The Digitalisation of the UK Immigration System: Bidding Farewell to BRP Cards

As the UK moves away from Biometric Residence Permits (BRP cards) and other physical documents, Student sponsors need to adapt their enrollment processes to align with the requirements for current e-Visa holders to continue to effectively manage their compliance obligations.

This shift to a digital system requires proactive procedural changes by Student sponsors before they can take advantage of the simplified digital process.

The UK's vision for a digital immigration system aims to transform how foreign nationals demonstrate their right to work, study and live in the UK, resulting in simplification of ‘right-to-study’ checks.

Sponsors will be familiar with this process already with specific nationals and immigration categories already being issued eVisas. This transition eliminates the need to worry about losing documentation, eliminates the requirement to collect documentation from the local post office, and ends the use of Alternative Collection Location (ACL) procedures.

However, this heightens the requirement for a harmonised process across an institution to ensure a student’s ‘right to study’ is checked correctly upon enrolment and before studies commence.

Current landscape

All BRP cards are currently being issued with a validity date of 31 December 2024, regardless of the end date of the permission to enter or stay in the UK. It is expected that BRP cards will cease to be issued from October 2024.

Whilst current BRP card holders will be able to continue to use their BRP, the individual will be personally responsible for registering an eVisa by 31 December 2024.

The short-dated expiry of BRP cards does not affect an individual’s immigration status, however, this will change how an individual proves their status from 1 January 2025 as well as their ability to travel to and from the UK.

Process updates

To transition an individual to an eVisa, an online account with the Home Office must be held by the individual.

Throughout March and April 2024, the UKVI contacted some specific groups of visa holders to create an online account, and further communication with the remaining groups is expected to take place in the coming months.

It is expected that from 3 June, the online account system will open for all individuals. To create an online account the student will require the following:

• • • • Access to a smartphone;
      • Their BRP card number;
      • Their DOB; and
      • Access to an email address and phone number.

No action is required from anyone who currently holds an e-Visa.

Sponsorship considerations

1. Communication: Keeping open lines of communication with students and employees throughout the year will be key to ensuring a smooth process for all.

Specifically, this can include sharing steps anyone holding a short-dated BRP card would need to follow to create an online account, following which their eVisa will be provided. It is also a good practice to inform students and employees of what information and documents they need to provide to the sponsoring entity. It is therefore important to begin educating students and employees on the steps involved at an early stage.

The UKVI’s online immigration status (eVisa) webpage is being regularly updated with the latest updates regarding eVisas.

2. Compliance: Compliance remains of the upmost importance, and with the change in visa issuance to a digital platform comes change in the way a student sponsor validates the ability to study in the UK. It is recommended that student sponsor licence holders consider taking the following steps to ensure compliance during this transitional period;

• • • • • Review international student population and identify who is affected by this change;
        • Obtain a copy of the eVisa for each student using a ‘Share code’;
        • Check the details contained within the eVisa for errors (reporting any visa errors accordingly); and
        • Update internal systems to track the eVisa expiry.

3. Support: Sponsors may wish to offer support to students throughout the transition process, addressing any concerns that may arise. This is likely to be a daunting process for some students to navigate, especially over busy travel periods throughout the summer and end-of-year holiday periods.

Looking ahead

The digitalisation of the UK immigration system and the phasing out of BRP cards marks a pivotal moment in the country’s approach to managing immigration. While the changes are designed to enhance efficiency and security, student sponsors and visa nationals alike must stay informed and adapt to the evolving landscape.

Embracing the digital era brings both opportunities and challenges, and navigating this transition requires a proactive approach. By understanding the implications, staying updated on guidance from the Home Office and embracing digital literacy, individuals can ensure a seamless experience in their journey through the UK immigration system.

Need to know more?

For further information regarding the UK’s shift away from BRP cards, please contact Associate Anastasia Vasiljeva at [email protected].

This blog was published on 3 May 2024, and due to the circumstances, there are frequent changes. To keep up to date with all the latest updates on global immigration, please subscribe to our alerts and follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.