Many UK visa holders are struggling due to the government’s transition to an e-visa system, which began on 31 December 2024.
Legal experts say the ongoing issues are making it difficult for individuals to prove their immigration status, affecting their ability to travel, rent homes, and work legally.
Kerim Salim Aytufan, an immigration expert from LexLegal, said that his clients are facing significant challenges. Ismail, a 65-year-old chef from Islington with indefinite leave to remain (ILR), has a visa in the form of a vignette in his old passport, leaving him without a biometric residence permit (BRP).
Aytufan said that the problems with the e-visa system have prevented Ismail from applying for an online visa and have resulted in difficulties renting accommodation. His application remains pending, and he is unable to travel or access basic rights.
Ana Bodnitska, office manager at Islington-based FjM International Solicitors & Lawyers, said many—especially in the Ukrainian community—were unaware that physical BRP cards would become invalid after 31 December 2024. Some Ukrainian passport holders with UK visas faced re-entry issues due to e-visa problems. Ana successfully registered her mother but noted that many were not as fortunate.
Day-Mer, an Islington-based community centre, reported that while some received help with registration, others experienced delays in the e-visa process, ranging from days to weeks.
On 27 February, the Home Office announced an extension for expired biometric residence permits (BRPs) and EUSS biometric residence cards (BRCs), which are now valid until 1 June 2025 for international travel.
Despite the extension, complaints continue to mount, with many users on X (formerly Twitter) sharing screenshots of system errors, raising further concerns about the transition’s effectiveness.
With 600,000 individuals still awaiting their e-visas, many continue to face disruptions to their basic rights and services, highlighting the ongoing impact of the transition.
