Biometric Residence Permits & Proof of ILR 2026

Section A: How Do You Prove ILR After Your BRP Has Expired?

The expiry of a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) does not mean that Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) has expired. Many people who previously relied on a BRP as evidence of their immigration status continue to hold valid ILR even though their physical card is no longer valid.

The Home Office has replaced most physical immigration documents with digital immigration records known as eVisas. As a result, the process for proving settled status has changed significantly. Individuals who previously presented a BRP to demonstrate their right to live, work and study in the UK now generally prove their status through a UKVI account and eVisa.

Questions commonly arise where a BRP has expired, access to an eVisa has not yet been established or immigration status is still recorded on older forms of evidence. In these situations, the key issue is usually not whether ILR exists, but how that status can be demonstrated under the Home Office’s current system.

1. Does an Expired BRP Mean ILR Has Expired?

No. A BRP and ILR are not the same thing.

A BRP was issued as evidence of a person’s immigration status. ILR is the immigration status itself. The expiry of a BRP does not automatically affect the validity of an existing grant of ILR.

The difference between the document and the immigration status itself has become more significant following the move to eVisas. Many people now hold valid ILR but no longer possess a current physical document evidencing that status.

In most cases, a person who held ILR before their BRP expired continues to hold ILR unless their status has subsequently lapsed through a prolonged absence from the UK or has been revoked by the Home Office.

2. How Is ILR Proved Today?

For most individuals, ILR is now evidenced through an eVisa. An eVisa is a digital immigration record maintained by the Home Office and accessed through a UKVI account.

Individuals can sign in to their UKVI account to view their immigration status, update personal details and generate share codes for employers, landlords and other organisations carrying out immigration status checks.

The Home Office increasingly relies on digital verification services rather than physical immigration documents. Employers conducting right to work checks, landlords carrying out right to rent checks and many public authorities now verify immigration status online using Home Office systems.

Some individuals continue to hold older forms of evidence, including passport endorsements, vignette stickers and legacy Home Office documentation. These documents may still assist in confirming status in certain circumstances, particularly where an individual is accessing an eVisa for the first time or making a No Time Limit application.

3. What Are the Current Rules for Expired BRPs?

BRPs are no longer issued as evidence of immigration status and previously issued BRPs have now expired as part of the Home Office transition to eVisas. However, the Home Office has introduced transitional arrangements recognising that many people are still completing the move to digital status.
Current guidance states that an expired BRP may be used for up to 24 months after the expiry date printed on the card, or until 31 December 2026, whichever comes first.

The concession does not restore the BRP as a general proof of immigration status. Instead, it supports specific transitional purposes while individuals access and manage their digital immigration records.

Individuals should retain their expired BRP even after obtaining an eVisa. The Home Office states that expired BRPs may assist with future immigration applications and status verification processes.

4. Can You Travel Using an Expired BRP?

The Home Office’s current transitional arrangements allow certain expired BRPs to continue being accepted for travel purposes until 31 December 2026. However, travellers are expected to rely on their eVisa wherever possible and should ensure their UKVI account is accessible and linked to their current passport before travel.

Individuals whose BRP expired on or after 31 December 2024 are expected to use an eVisa to demonstrate their permission to travel. Before travelling internationally, they should ensure that their eVisa is accessible through their UKVI account and that their current passport or travel document is correctly linked to that account.

A common issue arises where a traveller renews their passport but does not update the passport details linked to their UKVI account. Although immigration status remains valid, airline systems may not be able to verify the individual’s permission to travel until the UKVI account has been updated.

In practice, travel difficulties often arise before arrival in the UK. Airlines and other carriers are responsible for verifying permission to travel and may refuse boarding where immigration status cannot be confirmed through available systems.

Where access to an eVisa has not yet been established, it is advisable to resolve this issue before travelling. Attempting to travel without access to digital status evidence can result in boarding difficulties, delays or additional checks when seeking to return to the UK.

Section B: Which Route Applies to Your Situation?

The introduction of eVisas has created uncertainty for many people with settled status. While some individuals simply need to access their digital immigration record, others may require a No Time Limit (NTL) application or a different immigration process altogether.

