Home Office’s Answers to questions raised by attendees, that have been grouped into themes.

06/8/26 Home Office Seminar:-

Home Office’s Answers to questions raised by attendees, that have been grouped into themes.

Q&A

No Time Limit (NTL) and legacy documents

1. If someone has ILR/No Time Limit recorded in a legacy document, do they need an eVisa?

No. Their immigration status remains valid and they can continue to use permitted legacy evidence of their status. However, we strongly encourage them to obtain an eVisa through a free No Time Limit (NTL) application so they can benefit from easier status sharing and smoother travel.

2. Does someone with ILR in an old passport need to make an NTL application to obtain digital evidence of their status?

Yes. People who hold ILR or ILE in a passport vignette, wet-ink stamp or other legacy document can make a free NTL application to obtain an eVisa.

3. How long does an NTL application currently take?

Processing times can vary depending on the complexity of the case and whether further checks are needed. Customers should refer to GOV.UK for the latest information. We cannot guarantee a specific timescale.

4. Has the streamlined NTL process reduced processing times?

The process has been simplified and digitised, but processing times still depend on individual circumstances and the evidence available. Customers should check GOV.UK for the latest service information.

5. Can someone travel while an NTL application is outstanding?

Yes. Current guidance allows applicants to leave the Common Travel Area while their NTL application is being considered. However, customers should ensure they have evidence of their status and appropriate travel documentation before travelling.

6. How can an applicant check the progress of an NTL application?

Applicants should follow the instructions provided in their acknowledgement correspondence and use the appropriate UKVI contact channels where necessary.

7. What does “respond to Home Office requests” mean?

It means UKVI may contact an applicant if additional information, documents or clarification are required before a decision can be made on the application.

8. What additional information or evidence might be requested?

This could include identity documents, passports, evidence supporting settlement status, proof of name changes, or other documentation needed to verify the applicant’s record.

9. How will an applicant know if further information is required?

UKVI will contact the applicant directly using the contact details provided in the application. Applicants should check their email, including junk or spam folders.

International travel and airline recognition

1. Can someone continue to travel using a passport containing legacy evidence of ILR while transitioning to an eVisa?

Yes. Valid legacy evidence can continue to be used for travel while customers transition to an eVisa. However, obtaining an eVisa may provide a smoother travel experience.

2. Could someone have difficulty boarding a flight overseas despite having a legal right to enter the UK?

Carriers are responsible for checking travel permission. Customers relying on legacy documents should ensure they travel with the relevant evidence. Failure to carry appropriate documentation may result in additional checks or travel disruption.

3. What should customers do if an airline does not recognise their evidence?

Customers should explain the type of status they hold and present their evidence. Where available, an eVisa linked to a UKVI account can assist carriers in verifying permission to travel through Home Office systems.

4. Have international airlines been sufficiently trained?

The Home Office continues to engage with carriers and provides systems that enable permission-to-travel checks. eVisas further support automated verification processes.

5. Why can’t clearer written confirmation be provided to airlines?

Airlines rely primarily on Home Office travel-permission checking systems rather than individual letters. eVisas support automated verification directly against Home Office records.

6. How does an airline contact the Home Office to verify status?

Carriers use established Home Office carrier support and permission-to-travel checking arrangements. These checks increasingly rely on automated systems linked to immigration records.

7. Should customers relying on legacy evidence contact their airline before travelling?

While not mandatory, customers may wish to contact their airline if they are concerned about their documentation. Travelling with all relevant evidence remains important.

8. What if a passport has expired but an embassy requires evidence of an eVisa before renewal?

Customers should explain that an eVisa is separate from a passport. Where necessary, they can access their immigration status through their UKVI account and may pursue an NTL application if they still rely on legacy evidence.

Chinese/Asian names and UKVI records

1. How does UKVI accommodate Chinese naming conventions?

UKVI records names based on information provided in official identity documents. Different international naming conventions are recognised, but records must accurately match the identity evidence supplied.

2-3. What if the order of names differs between a passport and UKVI record? Which format should be used?

