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<p>As part of our move to a ‘digital by default’ border and immigration system, physical
immigration documents are being replaced by fully digital eVisas (an online record
of the person’s immigration status).</p><p>Customers with indefinite leave to enter
or indefinite leave to remain (also known as settlement) who currently prove their
rights using a physical document such as a wet-ink stamp in their passport or a vignette
sticker, are encouraged to make a ‘No Time Limit’ (NTL) application.</p><p>If their
NTL application is successful, they will get a BRP to prove their rights. They should
carry their BRP, along with their passport, when travelling internationally. Once
they have a BRP, they will be able to create a UKVI account to access their eVisa
later this year. By the end of 2024, ‘No Time Limit’ applicants will receive an eVisa,
rather than a BRP. Further updates on this change will be available in due course.</p><p>Customers
who do not create a UKVI account will be able to use their legacy physical document
such as a wet-ink stamp in their passport or a vignette sticker during 2025 when travelling.
However, creating a UKVI account will bring a range of benefits to customers. This
includes the fact that an eVisa cannot be lost or damaged, like a vignette, and there
is no need for a potentially costly replacement. Customers who replace their legacy
document with an eVisa will benefit from the automated access that public bodies,
including the Department for Work & Pensions and the National Health Service will
securely have to their immigration status, which will streamline access to key services.
We are also developing technology to enable carriers to check immigration status automatically
via systems checks for those with eVisas, reducing the need for carriers to make physical
documentation checks and improving the passenger experience.</p><p>Further information
about eVisas and future updates will be available at <a href="http://www.gov.uk/evisa"
target="_blank">www.gov.uk/evisa</a>.</p>
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