BRP to eVisa UK - How to Switch and Access Your Immigration Status in 2026

Learn how to move from a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) to a UK eVisa, create a UKVI account, access your digital immigration status and generate share codes for work, renting and travel.

The United Kingdom has introduced a digital immigration system that replaces physical immigration documents, including Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs), with electronic records known as eVisas.

For migrants living, working, studying or renting property in the UK, understanding the transition from a BRP to an eVisa is essential.

An eVisa provides digital evidence of a person's immigration status and the conditions attached to their permission to remain in the UK.

Instead of relying on a physical residence permit, individuals can access their immigration information through a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account.

The transition is particularly important for tenants, employees, international students and property applicants who need to demonstrate their immigration status to landlords, letting agents or employers.

Fraser Bond, a UK property agency and real estate consultancy, supports landlords, tenants, buyers and investors with residential lettings, property management and property transactions across London and the wider UK.

This guide explains how to change from a BRP to an eVisa, register for a UKVI account, verify immigration status, update passport details and resolve common problems.

What Is a BRP?

A Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) is a physical immigration document previously issued to many non-British nationals granted permission to stay in the UK.

BRPs typically contained:

• The holder's name and photograph.

• Date of birth.

• Immigration status.

• Conditions attached to immigration permission.

• Permit expiry date.

• Biometric information held electronically.

BRPs were used to demonstrate immigration status, although the UK has now transitioned towards digital status records.

What Is an eVisa?

An eVisa is a digital record of a person's UK immigration status and the conditions of their permission to enter or remain in the country.

It is held within the Home Office's immigration system and accessed through a UKVI account.

An eVisa may show:

• The type of immigration permission held.

• The date immigration permission expires, where applicable.

• Whether the individual can work.

• Relevant immigration conditions.

• Information needed to demonstrate status to authorised third parties.

An eVisa is not a separate visa category. It is the digital record of immigration permission already granted.

BRP vs eVisa - What Is the Difference?

The move to eVisas does not itself change the type or duration of immigration permission granted.

Do You Need to Change Your BRP to an eVisa in 2026?

Yes, if you previously held a BRP and still have valid UK immigration permission, you should ensure that you can access your digital immigration status.

All BRPs have now expired and have been replaced by eVisas.

An expired BRP does not necessarily mean your immigration permission has expired. The expiry date of the physical card and the expiry date of your underlying immigration status may be different.

Importantly, an expired BRP can no longer be used as a travel document for returning to the UK.

As of October 2026, certain expired BRPs can still be used for limited account-related purposes for up to 24 months after their printed expiry date or until 31 December 2026, whichever comes first.

How to Convert BRP to eVisa UK - Step-by-Step Guide

The process of moving from a BRP to an eVisa generally involves setting up or accessing a UKVI account and linking your immigration status.

Step 1 - Check Whether You Already Have a UKVI Account

Before creating an account, check whether you already have one.

You may already have a UKVI account if you:

• Previously used the UK Immigration: ID Check app.

• Applied for a visa through a digital immigration process.

• Applied under the EU Settlement Scheme.

• Previously linked your BRP to an eVisa.

• Received confirmation that a UKVI account was created.

If you already have an account, you should use the existing account rather than create a duplicate.

Step 2 - Gather the Required Documents

You will generally need an email address and mobile phone number that you can access.

Depending on your circumstances, you may also need:

• A valid passport.

• Your BRP number or expired BRP.

• A Global Web Form (GWF) number.

• A Unique Application Number (UAN).

• A smartphone to confirm your identity.

Alternative identity verification arrangements may be available where you cannot use the usual app or do not have the required documents.

Step 3 - Create Your UKVI Account

Use the official UK government eVisa service to create a UKVI account.

You will be asked to provide contact information and complete the relevant identity verification steps.

Creating a UKVI account and accessing an eVisa are free.

Step 4 - Verify Your Identity

You may be asked to use the UK Immigration: ID Check app to verify your identity.

The process may involve scanning your identity document and completing a facial identity check.

Follow the instructions provided by the service.

Step 5 - Link Your eVisa

After creating your account, complete the steps to link your immigration record.

Your eVisa may become available immediately, although access can sometimes take up to 24 hours after successful linking.

Step 6 - Check Your Immigration Details

Once your eVisa is available, review the information carefully.

Confirm that your name, date of birth, immigration category and permission expiry date are correct.

Check any conditions relating to employment, study or other activities.

Step 7 - Update Your Passport Details

Ensure that your current passport or travel document is linked to your UKVI account.

This is particularly important before international travel.

Can You Convert an Expired BRP to an eVisa?

Yes.

If your BRP has expired but your underlying UK immigration permission remains valid, you can still arrange access to your eVisa.

The Home Office currently permits qualifying expired BRPs to be used for certain account and immigration application processes within the applicable time limits.

You should not assume that an expired BRP means you have lost your right to remain in the UK.

However, if your actual immigration permission has expired, creating a UKVI account does not renew it.

You may need specialist immigration advice about your position.

How Long Does BRP to eVisa Conversion Take?

The time required depends on whether you already have a UKVI account and whether your identity and immigration record can be matched successfully.

For many people, the process is relatively straightforward.

Once an eVisa has been successfully linked to an account, access is often immediate but may take up to 24 hours.

More complicated cases may require additional assistance from UKVI.

Is BRP to eVisa Conversion Free?

Yes.

Creating a UKVI account and accessing your eVisa are free.

You should be cautious of third parties claiming that you must pay a mandatory conversion fee.

Separate immigration applications or optional professional services may involve charges, but these should not be confused with the free eVisa account setup process.

