eVisa in the United Kingdom: how a Ukrainian can replace a BRP with online status
United Kingdom
In short. BRP has been replaced by eVisa. Create a free UKVI account at gov.uk/evisa, link your eVisa and add a valid passport; to enter the UK from 2 June 2025 you need an eVisa, not an expired card.
- Most BRP cards had a printed expiry date of 31 December 2024, although the leave to remain itself lasts longer; all BRPs have already been replaced by a digital eVisa.
- Creating a UKVI account and accessing the eVisa are free; you need a phone, email and a document (passport + GWF/UAN application number, passport + BRP number, or an expired BRP).
- An expired BRP can be used for another 24 months after the printed date or until 31 December 2026 (whichever is earlier) — only to sign in to the account, view the eVisa, or apply for an extension.
- From 2 June 2025, an expired BRP (and an expired BRC) is no longer accepted for entry to the United Kingdom — an eVisa with a linked valid passport is required.
- Status is confirmed via the 'View and prove' service: a share code for work usually starts with 'W', for renting with 'R'; it is single-purpose and valid for 90 days.
- From 11 March 2026, Home Office travel documents are automatically linked to the UKVI account; a new travel document appears in the account within 2 working days after the decision.
What an eVisa is and why BRPs are no longer issued
An eVisa is a digital record of your identity and immigration status (type of permission, conditions, the right to work/study). It is linked to your UKVI account and replaces the physical BRP. According to the official GOV.UK guidance (Updates on the move to eVisas), the move to an eVisa does not change your immigration status or the conditions of your permission to enter or stay.
Step 1. Check whether you already have a UKVI account
Do not create a second account if you already have one. You almost certainly have one if you previously:
- submitted a visa application online;
- used the UK Immigration: ID Check app;
- obtained status under the EU Settlement Scheme.
If you are not sure, try to sign in at gov.uk/evisa.
Step 2. What you need to create an account
Creating a UKVI account and accessing the eVisa are free (GOV.UK: "You do not need to pay"). Prepare:
- a phone number and email you have permanent access to (you'll need them every time you sign in);
- one of the documents: a valid passport + visa application number (GWF or UAN); or a valid passport + BRP number; or an expired BRP;
- a smartphone to verify your identity via the app (if you have no passport, BRP or smartphone, an alternative way to verify identity is provided).
Step 3. Create an account and link the eVisa
- Go to gov.uk/evisa/set-up-ukvi-account.
- Register an account (phone + email).
- Verify your identity and link the account to the eVisa — without linking there will be no access to the eVisa.
- Sign in and check that the status details are displayed correctly.
What else can be done with an expired BRP — and until what date
An expired BRP can be used for another 24 months after the printed expiry date or until 31 December 2026 (whichever is earlier), and only for three actions:
- signing in to the UKVI account and viewing the eVisa (and getting a share code);
- creating a UKVI account to access the eVisa;
- applying to extend your stay in the UK.
For any other purposes, status is confirmed not by the card but by the eVisa.
Travel: why from 2 June 2025 an eVisa is required
From 2 June 2025, an expired BRP (as well as an expired BRC card) is no longer accepted as proof of status for entry to the United Kingdom. Carriers accepted expired cards for boarding only until 1 June 2025 inclusive. For travel you need an eVisa with the details of a valid passport added or a travel document. Add your passport in the UKVI account in advance — the airline checks your status against it.
How to prove status to an employer or landlord
The physical card is no longer shown. Status is confirmed via the "View and prove" service: you generate a share code and pass it to your employer (right to work) or landlord (right to rent), who checks your status online together with your date of birth. The code for work usually starts with the letter "W", for renting with "R"; the code is single-purpose (a work code won't work for a rent check) and valid for 90 days.
What's new in 2026
From 11 March 2026, Home Office travel documents are automatically linked to your UKVI account. Separately: if you obtain a new travel document, it appears in the account within 2 working days after the decision on your application. Physical Home Office travel documents continue to be issued — unlike BRP permit cards.
Summary of actions for a Ukrainian in the UK
- Check whether you have an account; if not, create one at gov.uk/evisa (free).
- Link the eVisa and add a valid passport.
- To enter the UK, use the eVisa, not an expired BRP.
- For work/renting, provide the appropriate share code via "View and prove".
Related guides
Official sources
Questions
- When did the BRP expire?
- Most BRP cards had a printed expiry date of 31 December 2024 — this is the date of the move to digital status, not the end of your leave to remain. All BRPs have already been officially replaced by a digital eVisa, and a new physical permit card can no longer be obtained.
- Can an expired BRP still be used?
- Yes, with limits: for another 24 months after the printed date or until 31 December 2026 (whichever is earlier), and only to sign in to the UKVI account, view the eVisa (with a share code), or apply to extend your stay. For entry to the country it has not been valid since 2 June 2025.
- How much does it cost to create a UKVI account and eVisa?
- It is free. According to GOV.UK guidance, you do not need to pay to create the account or access the eVisa.
- What do you need to create a UKVI account?
- A phone number, email and one of the documents: passport + application number (GWF/UAN), passport + BRP number, or an expired BRP. To verify identity you usually need a smartphone; if you don't have one, an alternative route is provided.
- How to prove status to an employer or landlord without a card?
- Via the "View and prove" service on gov.uk: you generate a share code (for work it usually starts with "W", for renting with "R", valid for 90 days) and pass it to the checker, who sees your status online together with your date of birth.
- Can you travel to the UK with an expired BRP?
- No. From 2 June 2025, an expired BRP (and an expired BRC) is not accepted for entry. You need an eVisa with the details of a valid passport added in the UKVI account.