Chaudhry Tabraiz Aurah
The UK’s shift towards a fully digital immigration system is no longer just an aspiration—it is rapidly becoming a reality. With over 4 million visa holders having already created accounts to access their eVisa, the Home Office’s ambitious plan to modernize and streamline border control is well underway. However, the estimated 600,000 individuals yet to transition from physical immigration documents to an eVisa highlight the challenges of such a large-scale digital transformation.
The Plan for Change, under which eVisas have been introduced, is designed to enhance security, efficiency, and accessibility in the UK’s immigration system. The move away from physical documents is a reflection of the global trend towards digital governance, where paper-based systems are being phased out in favor of secure, online solutions. This transition promises to make immigration status more convenient to access, harder to forge, and easier to manage for both individuals and authorities.Recognizing the scale of the shift, the Home Office has wisely extended the grace period for expired biometric residence permits (BRP) and EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) biometric residence cards (BRC). Initially set to end on 31 March 2025, the period has been extended to 1 June 2025, allowing individuals with expired documents to continue using them for international travel. This extension is a pragmatic move, preventing potential disruptions for those still in the process of securing their eVisa accounts.However, from 2 June 2025, expired BRPs and BRCs will no longer be valid for travel. This marks a clear deadline for those yet to act. While the transition to eVisas has been smooth for the majority, the remaining 600,000 individuals must be urged to complete the process to avoid any difficulties.While the government’s vision for a fully digital immigration system is commendable, it does come with practical challenges. The exact number of people still needing to create an eVisa account is difficult to determine, as immigration data fluctuates daily due to visa expirations, departures, and changes in status.Additionally, issues such as duplicate UKVI accounts, created unintentionally by some applicants, need to be resolved to ensure a seamless experience. The government’s continued commitment to monitoring and refining the system will be key to ensuring that the remaining visa holders can make the transition without unnecessary hurdles.The government is urging those who have not yet created their eVisa account to do so as soon as possible. The process is free and straightforward, particularly for those who already hold physical or paper-based immigration documents. All EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) status holders have already transitioned, demonstrating that the system is functional and reliable.For those with Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), who currently rely on passport ink stamps or vignettes, there is no immediate requirement to switch. However, moving to an eVisa is strongly recommended to take advantage of the security, accessibility, and efficiency it offers.The UK’s move towards a digital immigration system is a sign of progress, aligning with global trends in border security and digital governance. The transition reduces risks of document fraud, makes immigration status easier to verify, and simplifies interactions with employers, landlords, and government services.
While change often brings uncertainty, the benefits of a digital immigration system far outweigh the temporary challenges. The Home Office’s extension of the grace period is a welcome decision, but it must be used wisely by those who have yet to act. As the final deadline of 1 June 2025 approaches, visa holders should ensure they are ready for the digital future.
