
Reports
Research
Digital immigration: highlighting good practice from the voluntary and community sector
This resource is for all voluntary and community sector (VCS) organisations that support non-British and non-Irish individuals, who want to:
- learn more about good practice and how to prepare for the increasing enquiries from people with digital status as more people transition to a fully digital immigration system;
- ensure that they are informed and understand the impact of the transition to a fully digital immigration system.
Published: 2025
Methodology
We surveyed 30 organisations in the voluntary and community sector, focusing on their insights regarding the impact of immigration needs on services for vulnerable communities. We conducted in-depth interviews with four of these organisations to explore their experiences and examples of best practices.
The survey had two main parts: the first assessed organisational services, target groups, and activities, while the second explored their expertise on the EUSS, preparedness on the digital immigration system, and digital capabilities.
Respondents primarily operate in London/Greater London and Leicester, with others located in Scotland, the North, and South-West England. They include charities, non-profits, CICs, CABs, and Law Centres that provide support in areas such as legal advice, migration, homelessness, and more.
More than half of respondents are part of networks addressing issues like refugee and migrant support, child poverty, and homelessness. They offer services ranging from legal and welfare support, and food banks to recreational activities. Most respondents work with ethnic minorities, including Roma Other groups supported include rough sleepers, older people, children, survivors of domestic violence, people living with mental health issues, and individuals with disabilities.
List of resources and useful links
- A comprehensive guide created by Right To Remain on how to support someone with the transition to e-Visa: https://righttoremain.org.uk/how-to-support-someone-with-the-transition-to-evisas/#asylumseekers
- Support videos created by the Home Office: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/evisa-support-videos
- More information about e-Visa and how to create one: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/online-immigration-status-evisa
- A list of organisations providing free support to vulnerable people who need help with creating their UKVI account and getting access to their e-Visa: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/evisa-community-support-for-vulnerable-people/list-of-organisations
- Contact the Home Office if you have questions about your e-Visa and UKVI account: https://ukimmigration-support-webchat.homeoffice.gov.uk/evisa
Know your rights (Resources)
These pocket guides help you understand your status under the EU Settlement Scheme and the basic things you are eligible for depending on your status.
Digital Status: Handle with care
Our report on the experience of vulnerable EU communities accessing the EU Settlement Scheme, the government’s brand new digital immigration status for EU citizens living in the UK.
Published: 2020
%
the amount of people that do not know how to prove their status
%
the amount of people of all ages that need support with their EU Settlement Scheme application
EU Settlement Scheme: A new role for the voluntary sector
Our report on the preparedness of the third sector to support European citizens and their family members to access the EU Settlement Scheme.
Published: 2019
%
of respondents from the voluntary sector had never heard of the EU Settlement Scheme
%