Deadline for BRPs and BRCs passed
As part of the Home Office’s transition from physical documents to digital eVisas, it was initially understood that all Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) and Biometric Residence Cards (BRCs) would expire on 31 December 2024. This deadline was pushed back a couple of times, with 1 June 2025 eventually proving to be the final day on which BRPs and BRCs could be used to enter the UK.
According to the Home Office’s published statistics, 4.3 million people have already switched to an eVisa. However, despite the above deadline, it is believed that a further 300,000 individuals are still yet to active their eVisa.
The future of visa vignettes
Prior to the introduction of eVisas, new entrants to the UK would be granted a visa vignette – essentially a sticker in their passport – allowing them to enter the UK. Once in the UK, they would then need to collect their BRP from a designated location (usually a post office).
Despite the transition to eVisas and the slow death of the BRP, visa vignettes have remained as a relic of the analogue immigration system, sometimes being issued for overseas applicants alongside an eVisa. Given that eVisas do not need to be collected in the same way as a BRP, the vignette now serves little purpose, save for as physical back-up evidence.
However, this looks set to change. The Home Office have announced that, from 15 July 2025, main applicants in several routes (including Skilled Workers and Students) will receive an eVisa only. Strangely, dependants in these routes will continue to receive both an eVisa and a vignette, at least for the time being.
Entry without a vignette
With vignettes slowly being phased out, it is worth keeping in mind the steps that new arrivals ought to take before entering the UK. If you do not already have a UKVI account, then you should first follow the instructions in your decision letter to create one. You should then access your eVisa to confirm that your personal details are accurate, ensuring that you link your eVisa to your passport prior to travel.
For sponsors, it is important to note that the end of the vignette does not negate the continuing obligation to keep a record of the sponsored worker’s date of entry into the UK. Sponsors should seek other evidence from their sponsored workers, such as travel tickets or receipts.
Indefinite leave to remain
Although the entry vignette is being phased out, some people in the UK will still have old stamps or vignettes in their passports proving their indefinite leave to remain. The Home Office have confirmed that these people can continue to use these stamps and vignettes to prove their rights, including for the purposes of travel.
With that said, it is still recommended to create an eVisa, as this will make it easier to prove your rights and limit the risk of confusion at the border. For those with a vignette or stamp, this can be done by making a free No Time Limit application.
Old BRPs and BRCs
Although all BRPs and BRCs have now expired, the Home Office have confirmed that these can be retained. We would recommend holding onto your BRP or BRC for record-keeping purposes.
We would further recommend bringing your old BRP or BRC and your most recent decision letter with you whenever you are leaving or re-entering the UK, to act as physical back-up evidence, in the event that the digital systems encounter any issues.
If you would like any advice on your visa application, please get in touch at [email protected]