The correct course of action depends largely on the evidence currently available and whether ILR remains valid. Before submitting an application, it is important to identify which category applies to your circumstances.

1. How Do You Get An eVisa If You Hold ILR?

Many people with ILR already have an eVisa but have not yet accessed it through a UKVI account. Others may still hold older evidence of status, such as a BRP, passport endorsement or vignette, and need to take steps to access their digital immigration record.

The Home Office allows eligible individuals to create a UKVI account and access their eVisa online. The process generally involves confirming identity details and linking those details to existing Home Office records.

Applicants are normally required to verify their identity using a current passport, travel document or other accepted evidence. Once access has been established, they can view their immigration status online, update personal details and generate share codes when proof of status is required.

It is important to ensure that any current passport or travel document is correctly linked to the UKVI account. A mismatch between passport details and Home Office records can create difficulties when proving status or travelling internationally.

Where an individual cannot access an existing eVisa or the Home Office is unable to match their identity to historic immigration records, further UKVI support may be required. In some circumstances, particularly where ILR is evidenced only by older documents, a No Time Limit application may provide the appropriate route to obtaining digital proof of status.

2. I Already Have an eVisa

If you can sign in to your UKVI account and view your immigration status online, there is usually no need to make an NTL application.

An accessible eVisa already provides digital evidence of your ILR. In most cases, the priority should be ensuring that your personal details remain up to date and that your current passport or travel document is correctly linked to your UKVI account.

If your details change, such as following a name change or the issue of a new passport, you should update your UKVI account promptly to avoid difficulties when proving your status or travelling internationally.

3. I Have an Expired BRP but Cannot Access My eVisa

Many former BRP holders fall into this category.

An expired BRP does not necessarily mean an NTL application is required. In many cases, the issue is simply that access to the eVisa has not yet been established or that there are difficulties linking the individual’s identity to their UKVI account.

The Home Office provides processes for former BRP holders to create or access their UKVI account and view their digital status. Before considering an NTL application, individuals should first determine whether an existing eVisa can be accessed through the Home Office system.

Where access problems persist, additional identity verification or support from UKVI may be required.

4. I Have an Old ILR Vignette or Passport Endorsement

Some individuals were granted ILR before BRPs became commonplace and continue to hold evidence of their status in the form of a passport vignette, ink stamp or legacy immigration endorsement.

Although these documents may still demonstrate the existence of ILR, they do not provide access to a digital immigration record. In these circumstances, an NTL application may be appropriate to obtain confirmation of status through an eVisa.

NTL applications are commonly used where ILR is evidenced through older documentation and the individual wishes to obtain digital proof of their status.

5. I Have No Proof of ILR

Some people know they were granted ILR many years ago but no longer hold any documentation confirming that status.

This may arise because passports have been lost, immigration documents have been destroyed or records have become separated over time. In these cases, an NTL application may enable the Home Office to confirm status through historical records and issue evidence through an eVisa.

Applicants should provide as much information as possible regarding their immigration history, previous identities and any historic Home Office references that may assist with record checks.

6. I Think My ILR Has Lapsed

An NTL application cannot restore ILR that has already been lost.

For most people, ILR automatically lapses after an absence of more than two continuous years from the UK, Ireland and the Crown Dependencies. Different rules apply in some cases, including certain individuals with settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme.

If there is a possibility that ILR has lapsed, the issue is no longer one of proving status but establishing whether the status still exists. In many cases, the appropriate route will be a Returning Resident application rather than an NTL application.

Anyone unsure whether their ILR remains valid should establish their immigration position before relying on historic documents or making a further application.

Section C: No Time Limit (NTL) Applications Explained

A No Time Limit (NTL) application is designed for people who already hold Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or Indefinite Leave to Enter (ILE) but require updated evidence of that status. It does not grant settlement or create a new immigration status. Instead, it allows the Home Office to confirm an existing grant of indefinite leave and record that status through an eVisa.

As the UK immigration system moves away from physical documents, NTL applications continue to play an important role for individuals whose status is recorded on older forms of evidence or whose documentation is no longer available.

1. What Is an NTL Application?

The NTL route allows a person with existing ILR or ILE to obtain confirmation of that status through a UKVI account and eVisa.

