From 01 January 2025, UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) will be phasing out BRP Cards and replacing them with electronic ‘eVisas’. 

An eVisa is a digital record of a visa holder’s immigration status.  Visa holders will be able to view their eVisa and information about their immigration status online.  From January 2025, visa holders will no longer need to carry a physical visa vignette or BRP card to travel to the UK and instead can prove their immigration status using their online eVisa.  

UKVI have created the following helpful video to explain what an eVisa is and how to access your eVisa:  

My BRP Card expires on 31 December 2024.  What should I do?

If you have a BRP Card that expires on 31 December 2024, but you still have immigration permission to be in the UK after this date, UKVI will contact you before the end of the year to create a UKVI account and access your eVisa.  You should follow the instructions contained in UKVI’s email or letter to create your UKVI account.    You can check your Student immigration permission end date by checking the Visa Decision Letter you received when you applied for your Student visa. 

Once you have created your UKVI account you can use the ‘view and prove’ service to access your eVisa and update your personal details with UKVI. 

If you are contacted by UKVI to create an account and you require any help with this, please email immigration@qub.ac.uk. 

I need to make a new Student visa application.  Will I get a BRP card?

If you need to make a new Student visa application, you should follow the instructions given by UKVI during the application process.  You will receive guidance from UKVI if you need to create a UKVI account and get an eVisa. 

If you need assistance with your new Student application, please contact immigration@qub.ac.uk for help. 

What steps can I take now?

You do not need to take any action until you are contacted by UKVI to create a UKVI account.  Please ensure you regularly check your email inbox for the email address you used when you applied for your Student visa. 

You can also sign up for UKVI updates on the eVisa rollout by registering your email address on the gov.uk website.

Further Information 

You can find further information about eVisas on the UKVI website.