Starting in 2025, the E-Visa will replace physical documents as proof of immigration status in the UK. This includes Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs), passport stamps, and vignette stickers. To access the "view and prove" service and verify your E-Visa, you will need to create a UKVI account. Registration requires a valid passport and either a visa application number or a BRP number. However, you may not have these documents; for instance, your BRP card or valid passport might be missing, lost, or stolen. In such cases, you will need to apply for No Time Limit (NTL) status. Once you receive NTL status, you can prove your immigration status and access to an E-Visa.

Importance of Applying for No Time Limit Status

With the introduction of the new digital immigration system, the Home Office has been notifying visa holders about the transition from physical documents to E-Visas via email. If you have held indefinite leave for a long time, it is possible that your email address is not registered with the Home Office. Therefore, it is crucial to set up your UKVI account as soon as possible, even if you have not received an email notification prompting you to do so. After January 1, 2025, it is uncertain whether physical immigration documents (including legacy documents) will be recognized as valid proof of immigration status. Once the transition to the digital immigration system is complete, physical documents may no longer be accepted by border officers as proof of status.

While you may currently travel freely within the UK using physical proof of your immigration status, relying on these documents in the future could result in being refused entry at the border. Consequently, it is essential to establish your UKVI account before December 31, 2024, to continue travelling to the UK.

Therefore, if you hold Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) but do not have an E-Visa, applying for NTL status is critical to confirming your immigration status and preparing for the transition to the digital system.

Eligibility Criteria for Applying for No Time Limit Status

The essence of a No Time Limit (NTL) application is to confirm that an individual has indefinite leave to enter or remain in the UK. This application is not merely a procedural step to obtain or exchange physical immigration documents; it involves an active review of the individual's immigration status. This review assesses whether the person has the right to enter or remain in the UK, whether that right has expired or been renounced, and whether there are grounds for revoking their existing status.

Applicants must be physically present in the UK at the time of application and must have previously been granted indefinite leave. They cannot apply if there is a pending decision on their current leave to remain application. Additionally, the Home Office caseworker must verify that the applicant's identity has not changed, and if it has, they must provide legitimate proof of these changes. Finally, applicants must ensure that they have not lost their indefinite leave; if they have, they need to clearly explain the reasons for this loss.

Key Required Documents for No Time Limit Application

When applying for No Time Limit status, individuals must submit documents proving that they have been granted indefinite leave. This includes current or expired travel or immigration documents, such as stamps or vignette stickers in a passport. If an individual has been outside the UK for more than two years, they must also provide proof of residence during that period.

If an applicant does not possess any documents to prove their indefinite leave, they must explain this in their application. Reasons may include lost or stolen immigration documents or having submitted them to the Home Office previously. The absence of documentation does not automatically disqualify an applicant from applying for NTL status. The process is collaborative; the Home Office will check its internal records to verify that indefinite leave was granted. The success of the application will depend on the evidence submitted and the Home Office's records.

What to Do If Your No Time Limit Application Is Rejected

If your application for No Time Limit (NTL) status is rejected, for example, due to your indefinite leave having lapsed from being outside the UK for more than two consecutive years, you may consider applying for an alternative visa to re-enter the UK. In this case, a Returning Resident visa application could be a viable option, which is mutually exclusive from the NTL application.

In conclusion, if you are unable to register for a UKVI account due to a lack of necessary documentation, you will not be able to set up an E-Visa. This could lead to difficulties in proving your immigration status under the digital immigration system. Therefore, it may be prudent to expedite your NTL application to facilitate access to your E-Visa and ensure a smooth transition to the digital immigration system.

Even if you do not have documents proving your indefinite leave in the UK, it is crucial to establish your immigration status through the NTL application and prepare for the transition to the digital system.



If you require expert advice and assistance regarding E-Visa or indefinite leave to remain, please contact us at 0203 865 6219. Alternatively, you can leave a message and we will respond promptly to address your inquiries and provide the necessary support.