Immigration Corner | Is a physical passport stamp required to prove immigration status?
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Dear Mr Bassie,
I would like to know whether I need a physical stamp in my passport to prove my immigration status.
H. S.
Dear H. S.,
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), which does not have an expiry date and proves 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).
It should be noted that if persons get an eVisa, then they will have a digital record to prove their identity and immigration status. Please be aware that getting an eVisa will not change a person’s immigration status, and they will still be able to use their physical document. It should be further noted that to get an eVisa, persons will need to make a free ‘no time limit’ (NTL) application.
Persons should not 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. Please be aware that there is a different way to access their eVisa.
No Time Limit (NTL) application
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 they used when they were last entering the UK. In addition, they will also need the physical document that proves that they have settlement if they have one.
Applicants will also need a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account to access their eVisa. Please note that applicants will create a UKVI account at the start of their NTL application - if they have a valid passport. Alternatively, they can create one when their NTL application is approved, that is, if they do not have a valid passport.
After applying, persons will need to have their fingerprints and photograph taken (biometric information) at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point. They will also be asked to provide supporting documents. Please note that they will be told what is needed at the end of the application.
The applicants can either upload the documents into the UKVCAS online service or pay to have them scanned at their UKVCAS appointment. Please note that it can take up to six months to process an NTL application. However, during the interim, persons can continue to use their physical immigration document while their application is processed.
Persons can also receive help by using webchat to ask about their eVisa or UKVI account. Alternatively, they can also watch eVisa support videos.
I hope this helps.
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 (U.K.). Email: lawbassie@yahoo.com