UK visa vignettes and Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) are being phased out

What is changing? 

Physical documents such as Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs), and vignettes placed in passports, are being replaced by an online digital immigration permission known as an 'eVisa'. 

The eVisa will be linked to the passport. During check-in procedures, the check-in staff will obtain confirmation of the passenger's visa status.   

The roll-out process started with BRPs issued in 2024.

• Since January 2024, students who have applied for a Short-term Study visa have been issued a BRP with an end date of 31 December 2024. 
• From January 2025, Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) and vignettes will no longer be issued. 
• From mid-2025, there are plans for Standard Visitor Visa applicants to receive their visa as an eVisa. 

Eventually, all holders of immigration permission will need to register for a UKVI account to access their eVisa.

What are the benefits of the eVisa? 

Receiving the visa in digital format will mean that students no longer have to wait for the vignette to be printed and placed in their passport. 

What does this mean for students who currently have a BRP? 

Students on Short-term study visas with a BRP expiring before 31 December 2024 do not need to do anything. 

Students with a BRP expiring on 31 December 2024 must create a UKVI account to access their eVisa. 

>>Visit the gov.uk eVisa guidance for information on registering for a UKVI account. 

Further information on eVisas