The United Kingdom has decided to include new biometric applicants in its eVisa system.
Through a statement, the government announced that it would phase out physical documents, such as Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs), wet ink stamps and vignette stickers, thus replacing them with an online immigration status which is accessible through the UKVI account, VisaGudie.World reports.
The UK’s government emphasized that persons granted visas to stay in the Kingdom for more than six months for work or study will be required to create an online UKVI account in order to access their eVisa.
The rule does not affect those who plan to stay in the UK for less than six months for purposes such as tourism. It means that they are not required to set up an account.
This new use of technology will streamline a key part of the visa process, make it more secure and reduce the dependence on paper documents.
The government also emphasized that the process is secure, free and straightforward.
You must not travel to the UK until you have received your passport and valid UK visa back from the Visa Application Centre (VAC). Updating a physical document to an eVisa does not affect your immigration status or the conditions of your permission to enter or stay in the UK.
Authorities in Britain recalled that in spite of the shift to digital, BRP cards will continue to remain valid until December 31 this year. However, the expiry of the BRP card does not affect the holders’ immigration status.
UK Calls on Foreigners With BRS to Switch to UKVI Account
The government said that the BRP card can be used to create a UKVI account and access the eVisa.
You should continue to carry your BRP until it expires, and take your BRP and your passport when traveling overseas to prove your permission to return to the UK.
On April 17 this year, Britain began the immigration system digitalisation, urging internationals with Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) to replace their documents with a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account. The account is used by internationals to access their eVisa.
The Home Office began sending emails to those with BRPs, recalling them to set up a UKVI account. The account serves as proof of their immigration status.