Immigration Corner | Can an eVisa be used to confirm permanent status in the UK?

Dear Mr Bassie,

I would like to know if an eVisa may be used for proof of settlement status. Any information given will be useful.

S.B.

Dear S.B.,

Persons can choose whether to get an eVisa if they have physical proof of their immigration status, such as a wet ink stamp or vignette (sticker). The eVisa has no expiry date and will prove that they have settlement in the United Kingdom (UK) – which is also known as indefinite leave to remain (ILR) or indefinite leave to enter (ILE). If they get an eVisa, then they will have a digital record to prove their identity and immigration status.

Please note that getting an eVisa will not change the immigration status. They will still be able to use their physical document. In order to get an eVisa, persons will need to make a free ‘no time limit’ (NTL) application.

Persons will not need to make an NTL application if they have another type of evidence of their settled status in the UK, for example, an expired biometric residence permit (BRP) or status under the EU Settlement Scheme.

TO MAKE AN NTL APPLICATION

In order to make an NTL application, persons will need a phone number and email address that they can use each time they sign in. They will also need the passport or travel document that was used when they last entered the UK.

Persons will also need the physical document that proves that they have settlement, if they have one, and they will need a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account to access their eVisa. Those persons will create a UKVI account either at the start of their NTL application – if they have a valid passport or when their NTL application is approved – if they do not have a valid passport.

AFTER APPLYING

After making the application, persons will need to have their fingerprints and photo (biometric information) taken at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point.

The applicant will also be asked to provide supporting documents. He/she will be told what they need at the end of their application.

The applicant can either upload the documents into the UKVCAS online service or pay to have them scanned at your UKVCAS appointment. This process can take up to six months to process an NTL application. It should be noted that persons can continue to use their physical immigration document while their application is processed.

Please note that applicants can contact UKVI online to get help in accessing their eVisa. They can receive more help if they are in the UK and do not have access to the Internet or do not feel confident using it. Persons who are vulnerable in another way, for example, if they are elderly, disabled, or do not have a permanent address, may also receive help in this way.

Good luck.

John S. Bassie

John S. Bassie is a barrister/attorney-at-law who practises law in Jamaica. He is a justice of the peace, a Supreme Court-appointed mediator, a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, a chartered arbitrator, the past global president of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators and a member of the Immigration Law Practitioners Association (UK). Email: lawbassie@yahoo.com