.png)
From BRP's to eVisas: What Swiss Nationals and Residents Need to Know About the UK’s Digital Immigration Transition
- Paul Richmond
- Jan 16
- 3 min read
Updated: Mar 4
In This Article
Introduction to eVisas
What Is an eVisa? A Digital Record of Immigration Status
Why Are eVisas Important? A Look at the Benefits
Who Needs an eVisa? Understanding the Affected Groups
How to Transition to an eVisa
Travel Considerations With eVisas
Addressing Concerns and Supporting Vulnerable Individuals
Future of UK Immigration: What’s Next?
Conclusion
Contact Our Immigration Barristers
1. Introduction to eVisas
As the UK transitions to a digital immigration system, Swiss nationals and residents who interact with the UK—whether for work, study, or family purposes—should be aware of the new eVisa system. The UK Home Office has replaced physical documents, such as biometric residence permits (BRPs) and biometric residence cards (BRCs), with digital visas, simplifying the process of managing immigration status.
This guide explains the key aspects of eVisas, their benefits, and how Swiss nationals and residents can adapt to this digital transformation.
2. What Is an eVisa? A Digital Record of Immigration Status
An eVisa is an online record of your immigration status in the UK, replacing physical documents. Accessible through the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) system, eVisas enable holders to view, update, and share their status securely online.
For Swiss citizens and residents, this system offers enhanced convenience, as it eliminates the need to carry or safeguard physical proof of status. Since October 2024, all new UK visas have been issued in digital format, and existing BRP or BRC holders have been encouraged to transition as soon as possible.
3. Why Are eVisas Important? A Look at the Benefits
The introduction of eVisas brings several advantages:
Convenience: Your immigration status is accessible anytime online.
Security: Digital records reduce the risk of loss or theft associated with physical documents.
Streamlined Verification: Share your immigration status with employers, landlords, or government agencies using a secure share code system.
For Swiss professionals, students, and businesses, these changes simplify compliance and ensure a seamless interaction with the UK’s immigration framework.
4. Who Needs an eVisa? Understanding the Affected Groups
If you are a Swiss national or resident engaging with the UK immigration system, you may need to transition to an eVisa. This applies to:
Holders of biometric residence permits (BRPs) or biometric residence cards (BRCs).
Participants in the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) who rely on BRCs.
Individuals with Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) on old-style passport stamps or vignettes.
Families travelling to or residing in the UK should ensure that children requiring immigration status have their own UKVI accounts.
5. How to Transition to an eVisa
The process is straightforward:
Create a UKVI Account: Register online with your passport details and visa information.
Verify and Update: Ensure all information is accurate, particularly if your passport details change.
Share Your Status: Use the UKVI system to generate a share code for employers, landlords, or others requiring proof of your status.
While BRPs expiring after 31 December 2024 can be used until 1 June 2025, early transition to an eVisa is highly recommended to avoid complications.
6. Travel Considerations With eVisas
Swiss nationals and residents travelling to the UK should note the following:
Immigration checks at UK borders are now primarily digital.
Ensure your passport details in your UKVI account are updated before travelling.
Share codes can provide additional reassurance if your status needs to be verified abroad.
7. Addressing Concerns and Supporting Vulnerable Individuals
The UK government has introduced support services to assist those less familiar with digital systems. These include:
The UKVI Resolution Centre for technical support.
The Assisted Digital Service for tailored guidance.
Organisations offering free support to vulnerable individuals.
These measures ensure that all groups, including Swiss nationals who may face technical or logistical challenges, can transition smoothly to eVisas.
8. Future of UK Immigration: What’s Next?
The move to eVisas is part of the UK’s broader plan to digitise immigration processes. Future improvements may include:
Enhanced integration between immigration and government services.
Simplified visa application and renewal processes.
Advanced digital tools to improve user experience.
Swiss nationals interacting with the UK system can expect greater efficiency and security as these innovations unfold.
9. Conclusion
The UK’s transition to eVisas marks a significant shift toward a modern, digital immigration framework. For Swiss nationals and residents, adapting to this system is crucial for maintaining compliance and ensuring a seamless UK immigration experience.
10. Contact Our Immigration Lawyers in Switzerland
If you are a Swiss national or resident seeking assistance with the transition to eVisas or any UK immigration matter, our immigration lawyers in Switzerland are here to help. Contact us at +41 21 588 07 70 or get in touch via our contact form.