Historically, indefinite status was evidenced through passport endorsements, vignette stickers, immigration stamps, status letters and, more recently, BRPs. While many former BRP holders can now access their status directly through the eVisa system, others still require an NTL application because their immigration records pre-date current digital systems.

An approved NTL application results in digital evidence of status rather than the issue of a physical immigration document.

2. Who Should Consider an NTL Application?

NTL applications are generally appropriate where a person already holds ILR or ILE but cannot easily prove that status through current Home Office systems.

Common examples include:

• ILR evidenced by an old passport vignette or immigration endorsement
• Loss, theft or destruction of immigration documents
• No documentary proof of ILR or ILE
• A legitimate change of identity, nationality or name since status was granted
• Historic grants of settlement that have never been recorded through an eVisa

However, NTL is not appropriate in every case involving an expired BRP. Many former BRP holders can access their eVisa through separate Home Office processes without making an NTL application.

3. How Do You Apply for NTL?

Applications are submitted online from within the UK. Applicants need to establish their identity and provide any available evidence confirming their ILR or ILE.

Supporting documents may include current or previous passports, Home Office correspondence, immigration reference numbers and other records connected to the original grant of settlement.

Where documentary evidence is missing, the Home Office may conduct historical record checks to establish whether indefinite leave was previously granted. The more information an applicant can provide regarding their immigration history, the easier it is for those records to be located and verified.

Applicants are generally required to complete identity verification as part of the application process and may be asked to provide biometric information where required by UKVI.

4. How Much Does an NTL Application Cost?

There is currently no Home Office application fee for an NTL application.

The fact there is no fee reflects the nature of the route. An NTL application does not confer a new immigration permission. It confirms an existing grant of ILR or ILE and updates the evidence used to prove that status.

Applicants may still incur incidental expenses, such as obtaining replacement identity documents or supporting evidence where records have been lost or are no longer available.

5. How Long Does an NTL Application Take?

The Home Office advises that NTL applications can take up to six months to process.

Processing times vary depending on the complexity of the case, the availability of supporting evidence and whether extensive historical record checks are required. Applications supported by clear evidence of ILR or ILE are often resolved more quickly than cases involving missing records or decades-old immigration documentation.

The Home Office may request further information before reaching a decision. Responding promptly to such requests can help avoid unnecessary delays.

Once approved, the individual’s immigration status will be accessible digitally through their UKVI account and eVisa.

Section D: Common Problems Proving ILR

Many people only discover a problem with their immigration documentation when they need to prove their status for employment, travel, a citizenship application or another official purpose. In most cases, the underlying grant of Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) remains valid. The challenge is establishing evidence of that status in a form recognised by current Home Office systems.

The following are among the most common situations affecting individuals with settled status.

1. My BRP Has Expired

The expiry of a BRP does not normally affect the validity of ILR. A BRP was evidence of immigration status, not the status itself.

Since the Home Office transition to eVisas, individuals with valid ILR are generally expected to prove their status through a UKVI account and digital immigration record. The key issue is therefore establishing access to the eVisa rather than replacing the expired BRP.

Current Home Office guidance also recognises limited ongoing use of expired BRPs during the transition period. However, individuals should not rely on an expired BRP as their primary method of proving status.

2. I Cannot Access My eVisa

Many former BRP holders experience difficulties because they have not yet created a UKVI account, cannot access an existing account or have details that no longer match Home Office records.

Common causes include changes of passport, outdated contact information, differences in names across documents or difficulties completing identity verification requirements. A renewed passport that has not been linked to a UKVI account is one of the most common causes of travel and status verification difficulties.

Before considering an NTL application, individuals should establish whether an eVisa already exists and whether access can be restored through UKVI support processes.

3. I Have an Old ILR Stamp or Passport Vignette

Many people granted ILR before the introduction of BRPs still hold evidence of their status in the form of passport endorsements, vignette stickers or older Home Office documentation.

While these documents may continue to demonstrate that ILR was granted, they do not provide access to the Home Office’s digital status system. In many cases, an NTL application provides the route to obtaining an eVisa and modern evidence of settled status.

