes) and build contingency plans.
Take Action Now — Don’t Delay Your Transition
Time is running short. As the deadline of 1 June 2025 to use expired BRPs is approaching, it is crucial to do it now.
Contact Millern & Carter today for a personalized consultation. We'll assess your organization’s readiness, support your employees, and help you navigate any roadblocks in the switch to eVisas. Set up a free strategy session and ensure your compliance ahead of this landmark reform.
Your digital immigration future starts here; let us guide you.