Important Updates
Important Updates
May 21, 2025 | United StatesUnited States: Protecting Against Immigration Fraud Schemes
May 21, 2025 | United KingdomLBN: Youth Mobility is a Good Start - But Britain’s Immigration System Still Needs a Business Reset
May 21, 2025 | United StatesNegocios Now Names Associate Ana Gabriela Urizar to NYC-TriState Latinos 40 Under 40 Class of 2025
May 21, 2025 | South AfricaSouth Africa: Extended Duration of Stay for Nationals of Lesotho
May 21, 2025 | United Arab EmiratesUnited Arab Emirates: Reminder of 2025 Deadline for Mainland Private Sector Employers to Increase Emiratization Rate
May 21, 2025 | United StatesUnited States: Protecting Against Immigration Fraud Schemes
May 21, 2025 | United KingdomLBN: Youth Mobility is a Good Start - But Britain’s Immigration System Still Needs a Business Reset
May 21, 2025 | United StatesNegocios Now Names Associate Ana Gabriela Urizar to NYC-TriState Latinos 40 Under 40 Class of 2025
May 21, 2025 | South AfricaSouth Africa: Extended Duration of Stay for Nationals of Lesotho
May 21, 2025 | United Arab EmiratesUnited Arab Emirates: Reminder of 2025 Deadline for Mainland Private Sector Employers to Increase Emiratization Rate
May 21, 2025 | United StatesUnited States: Protecting Against Immigration Fraud Schemes
Subscribe
Fragomen.com home
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMedia
Search Fragomen.com
  • Our Services
    For EmployersFor IndividualsBy IndustryCase Studies
  • Our Tech & Innovation
  • Our People
  • Our Insights
    Worldwide Immigration Trends ReportsImmigration AlertsEventsMedia MentionsFragomen NewsBlogsPodcastsVideos
  • Spotlights
    Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump AdministrationHumanitarian and Evolving Legal Pathways (HELP)Vietnamese ImmigrationImmigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance RoadmapFragomen Consulting EuropeAustralian Immigration: New Skills in Demand Visa
  • About Us
    About FragomenOfficesResponsible Business PracticesFirm GovernanceRecognition

Our Services

  • For Employers
  • For Individuals
  • By Industry
  • Case Studies

Our Tech & Innovation

  • Our Approach

Our People

  • Overview / Directory

Our Insights

  • Worldwide Immigration Trends Reports
  • Immigration Alerts
  • Events
  • Media Mentions
  • Fragomen News
  • Blogs
  • Podcasts
  • Videos

Spotlights

  • Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump Administration
  • Humanitarian and Evolving Legal Pathways (HELP)
  • Vietnamese Immigration
  • Immigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance Roadmap
  • Fragomen Consulting Europe
  • Australian Immigration: New Skills in Demand Visa

About Us

  • About Fragomen
  • Offices
  • Responsible Business Practices
  • Firm Governance
  • Recognition
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMedia
  • Insights

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

May 3, 2024

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

Country / Territory

  • United KingdomUnited Kingdom

Related contacts

Anastasia-Vasiljeva

Anastasija Vasiljeva

Associate

London, United Kingdom

Email

[email protected]

T:+44 (0) 20 7090 9438

Related offices

  • London

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related contacts

Anastasia-Vasiljeva

Anastasija Vasiljeva

Associate

London, United Kingdom

Email

[email protected]

T:+44 (0) 20 7090 9438

Related offices

  • London

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related contacts

Anastasia-Vasiljeva

Anastasija Vasiljeva

Associate

London, United Kingdom

Email

[email protected]

T:+44 (0) 20 7090 9438

Related offices

  • London

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

By: Anastasija Vasiljeva

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.

Country / Territory

  • United KingdomUnited Kingdom

Related contacts

Anastasia-Vasiljeva

Anastasija Vasiljeva

Associate

London, United Kingdom

Email

[email protected]

T:+44 (0) 20 7090 9438

Related offices

  • London

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related contacts

Anastasia-Vasiljeva

Anastasija Vasiljeva

Associate

London, United Kingdom

Email

[email protected]

T:+44 (0) 20 7090 9438

Related offices

  • London

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related contacts

Anastasia-Vasiljeva

Anastasija Vasiljeva

Associate

London, United Kingdom

Email

[email protected]

T:+44 (0) 20 7090 9438

Related offices

  • London

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Explore more at Fragomen

Media mentions

LBN: Youth Mobility is a Good Start - But Britain’s Immigration System Still Needs a Business Reset

UK Managing Partner Nadine Goldfoot reflects on how the UK’s immigration system might adapt to better support business and short-term mobility.

Learn more

Awards

Negocios Now Names Associate Ana Gabriela Urizar to NYC-TriState Latinos 40 Under 40 Class of 2025

Negocios Now names Associate Ana Gabriela Urizar to its NYC-TriState Latinos 40 Under 40 Class of 2025 list.

Learn more

Video

Digital Nomad Visas Explained: How to Travel and Work Remotely

Learn the key requirements for digital nomad visas and find out which countries you can apply to as a remote worker or freelancer. 

Learn more

Media mentions

Financial Times Adviser: Relocating to the UK: An Immigration Lawyer’s Guide for US clients

Practice Leader Olga Nechita provides practical guidance on navigating UK immigration routes, settlement options and key considerations for applicants.