4. I Have Lost My Passport or Immigration Documents

Lost passports, missing BRPs and misplaced Home Office correspondence are among the most common reasons people struggle to prove ILR.

The loss of documentary evidence does not automatically mean ILR has been lost. The Home Office may be able to verify status using historical records, previous applications and other information supplied by the individual.

Where evidence has been lost, gathering as much information as possible about previous passports, immigration applications and Home Office reference numbers can assist with verification.

5. My Name Has Changed Since ILR Was Granted

Name changes can create difficulties where immigration records no longer match current identity documents.

This commonly arises following marriage, divorce, adoption or a formal change of name. Individuals should retain documentary evidence linking their previous and current identities and ensure their UKVI account details remain up to date.

Where older immigration records need to be updated to reflect current identity details, additional Home Office action may be required before status can be easily verified.

6. I Have No Proof of ILR at All

Some individuals know they were granted ILR many years ago but no longer possess any evidence of that grant.

Although this can create practical difficulties, it does not automatically mean settled status has been lost. Depending on the circumstances, an NTL application may allow the Home Office to confirm the original grant of ILR through historical records and provide evidence through an eVisa.

In some cases, alternative routes may also be available, including the Windrush Scheme for eligible individuals.

Section E: When Can ILR Be Lost?

One of the most common misconceptions about Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) is that it lasts forever regardless of a person’s circumstances. While ILR does not have an expiry date in the same way as temporary immigration permission, it can be lost in certain situations.

Understanding when ILR remains valid and when it may lapse or be revoked is important before relying on older immigration documents or making an application to confirm status.

1. The Two-Year Absence Rule

For most people, ILR or Indefinite Leave to Enter (ILE) will automatically lapse if they remain outside the UK, Ireland and the Crown Dependencies for more than two continuous years. The two-year period is measured by continuous absence from the Common Travel Area.

Once ILR has lapsed, the issue is no longer proving status but establishing whether the status still exists. A person whose ILR has lapsed cannot restore it through an NTL application because there is no longer an existing grant of indefinite leave to confirm.

Individuals who have spent lengthy periods overseas and are unsure whether their ILR remains valid should establish their immigration position before travelling or making further applications.

2. Different Rules Under the EU Settlement Scheme

Different absence rules apply to many people granted settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme.

In most cases, settled status will lapse after an absence of five continuous years from the UK and Common Travel Area. Certain Swiss citizens and qualifying family members may benefit from a longer absence period before their status lapses.

Anyone relying on settled status should check the specific rules applicable to their circumstances before assuming that the standard two-year ILR absence rule applies.

3. Can ILR Be Revoked?

Yes. Although uncommon, the Home Office has powers to revoke indefinite leave in certain circumstances.

Examples include situations where ILR was obtained through deception, where an individual becomes liable to deportation or where refugee-related protection status ceases and revocation powers apply.

Revocation differs from lapse through absence. In revocation cases, the Home Office actively removes a person’s settled status. In lapse cases, the status ends automatically because the relevant absence period has been exceeded.

4. Returning Resident Applications

Individuals whose ILR has lapsed following a prolonged absence from the UK may be able to apply under the Returning Resident route.

A Returning Resident application asks the Home Office to recognise the applicant’s previous ties to the UK and permit them to resume settlement in the country.

The assessment differs significantly from an NTL application because the Home Office is not simply confirming an existing immigration status. Instead, it is considering whether a person whose ILR has lapsed should be allowed to return as a settled resident.

Evidence of previous residence, family connections, property, employment history and ongoing ties to the UK can all be relevant to a Returning Resident application.

5. Applying for British Citizenship

Many people seek confirmation of their ILR because they intend to apply for British citizenship.

An NTL application is not a legal requirement for naturalisation. The key requirement is that the applicant holds ILR, ILE or another qualifying form of settled status and satisfies the nationality requirements applicable to their case.

However, having access to an eVisa can significantly simplify verification of settled status during a citizenship application.

Most applicants also need to satisfy residence, good character and, where applicable, English language and Life in the UK requirements. Adults applying for naturalisation normally need to have held settled status for at least 12 months before applying, unless they are married to or in a civil partnership with a British citizen.

