The era of physical immigration documents in the UK has come to an end. As of early 2026, the Home Office has completed its "Digital by Default" transition, meaning the Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) is a thing of the past. If you are living or working in the UK this year, your immigration status is now entirely digital. At Recruitroo, we have assisted thousands of professionals in making this shift, ensuring that their right to work and travel remains uninterrupted in this new paperless environment.
What is a UK eVisa?
An eVisa is an online record of your immigration status and the conditions of your permission to stay in the UK. It contains all the information previously found on a BRP, including your visa type, expiry date, and any restrictions (such as no access to public funds). In 2026, your digital status is linked directly to your passport via your UKVI Account. This means when you arrive at the UK border, the e-gates or Border Force officers can instantly verify your status by scanning your biometric passport.
The Mandatory Requirement: Creating Your UKVI Account
If you previously held a physical BRP, the transition is not automatic—you must take action. All visa holders who entered the UK before the full digital rollout were required to create a UKVI account to "claim" their eVisa. In 2026, presenting an expired BRP at a border or to an employer is no longer sufficient. You must be able to log in to the "View and Prove" service to generate a Share Code. Recruitroo’s platform includes a built-in reminder system to help you update your account whenever you get a new passport, as your eVisa must always be linked to your current travel document to avoid "denied boarding" at the airport.
The "Share Code" is Your New Key
In 2026, if you are starting a new job or renting a property, you will not hand over a plastic card. Instead, you will provide a 9-character Share Code. This code, combined with your date of birth, allows employers and landlords to verify your rights via the government's secure portal. At Recruitroo, we advise all candidates to keep a screenshot of their latest Share Code and their UKVI account details in a secure digital vault.
Travel and Border Control in 2026
The transition to eVisas has revolutionized travel. You no longer need to worry about losing your BRP while abroad. However, the system relies on your passport data being current. If you travel on a new passport that hasn't been linked to your UKVI account, you may face significant delays at the border or be refused boarding by your airline. The 2026 "Digital Status Checker API" allows airlines to verify your permission to enter the UK the moment you check in, making the "Check-In" process the new frontline of immigration enforcement.
Stay Compliant with Recruitroo
Digital immigration requires digital management. Recruitroo’s compliance suite helps both employers and employees stay ahead of the eVisa transition. We provide automated checks to ensure all staff have active eVisas and that their passport links are up to date, mitigating the risk of illegal working penalties or travel disruptions.
Need help with your eVisa transition? Book a demo of our digital compliance tool. Ready to prove your right to work? See how at Recruitroo.com/candidates or visit Recruitroo.com.