Transitioning From BRP to eVisa for UK Sponsored Workers

As of 1 January 2025, the Home Office ceased using physical BRP cards. All BRPs had a printed expiry date of 31 December 2024, regardless of your visa's actual end date. This date was a technical limitation of the card's security chip. Your underlying immigration permission remains fully valid beyond this printed date. You must not discard your old BRP card, as it may be required for future applications to prove your continuous residence history in the UK.

Your immigration status is now held in a secure online record called an eVisa. This digital profile is the sole method for proving your rights in the UK. It links directly to your passport, streamlining border crossings and identity checks. This system eliminates the risk of losing physical documents. It also allows for real-time updates to your personal information without needing a replacement card, which previously cost £56 and took weeks to arrive.

All sponsored workers must create a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account. This is not optional; it is the only way to access your eVisa. You will need your old BRP number and other personal details to link your immigration record. The entire UK visa sponsorship process now relies on this digital platform for verification. Once linked, you can view your visa conditions and expiry date online at any time, providing complete clarity on your immigration status.

The primary function of your UKVI account is generating share codes. A share code is a unique 9-character alphanumeric code. You give this code to employers or landlords to prove your rights. They use it on the government's online checking service to see your status instantly. This process provides them with a statutory excuse against civil penalties, which can reach £60,000 per illegal worker, making digital checks mandatory for all employers.

The transition to a fully digital system has presented some practical issues. Many UK banks still struggle with the concept of an eVisa. They may incorrectly refuse it as valid proof of identity for opening an account. In this situation, you should escalate the issue to a manager and refer them to the Home Office's official guidance for employers and service providers. It is also wise to carry your expired BRP as a supporting document, even though it is not official proof of status.

Technical glitches and system outages are another significant risk. You could be unable to generate a share code when you need one most. It is good practice to generate a share code for your employer before your first day. Also, ensure your passport details are always current in your UKVI account. An unlinked passport can cause significant delays and questioning at the UK border, as your eVisa will not be automatically recognised by carriers.

Employers are now legally required to conduct online right-to-work checks for all BRP holders. They can no longer accept the physical card as valid proof. This change streamlines onboarding for roles in sectors like healthcare and technology. Your UK digital immigration status allows for instant verification, which helps companies comply with strict regulations. The information they see is limited to your right to work and any employment restrictions, protecting your privacy.

For international travel, your eVisa is digitally linked to your passport. Airlines and border officials check a central database to confirm your permission to travel. This removes the need to present a separate visa card at check-in or border control. However, you must ensure the passport you travel with is the one linked to your UKVI account. The CoS requirements UK 2025 guidance for sponsors now includes advising new hires on setting up their UKVI account upon arrival.

The transition from BRPs to eVisas is a permanent change in the UK immigration system. Your primary responsibility is to create a UKVI account and link your immigration record. This is the only way to manage your status and prove your rights. Physical cards are now obsolete for official purposes, but you should retain them for your personal records. This digital shift makes processes faster but requires you to be proactive in managing your online profile.

Always use share codes to prove your right to work or rent. Keep your contact and passport details updated in your UKVI account to avoid travel issues. Understand that while the system is efficient, technical problems can occur. Being prepared by generating codes in advance is a sensible precaution. The digital eVisa is your official immigration status, and mastering its use is crucial for every sponsored professional working in the United Kingdom.