Switching from a biometric residence permit (BRP) to an eVisa

Update your BRP to an eVisa by 31 December 2024
Passport and map, courtesy of Shutterstock
Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) are being phased out by UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) and replaced by a digital immigration status known as the eVisa.
All University of Plymouth students requiring a visa to study in the UK will need to replace their physical document (usually in the form of a BRP or vignette) with an eVisa before 31 December 2024.
 

Do I need to switch to the eVisa?

If you have a BRP or vignette, you will need to switch to the eVisa.
Students of certain nationalities who hold some UK visa types will already have an eVisa. If you don't have a physical document and/or you already have a UKVI account then you already hold an eVisa and no further action is required

When do I need to switch to the eVisa?

The deadline for completing the switch to the eVisa is 31 December 2024.
If you have a visa that expires in 2025 or later then you will notice that the expiry date of your BRP is the end of 2024. We strongly advise you to make the switch as soon as you can.

How do I switch to the eVisa?

If you hold a BRP you can access your new eVisa by creating a UKVI account. The process is entirely online and accessible via the official government pages.
Take a look at the Government video: How to create a UKVI account and access your eVisa (video)

Does my visa change when I switch to an eVisa?

No, your visa and its conditions will not change when you are granted an eVisa.
The eVisa is just a different way of proving that you have a UK visa. Instead of the physical documents like a BRP - that most students have to prove their visa status - you'll now have a digital permission.

Travelling with an eVisa

Your eVisa is linked to your passport
When you are travelling to the UK you'll be asked to provide your passport and the airline or Border Force Control Officer will be able to see on their systems the details of your visa.

I‘m applying for the Graduate visa in the near future...

... do I still need to switch my current Student visa to the eVisa?
Yes, it is important to switch to the eVisa as soon as possible before 31 December 2024 and send us the share code. This will ensure we report your successful completion to UKVI which will allow you to apply for the Graduate visa.
 
 

Using share codes to share your eVisa status

Share codes can be used to prove that you have the correct UK immigration status for:
  • studying – the University will require you to complete a Right to Study check before you can enrol on your new degree or to enrol on your new stage.
  • renting a property – a landlord will need proof you have the right to rent.
  • working – an employer will need proof of your right to work and any restrictions on employment.
You can obtain a share code on Gov.uk.
A share code is only valid for 90 days.
handing over passport at a boarding gate in an airport
If you think there is an error on or in the conditions of your eVisa – for example, the expiry date or number of hours you are permitted to work - then please contact us as soon as possible.
 
 

Keep your eVisa up to date

It's important that you keep your UKVI online account up to date if any of the following details change:
  • mobile phone number
  • email address
  • name
  • identity document, such as your passport or national identity card
  • home address
  • postal address.
Failure to do so might lead to you having problems travelling to the UK or proving your visa status once you get here. Just sign in to your UKVI account to make any updates.
Remember to tell University of Plymouth about these changes so that we can keep your student record up to date.

Switching to an eVisa is free

There is no application fee and or any further immigration health surcharge. If you are contacted by someone claiming that you need to pay then this is probably a scam or fraud.
The UKVI very rarely call or text individuals. If you receive a call or text from someone claiming to be from the UKVI, Home Office or any other government department come and talk to us before taking any action.
Emails from the UKVI will come from an official Gov.uk email address and they will always direct you towards an official Gov.uk website.
 

I've switched to the eVisa, what should I do with my BRP?

We asked the UKVI this question and they advised that you keep your BRP and continue to use it when travelling in and out of the UK until it expires.
Most BRPs will expire on or before 31 December 2024. You won't get a new BRP after this date.

I'm an Asylum seeker do I need to switch to an eVisa?

If you hold an Application Registration Card (ARC) that proves your status in the UK then you won't be able to switch to the eVisa at this time.
Your ARC will continue to be valid and you may be issued a new physical card in the future.
UKVI will contact you should you need to change to the eVisa at a later time.
Speak to us

Our specialists provide free advice on studying at the University of Plymouth as an international student.