Learn more

Video

New DOLE Rules for Employing Foreign Nationals | #MobilityMinute

Senior Business Immigration Consultant Missy Mae Makil discusses the new DOLE rules for employing foreign nationals in the Philippines.

Learn more

Media mentions

Research Professional News: Immigration White Paper Offers Employers Costs without Clarity

UK Government Affairs Strategy Director Shuyeb Muquit examines how the UK’s new Immigration White Paper could affect talent mobility and growth in the life sciences sector.

Learn more

Media mentions

An Interview with Partner Abeer Al Husseini (الاقتصادية)

Partner Abeer Al Husseini discusses recent changes in Saudi Arabia's commercial regulations, their impact on international businesses and how they support Vision 2030.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen and Talent Beyond Boundaries Win "Partnership with an International Charity" at Better Society 2025 Awards

Fragomen and Talent Beyond Boundaries received the “Partnership with an International Charity” award at the 10th Annual Better Society Awards.

Learn more

Blog post

Freelance Licence in the UAE: What You Need to Know in 2025

Corporate Services Director Elena Caron outlines essential information and updates regarding obtaining a freelance licence in the UAE, highlighting key requirements and benefits for freelancers.

Learn more

Media mentions

Global Mobility Lawyer: Immigration White Paper Sends Message That the UK is “Closed for Business”

Partner Rajiv Naik discussed how UK employers can prepare for immigration reforms by reviewing policies and aligning mobility with workforce planning.

Learn more

Blog post

A System Reset Presents Challenges and Opportunities: The UK’s Immigration White Paper in Focus

UK Government Affairs Strategy Director Shuyeb Muquit discusses how the UK’s Immigration White Paper presents both challenges and opportunities, highlighting the need for a system reset to address immigration issues effectively.

Learn more

Media mentions

AMCHAM Luxembourg: Interview – Virginie Todesco, Fragomen

Immigration Manager Virginie Todesco highlights how Luxembourg’s clear immigration system and strategic reforms attract global talent and employers.

Learn more

Media mentions

LBN: Youth Mobility is a Good Start - But Britain’s Immigration System Still Needs a Business Reset

UK Managing Partner Nadine Goldfoot reflects on how the UK’s immigration system might adapt to better support business and short-term mobility.

Learn more

Awards

Negocios Now Names Associate Ana Gabriela Urizar to NYC-TriState Latinos 40 Under 40 Class of 2025

Negocios Now names Associate Ana Gabriela Urizar to its NYC-TriState Latinos 40 Under 40 Class of 2025 list.

Learn more

Video

Digital Nomad Visas Explained: How to Travel and Work Remotely

Learn the key requirements for digital nomad visas and find out which countries you can apply to as a remote worker or freelancer. 

Learn more

Media mentions

Financial Times Adviser: Relocating to the UK: An Immigration Lawyer’s Guide for US clients

Practice Leader Olga Nechita provides practical guidance on navigating UK immigration routes, settlement options and key considerations for applicants.

Learn more

Video

New DOLE Rules for Employing Foreign Nationals | #MobilityMinute

Senior Business Immigration Consultant Missy Mae Makil discusses the new DOLE rules for employing foreign nationals in the Philippines.

Learn more

Media mentions

Research Professional News: Immigration White Paper Offers Employers Costs without Clarity

UK Government Affairs Strategy Director Shuyeb Muquit examines how the UK’s new Immigration White Paper could affect talent mobility and growth in the life sciences sector.

Learn more

Media mentions

An Interview with Partner Abeer Al Husseini (الاقتصادية)

Partner Abeer Al Husseini discusses recent changes in Saudi Arabia's commercial regulations, their impact on international businesses and how they support Vision 2030.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen and Talent Beyond Boundaries Win "Partnership with an International Charity" at Better Society 2025 Awards

Fragomen and Talent Beyond Boundaries received the “Partnership with an International Charity” award at the 10th Annual Better Society Awards.

Learn more

Blog post

Freelance Licence in the UAE: What You Need to Know in 2025

Corporate Services Director Elena Caron outlines essential information and updates regarding obtaining a freelance licence in the UAE, highlighting key requirements and benefits for freelancers.

Learn more

Media mentions

Global Mobility Lawyer: Immigration White Paper Sends Message That the UK is “Closed for Business”

Partner Rajiv Naik discussed how UK employers can prepare for immigration reforms by reviewing policies and aligning mobility with workforce planning.

Learn more

Blog post

A System Reset Presents Challenges and Opportunities: The UK’s Immigration White Paper in Focus

UK Government Affairs Strategy Director Shuyeb Muquit discusses how the UK’s Immigration White Paper presents both challenges and opportunities, highlighting the need for a system reset to address immigration issues effectively.

Learn more

Media mentions

AMCHAM Luxembourg: Interview – Virginie Todesco, Fragomen

Immigration Manager Virginie Todesco highlights how Luxembourg’s clear immigration system and strategic reforms attract global talent and employers.

Learn more

Stay in touch

Subscribe to receive our latest immigration alerts

Subscribe

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Have a question?

Contact Us
  • LinkedIn
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

© 2025 Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP, Fragomen Global LLP and affiliates. All Rights Reserved.

Please note that the content made available on this site is not intended for visitors / customers located in the province of Quebec, and the information provided is not applicable to the Quebec market. To access relevant information that applies to the Quebec market, please click here.