Final month for paper-to-digital visa transition

As the final weeks of 2025 approach, the Home Office has issued a critical reminder to thousands of residents across the UK, including many in the Turkish community, regarding the total transition to a digital immigration system. From early 2026, the UK will move exclusively to eVisas, marking the end of physical documents such as Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) and paper vignette stickers for all administrative and travel purposes.

For those who previously held physical permits, the transition is mandatory. While most BRP cards expired at the end of 2024, a "grace period" allowed residents to continue using their expired cards for domestic "Right to Work" and "Right to Rent" checks for up to 18 months. However, for international travel, the rules have tightened significantly. Turkish nationals and other foreign residents are now required to have their immigration status linked to their current passport via a UKVI account to ensure they are not denied boarding by airlines or delayed at the border.

The process to switch is free and involves three main steps. Residents must first register for a UKVI account on the official government website. Following this, they must use the "UK Immigration: ID Check" app on a smartphone to scan their passport or BRP to confirm their identity. Finally, they must complete a short online form to link their status to their account. Authorities warn that while the digital transition is designed to be efficient, it can take several days for the eVisa to become visible in the system, making it vital to complete the process before any planned travel or job changes in January.

Failure to set up an eVisa could lead to significant hurdles. Landlords and employers will increasingly demand a digital "share code" generated from the UKVI account, as they can no longer accept physical cards that have passed their expiration. For those with Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) stamped in old passports, a "No Time Limit" (NTL) application is usually required to obtain the necessary digital credentials. Community support organizations in London have seen a surge in requests for help as the year-end deadline nears, emphasizing that acting now is essential to avoid being left without proof of status in the new year.