Currently, many employers check the identity and verify the Right to Work status of their employees by asking workers to bring in passports or resident permits for manual checking. The government is now urging everyone relying on physical documents to prove their immigration status to transition to the digital eVisa system by the end of 2025, so it’s essential to be prepared.
Employment Checks and Digital Transition
The shift to eVisas, a process which was started by the previous government alongside the electronic travel authorisation for UK visitors, aims to streamline and secure how individuals prove their immigration status. With all biometric residence permits (BRPs) expiring at the end of 2024, the eVisa will fully replace legacy physical documents and stamps as proof of status. While this change does not affect UK immigration status, it impacts how people demonstrate their right to work, rent, access benefits, and travel.
Implications for Employers and Job Seekers
Most employers already use the UKVI online service for right-to-work checks, which is compatible with the eVisa system. Workers whose employers are already using online checking for Right to Work are not likely to notice any difference in the process. Employers must ensure updated right-to-work checks are conducted using a share code from the UKVI service before the end of the year. Civil penalties for illegal working are now as high as £60,000 per employee, so employers are making all efforts to do this.
Getting an eVisa
People whose old Biometric Residence Permit expired at the end of 2024 were given a grace period to the end of March 2025 to organise a new eVisa. The first step is creating a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account online, and you’ll need the reference from your visa application to do this. There is then a short form to fill in, and once approved, your eVisa will be linked to your UKVI account and you’ll get an email saying the process has completed.
Supporting the Transition
As of 4 December 2024, more than 3.1 million individuals, primarily BRP holders, have successfully transitioned to eVisas this year. Immigration officials have encouraged people who are still to apply to start the process right away, and reminded parents to create accounts for their children. Biometric Residence Permits are not just used for getting jobs and proving your identity, but also when travelling outside the UK to show to airlines or airport check-in staff. Although some airlines will still accept the old biometric permits, it will make travel through airports much easier if you have an up to date eVisa.
There is lots of information on the government website around this whole eVisa process, along with videos explaining how to set up your online accounts and access your information. There is a webchat function for any specific questions about the process, although they are unable to give advice on the progress of any specific application. There is also a phone number where you can speak to an advisor if you can’t find the answer to your question online.
