This investment from Oldham Council will build capacity within the voluntary, community, faith & social enterprise (VCFSE) sector to support residents in Oldham to access their eVisas.
Why is the support needed?
UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) is developing a digital system, which will replace physical documents with an online record of immigration status.
People who currently hold physical immigration documents will need to create a UKVI account to access their eVisa. An eVisa is an online record of a person’s immigration status & the conditions of their permission to enter or stay in the UK, including their right to work & right to rent. It serves as official proof of immigration status.
The UK Government has funded both national & local organisations to support individuals in applying for their eVisa, but this assistance is very limited.
What was the funding used for?
Funding was made available to build capacity within the voluntary, community, faith & social enterprise (VCFSE) sector in Oldham to support residents in upgrading their immigration documents & transitioning to the new eVisa system. This investment aims to increase the availability of support for residents throughout the transition.
All-Sufficient Sanctuary
Amount awarded: £4,000.00
Support provided: Delivered an awareness session to help participants understand the transition to the eVisa system. The session provided information, guidance, and practical resources to support individuals in completing their UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) applications and accessing their digital immigration status.
European & Roma Organisation
Amount awarded: £3,990.00
Support provided: Actively supported Roma residents in Oldham with immigration-related issues, including the transition to the eVisa system. Through one-to-one guidance, advocacy, and practical assistance, residents were helped to access their digital immigration status, complete relevant processes, and navigate any challenges, improving confidence and reducing the risk of individuals experiencing difficulties with their immigration documentation.
KaskoSan Limited
Amount awarded: £4,000.00
Support provided: Provided targeted support to Roma families from EU member states, including Slovakia, Czechia, Romania, Hungary, and Bulgaria, who had not yet resolved their EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) status. Support included information, advice, advocacy, and practical assistance to help individuals understand their options, gather required documentation, submit applications where appropriate, and address any issues affecting their immigration status and rights in the UK.
OAK Community Development
Amount awarded: £3,000.00
Support provided: Responded to increasing eVisa enquiries by providing targeted support to individuals who lacked information or awareness about the new digital immigration system. Through one-to-one assistance, community awareness sessions, and workshops, participants gained a better understanding of the eVisa process, increased confidence in managing their digital status, and received practical help to complete the necessary steps and resolve any related issues.
OBA Millennium Centre
Amount awarded: £4,000.00
Support provided: Delivered one-to-one support for immigration and eVisa enquiries, including form completion, translation and interpretation, and advocacy for individuals with limited support. This helped participants overcome language and digital barriers, access services, and progress their immigration matters with greater confidence.
Support & Action for Women (SAWN)
Amount awarded: £4,000.00
Support provided: Delivered daily immigration and welfare-related support to women, ensuring timely access to information, advice, and practical assistance. Through the use of appropriate equipment, digital access, and multilingual support, women were empowered to manage their own affairs, increase their confidence, and take informed steps towards resolving their immigration and related challenges.
The Apostolic Church Lawna Manchester
Amount awarded: £3,000.00
Support provided: Following concerns raised by members of the community and congregation regarding the eVisa transition, awareness seminars were delivered to explain the new system and provide practical support. Participants gained a better understanding of the eVisa process, how to access their digital status, and where to seek further assistance, helping to reduce barriers and improve confidence in managing their immigration status.
UK Education & Faith Foundation
Amount awarded: £4,000.00
Support provided: The project's multilingual staff and volunteers supported residents speaking a variety of languages to overcome language and digital barriers. Assistance included completing applications, accessing eVisa accounts, interpreting official correspondence, and providing practical guidance throughout the process, enabling residents to better understand and manage their immigration status with confidence.
Vision Youth and Community
Amount awarded: £4,000.00
Support provided: Support young people and families newly arrived in the community by offering learning support, advice, and practical assistance. This helped individuals and families to access services, develop local connections, overcome barriers to integration, and feel more confident and settled within their new community.
Westwood and Coldhurst Women's Association
Amount awarded: £2,980.00
Support provided: Delivering online support to women seeking help with eVisa and immigration-related issues. As awareness of the digital immigration system grows and more newly arrived individuals require assistance, the service has played an important role in providing accessible information, guidance, and practical support, helping women overcome barriers and successfully navigate the transition to the eVisa system.
Yuvanis Foundation
Amount awarded: £4,000.00
Support provided: Grant funding enabled volunteers to receive the necessary training to confidently deliver eVisa support and guidance. This has strengthened local capacity, increased community awareness of the service, and ensured that more residents can access timely information and practical assistance with eVisa applications and related immigration matters.