For millions of foreign nationals living in the United Kingdom—from students and skilled workers to those with refugee status—a physical plastic card has been their most important possession. The Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) has been the gold standard for proving one’s right to live, work, and rent in the UK.
However, a historic shift is currently underway. By the time we fully settle into 2026, the era of physical immigration documents will be over. The UK Home Office is moving towards a “digital by default” immigration system, replacing physical cards with an online status known as an E-Visa.
This transition is not just a minor administrative change; it is a fundamental overhaul of how the UK border operates. For Indian, Pakistani, and Nigerian nationals—who make up the largest cohorts of visa holders—understanding this change is vital to avoid being stranded at the border or unable to prove rights to an employer.
The Deadline: Why December 31, 2024 Matters
If you look at your current BRP card, you might notice that it has an expiry date of 31 December 2024, even if your actual visa permission extends well into 2025 or 2026. This was not a mistake. It was a deliberate move by the Home Office to align with their digitization strategy.
From January 1, 2025, most physical documents (including BRPs and Biometric Residence Cards) will no longer be valid for travel. By 2026, the system is expected to be fully matured, with airlines and border force officers relying solely on digital records linked to your passport.
This move comes amidst broader changes in migration numbers. As reported recently, the landscape is shifting rapidly. You can read more about the statistics driving these decisions in our report: UK Immigration Update: Home Office Releases New Migration Data (Dec 1).
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What is an E-Visa?
An E-Visa is an online record of your immigration status. You will no longer carry a physical card. Instead, you will log into a secure UK government website to view your status.
This digital system allows you to:
- Prove your rights to employers and landlords using a “Share Code.”
- Update your personal details (like a new passport number or address) instantly.
- Cross the UK border without needing to collect a BRP upon arrival.
This modernization applies to almost all visa categories. Whether you are here as a professional or looking to switch routes, the digital system will be your primary proof. For those currently studying, understanding this is crucial before you make your next move. If you are planning to change your status soon, read our guide on How to Switch from Student Visa to Skilled Worker Visa in UK.
How to Create Your UKVI Account (Step-by-Step)
The transition is not automatic for everyone. You must take action to ensure your digital status is active before your card expires.
Step 1: Create a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) Account
You will need your current BRP number or your passport number to start. You can do this on the official government portal: GOV.UK: Get access to your eVisa.
Step 2: Link Your Identity Document
This is the most critical step. You must link your current passport to your UKVI account. If you renew your passport in 2026, you must update your UKVI account immediately. If you fail to do this, your airline might not see your visa status when they scan your passport, and you could be denied boarding.
Step 3: View and Prove
Once registered, you can use the “View and Prove” service to generate share codes. This is replacing the physical inspection of cards.
- Official Source: GOV.UK: View and prove your immigration status.
Impact on Skilled Workers and High Earners
For professionals, the digital system simplifies the hiring process. Employers no longer need to photocopy cards; they simply run a digital check. This streamlines the onboarding for the UK Skilled Worker Visa 2025: New Salary Rules, ensuring that salary thresholds and sponsorship details are verified instantly against Home Office data.
Furthermore, the UK is looking to attract top global talent. There are discussions about streamlining routes for the wealthiest and most talented individuals to bypass red tape. For more on this developing story, see: UK to Allow High Earners New Faster Path to Residency.
The Asylum System and Digital Status
The digitization project also extends to those in the asylum system. The Home Office is overhauling how it processes and tracks protection claims. The new digital model aims to reduce the backlog, though it comes with stricter enforcement measures.
Recently, the government introduced new criteria for fast-tracking refusals. It is essential to stay updated on these changes: UK Asylum Overhaul: New Fast-Track Rejections & Safe Country List.
Under the new “2026-ready” model, the tracking of asylum seekers will be more rigorous. The goal is to process claims faster, but for those granted status, the path to Indefinite Leave to Remain (Settlement) is becoming longer and more complex. We recently analyzed this long-term impact in our article: Asylum Seekers to Face 20-Year Wait for UK Settlement.
For a deep dive into the specific operational changes within the ministry, you can also read about The UK Home Office’s New Asylum Model.
Travel in 2026: What Tourists and Residents Need to Know
It is not just residents who are going digital. The UK is rolling out the ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) scheme for visitors. By 2026, even non-visa nationals (like Americans and Europeans) will need digital permission before flying.
For visitors from visa-national countries (like India, Pakistan, Nigeria), the Standard Visitor Visa is also becoming fully digital. If you are planning to invite family over in 2026, ensure they are prepared for this paperless process. A complete breakdown of the requirements can be found here: UK Visitor Visa: A Comprehensive Guide.
Impact on Indian and South Asian Nationals
A significant portion of UK visa holders are Indian nationals, particularly in the IT and healthcare sectors. The shift to E-Visas is particularly important for this demographic.
Indian passport holders must ensure that their names in their UKVI account match their passports exactly. Inconsistencies in spelling between a physical BRP and a passport have been common in the past; in a digital-only system, these data mismatches can cause automated gates at Heathrow or Gatwick to reject entry.
Official Guidance: If you have a BRP, you should have received an email from the Home Office instructing you to create an account. If you haven’t, do not wait until 2026. Visit GOV.UK: Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) to check the status of your document.
Troubleshooting: What if the System Fails?
One of the biggest concerns regarding the 2026 outlook is technical failure. “What if the website is down when I am at the airport?”
The Home Office advises that airlines and carriers will have direct access to the database. However, as a precaution, VisaVlog Team recommends that travelers in 2026:
- Generate a “Share Code” before flying and save it as a PDF on their phone.
- Keep the email confirmation of their visa grant accessible.
- Ensure their passport is valid for the duration of their stay.
Conclusion
The “End of the BRP” is a milestone in the UK’s modernization journey. While it promises efficiency, the transition period throughout 2025 and into 2026 requires active participation from you. Do not assume your status will transfer automatically. Create your account, link your passport, and step confidently into the digital future of UK immigration.