How to Check Your eVisa Status Online

Once your UKVI account has been created and linked, you can sign in to view your immigration status.

You will normally need the identity document or account details associated with your UKVI account, together with access to your registered email address or telephone number.

Your digital status record should show your immigration permission and relevant conditions.

How to Get an eVisa Share Code

A share code allows authorised third parties to check particular aspects of your immigration status.

You can generate a share code through the relevant UK government service.

The process generally involves:

1. Signing in to your UKVI account.

2. Choosing the appropriate status-sharing service.

3. Selecting the reason you need to prove your status.

4. Generating a share code.

5. Providing the code and your date of birth to the person conducting the check.

A share code is normally valid for 90 days and can be used more than once during that period.

Different share code services are used for different purposes, so select the correct option.

BRP to eVisa and Right to Rent in the UK

The transition to eVisas is particularly important for people renting residential property in England.

Landlords and letting agents must comply with the applicable right-to-rent requirements.

Where a tenant holds digital immigration status, the landlord can normally carry out the prescribed online check using the appropriate share code and the tenant's date of birth.

Can You Rent With an eVisa?

Yes.

An eVisa can provide evidence of a person's immigration status for the purpose of a right-to-rent check.

The landlord must use the relevant Home Office checking service and follow the applicable requirements.

Can You Rent With an Expired BRP?

An expired BRP is not generally acceptable as standalone evidence for a new prescribed right-to-rent check.

Where an online check is available, the tenant should provide the appropriate right-to-rent share code.

If the online check cannot be completed, the landlord may need to use the Home Office Landlord Checking Service where applicable.

Does Right to Rent Apply Across the UK?

The statutory right-to-rent scheme applies to residential tenancies in England.

It does not operate in the same way in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.

BRP to eVisa and Right to Work

Employers in the UK must conduct appropriate right-to-work checks before employment begins.

Workers with eVisas can normally demonstrate their right to work using the Home Office online checking service.

A right-to-work share code enables an employer to verify the person's work permission and relevant restrictions.

Employers should not assume that an expired BRP proves that a person's immigration permission has expired.

Can You Travel With an eVisa?

Yes, provided you hold valid immigration permission and satisfy the relevant travel requirements.

Before travelling, ensure that your current passport or travel document is linked to your UKVI account.

The details on your account should match the information used for your airline booking and travel documents.

Your carrier may check your immigration status electronically.

You should also be prepared to generate a share code if additional evidence is requested.

Can You Travel With an Expired BRP in 2026?

No.

Expired BRPs are no longer accepted as travel documents for returning to the UK.

Travellers should rely on their valid passport or travel document linked to their eVisa and comply with any other applicable entry requirements.

A person who cannot access their eVisa or whose passport information is incorrect may experience difficulties boarding a flight.

What Happens if You Get a New Passport?

If your passport changes, update your UKVI account.

The new passport should be linked to your digital immigration record before you travel.

This helps ensure that airlines and border authorities can verify your permission correctly.

Where the account cannot be updated through the normal service, UKVI assistance may be required.

BRP to eVisa for Skilled Worker Visa Holders

Skilled Worker visa holders who previously received BRPs should ensure that their immigration status is accessible digitally.

The eVisa can show the type and duration of immigration permission.

However, changing from a BRP to an eVisa does not itself extend a Skilled Worker visa or alter sponsorship requirements.

Visa holders must continue complying with the conditions of their immigration permission.

BRP to eVisa for Student Visa Holders

International students can use their UKVI accounts to access digital evidence of their immigration status.

An eVisa may be required when demonstrating immigration permission to employers, accommodation providers or other relevant organisations.

Students should check that their immigration permission and passport details are correct before travelling outside the UK.

BRP to eVisa for Graduate Visa Holders

Graduate visa holders who previously relied on a BRP should ensure that they can access their eVisa.

The digital record can help demonstrate relevant immigration rights.

However, the transition to an eVisa does not change the expiry date or conditions of a Graduate visa.

BRP to eVisa for Dependants

Dependants generally need their own UKVI accounts to access their individual eVisas.

A partner's or parent's account does not automatically replace the need for a separate digital immigration record.

Parents or responsible adults may need to assist children with account setup.

BRP to eVisa for Indefinite Leave to Remain

People with indefinite leave to remain who previously held BRPs should arrange access to their digital status.

An eVisa can provide evidence of settlement in the UK.

The expiry of a BRP does not automatically cancel indefinite leave to remain.

However, people with older physical evidence of settlement, such as a passport stamp or vignette, may need to follow a different process to establish digital access.

What if Your eVisa Shows the Wrong Information?

If your eVisa contains incorrect information, report the error through the appropriate UKVI service.

Examples include:

• Incorrect name.

• Wrong date of birth.

• Incorrect immigration category.

• Wrong permission expiry date.

• Missing or incorrect conditions.

• Problems generating a share code.

Do not assume that a displayed error automatically reflects a lawful change in your immigration permission.

Keep relevant Home Office correspondence and seek assistance where necessary.

What if You Cannot Access Your UKVI Account?

Account access problems may arise because of a changed telephone number, inaccessible email address, lost identity document or technical issue.

UKVI provides account recovery and support arrangements.

Avoid creating duplicate accounts without checking whether your existing account can be recovered.

If you need to travel or demonstrate immigration status urgently, explain the circumstances when seeking UKVI assistance.

Common BRP to eVisa Problems

Do You Need to Keep Your Old BRP?

Yes, it is sensible to retain your expired BRP securely.

It may still be useful for certain immigration applications or account processes within the applicable transitional