The details held by UKVI should match the customer’s passport and travel document. If there is a discrepancy, customers should request a correction before travelling or sharing status.

4. Why can correcting a name mismatch require manual intervention?

UKVI must ensure that immigration records remain secure and accurately linked to the correct individual. Evidence such as passports may be required to verify the correction.

5. Can UKVI systems better accommodate Asian naming conventions?

UKVI continually reviews customer feedback and seeks to improve services for all users.

6. Could a name mismatch affect travel?

Potentially yes. Differences between the passport and UKVI record could affect identity verification and travel checks. Customers should correct errors before travelling.

7. Can corrections be made quicker and simpler?

UKVI continues to improve digital services and correction processes, but identity verification remains important to protect customers and maintain the integrity of immigration records.

eVisas, passports and UKVI accounts

1. When someone renews their passport, do they need a new eVisa?

No. The immigration status remains the same and a new eVisa application is not required solely because a passport has been renewed.

2. Can they update passport details? Does status remain recorded?

Yes. Customers should update their UKVI account with their new passport details. Their immigration status remains securely recorded even when passport details change.

3. What does a UKVI account look like?

A UKVI account is an online account that allows customers to view their immigration status, update personal details and generate share codes where applicable.

4. Are screenshots or step-by-step guides available?

Yes. Detailed guidance and customer support materials are available on GOV.UK.

5. Is the UK Immigration: ID Check app required?

Not always. The route depends on the customer’s circumstances. Many services can be accessed through GOV.UK and a UKVI account.

6. What if the account is linked to an old device? How can it be connected to a new one?

Customers can sign in to their UKVI account using their existing credentials and update account details where required through the online service.

7. How can they obtain or reset a connection code?

Customers should follow the account recovery and sign-in guidance available through GOV.UK and UKVI support channels

8. How should customers contact UKVI about technical issues?

Customers experiencing technical or account-access issues should use the relevant support and error-reporting services available on GOV.UK.

Right of Abode and digital Certificates of Entitlement

1-2. Will Right of Abode holders automatically receive a digital Certificate of Entitlement? Do physical holders need to convert?

The Certificate of Entitlement is moving to a digital format. Whether an individual needs to take action depends on their circumstances and existing documentation. Customers should follow the guidance provided by UKVI.

3. Will the Home Office contact existing holders?

UKVI has published guidance on the transition and will provide information to affected customers where appropriate.

4. Should customers create a UKVI account or wait?

Customers should follow the guidance relevant to their circumstances. Access to a digital Certificate of Entitlement will require a UKVI account.

5. Could travel be affected before accessing the digital certificate?

Customers should ensure they have valid evidence of their Right of Abode and that their travel document is linked to their UKVI account before travelling.

6. Does a physical Certificate of Entitlement remain valid?

Current arrangements depend on the circumstances and validity of the document. Customers should follow the latest UKVI guidance regarding digital transition.

7. Is a new Certificate of Entitlement required when a passport is renewed?

Customers should keep their UKVI account updated with their current passport details. The key requirement is ensuring the correct travel document is linked to the account.

Security of existing immigration status

1. Does moving to an eVisa change someone’s immigration status?

No. An eVisa changes how immigration status is evidenced, not the underlying immigration status itself.

2. Could someone lose ILR or Right of Abode because of the digital transition?

No. Moving from physical evidence to digital evidence does not remove or reduce a person’s existing status or rights.

3. Can status linked to a spouse be affected by the spouse’s death?

The answer depends on the individual’s immigration history and current status. Customers concerned about their specific circumstances should seek advice from UKVI or an accredited immigration adviser. General changes to status do not occur simply because evidence becomes digital.

Voluntary return / reintegration

1. Who are voluntary return and reintegration arrangements intended for?

These schemes are generally designed for people who wish to leave the UK voluntarily and who do not have a permanent right to remain.

2. Are they relevant to people with ILR, Right of Abode or another permanent right to remain?

Generally no. People with ILR, ILE or Right of Abode already have permission to live in the UK permanently and would not normally need to consider voluntary return arrangements.