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The Home Office has extended the eVisa grace period. This allows visa holders to continue entering the UK with an expired Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) or EUSS Biometric Residence Card (BRC) until 1 June 2025.
What is the eVisa grace period?
The eVisa grace period was introduced to allow visa holders with a BRP or BRC that expired on or after 31 December 2024 to continue using their expired document for entry to the UK. This grace period was originally set to end on 31 March 2025, but it has now been extended until 1 June 2025.
For example, if you have a Partner visa that is valid until 15 October 2025 but your BRP expired on 31 December 2024, the grace period will allow you to use your expired BRP to enter the UK until 1 June 2025.
It is unclear if the grace period will be extended beyond 1 June 2025. Accordingly, visa holders should apply for an eVisa as soon as possible.
Why is the extension necessary?
Statistics published by the Home Office indicate that over 4 million visa holders have successfully applied for eVisas. However, approximately 600,000 people are yet to apply for an eVisa. By extending the grace period the Home Office is allowing additional time for individuals to apply for an eVisa.
Next steps
If you hold valid immigration status and your BRP or BRC expired on or after 31 December 2024, you may continue to use your expired document to enter the UK until 1 June 2025. You should apply for an eVisa as soon as possible to secure digital evidence of your status.
If you are relying on Indefinite Leave to Remain in a legacy paper document, such as a passport containing an ink stamp or visa vignette sticker, you too should apply for an eVisa as soon as possible.
Should you wish to discuss any of the issues raised in this article, please contact Madni Chaudhary or Lynsey Blyth. Our leading Immigration team is available to guide you through these changes, ensuring you remain fully compliant and avoid travel disruptions.
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