Summary

Biometric Residence Permits are no longer the primary way of proving UK immigration status, but the expiry of a BRP does not normally affect the validity of Indefinite Leave to Remain. Most people with settled status are now expected to prove their immigration status through an eVisa and UKVI account.

The appropriate route depends on the evidence currently available and whether access to an eVisa has already been established. Some former BRP holders simply need to access their eVisa, while others with older passport endorsements, lost documents or missing evidence may need to make a No Time Limit (NTL) application. Individuals whose ILR may have lapsed following a prolonged absence from the UK face a different set of requirements altogether.

This guide explains the current rules on BRPs, eVisas and proof of ILR, including the Home Office’s transitional arrangements for expired BRPs, common status verification problems and the options available where evidence of settled status is missing or outdated.

Need Assistance?

If you are unsure how to prove your ILR, cannot access your eVisa, have lost your immigration documents or need advice on an NTL or Returning Resident application, DavidsonMorris can help.

Our UK immigration specialists advise individuals on settled status, eVisa access issues, ILR evidence requirements, citizenship applications and complex status verification matters. We can assess your circumstances, identify the most appropriate route and help resolve issues before they affect travel, employment or other important applications.

For specialist advice, contact DavidsonMorris to arrange a fixed-fee telephone consultation with one of our immigration advisers.

FAQs

Has my ILR expired because my BRP has expired?

No. A BRP was evidence of your immigration status, not the status itself. If you held Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) before your BRP expired, your ILR will usually remain valid unless it has lapsed following a prolonged absence from the UK or has been revoked by the Home Office.

Can I still use an expired BRP?

In limited circumstances, yes. The Home Office states that an expired BRP may be used for up to 24 months after the expiry date printed on the card, or until 31 December 2026, whichever comes first. However, the Home Office expects people to rely on their eVisa wherever possible and the BRP concession is temporary, ending on 31 December 2026.

How do I prove my ILR now that BRPs have expired?

Most people now prove their ILR through an eVisa and UKVI account. You can access your digital immigration status online and generate share codes for employers, landlords and other organisations carrying out immigration status checks.

What is an eVisa?

An eVisa is a digital record of your immigration status held by the Home Office. It replaces most physical immigration documents and allows you to view and prove your immigration status online through a UKVI account.

Do I need a No Time Limit (NTL) application?

Not necessarily. Many former BRP holders can access their eVisa without making an NTL application. NTL applications are generally used where ILR is recorded on older forms of evidence, where documents have been lost or where no proof of settled status exists.

Who can apply for a No Time Limit application?

The NTL route is intended for people who already hold ILR or Indefinite Leave to Enter (ILE) but require updated evidence of that status through an eVisa. It does not grant settlement and cannot be used to restore status that has already been lost.

How much does an NTL application cost?

There is currently no Home Office fee for an NTL application. The route is free because it confirms an existing immigration status rather than granting a new one.

How long does an NTL application take?

The Home Office advises that NTL applications can take up to six months to process. Processing times vary depending on the complexity of the case and whether historical record checks are required.

What if I cannot access my eVisa?

Difficulties accessing an eVisa do not necessarily mean your immigration status is missing. Problems often arise because of changes to passports, personal details or UKVI account information. Many access issues can be resolved without making an NTL application.

Can I travel to the UK with an expired BRP?

Potentially, yes. Current Home Office transitional arrangements allow certain expired BRPs to continue being accepted until 31 December 2026, although travellers should ensure they have access to their eVisa and that their passport is correctly linked to their UKVI account.

What happens if I have lost my passport containing my ILR stamp?

You may still hold valid ILR even if the passport containing the original endorsement has been lost. Depending on your circumstances, the Home Office may be able to verify your status through historical records and an NTL application may be appropriate.

Can I apply for British citizenship without an NTL eVisa?

Yes. There is no requirement to hold an NTL-issued eVisa before applying for British citizenship. The key requirement is that you hold ILR, ILE or another qualifying form of settled status and satisfy the nationality requirements applicable to your application.

Can ILR be lost?

Yes. For most people, ILR will lapse if they remain outside the UK, Ireland and the Crown Dependencies for more than two continuous years. ILR can also be revoked by the Home Office in certain circumstances.

Glossary

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