Studying in the UK
- Iwona Bycroft
- Dec 18, 2024
- 3 min read
Information for education providers and their students on BRPs and eVisas
UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) are developing a digital immigration system, which means replacing physical documents with an online record of the migrant or sponsored worker’s immigration status. This is referred to as an eVisa. Due to this change, physical BRP cards are no longer being issued.
The UKVI have provided guidance for migrant students and their sponsors on Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) to include information about the UKVI’s plan to replace physical documents with an online record of their immigration status (eVisa).
Education providers and sponsors may wish to inform or remind any migrant / sponsored students who have BRPs expiring on 31 December 2024 that they should create a UKVI account now if they have not already done so. This is imperative if they are looking to travel outside the UK and Common Travel Area (CTA) over the festive period and return after January 2025.
A UKVI account must be created for the migrant / sponsored student to access their eVisa and share information about their immigration status and conditions, such as their right to study and right to work or rent in the UK.
Once the student (or their family) sets up their UKVI account, it is important that this is updated if there are any changes of circumstance or they obtain a new passport / travel document, as the eVisa will be linked to the passport on their account. If their passport / travel document changes and they do not update their UKVI account and link their eVisa to this new document, this could cause issues for them when travelling and returning to the UK.
Further information about creating and updating their UKVI account can be viewed here. A UKVI account can be created here.
The Home Office (UKVI) has also published help videos explaining what an eVisa is and how to access and use one – this can be viewed here.
Financial evidence for Students and Child Student visa applicants (maintenance requirements)
The Home Office (UKVI) have published revised maintenance requirements for those applying under the Student or Child Student route.
If applying on or after 2 January 2025, applicants will need £1,483 per month to support themselves on a course in London and £1,136 per month if on a course outside London.
Education sponsors may wish to ensure any Students or families of Child Students are aware of the requirement to provide evidence of meeting these increased maintenance costs (as well as any outstanding course / boarding / accommodation fees of up to 9 months) when they apply for their visas, unless they are exempt from providing financial evidence.
The updated guidance on financial evidence for Student and Child Student applicants can be viewed here.
Current Visa Processing Times - Study visas
The Home Office (UKVI) have published their current decision waiting times for those applying from inside or outside the UK for a study visa.
Those applying to switch or extend their study visa from within the UK, should receive a decision within 8 weeks of attending their biometric appointment or the date the application / documents were received by the UKVI (if no appointment is required). The latest processing times for those applying from inside the UK can be viewed here.
Those applying for a Student/Child Student visa or Short-term study visa from outside the UK, should get a decision within 3 weeks once they have either attended their appointment at the visa application centre (VAC) or used the ID Check app and submitted their application/supporting documents. The latest processing times for those applying from outside the UK can be viewed here.
Applicants may be able to pay an additional fee to expedite their applications for a quicker decision.
French-UK school trips - updated guidance
The Home Office (UKVI) have published updated their guidance for those visiting the UK as part of a French-UK school trip. The updated guidance can be viewed here.
The information has been updated to confirm that children do not need a visa or an electronic travel authorisation (ETA), but adults may need a visa or an ETA, depending on their nationality.
