The Home Office has confirmed that the BRP replacement service is now closed to new applications, and no new physical BRPs will be issued after 31 October 2024.
Closure of BRP Replacement Services as eVisas Roll Out
The Home Office has amended various guidance documents to reflect the withdrawal of the replacement Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) service with effect from 26 September 2024.
The development forms part of UKVI’s implementation of the new, fully digital eVisa system from 1 January 2025, and the concurrent phase-out of physical immigration documents, including BRPs, biometric residence cards (BRCs) and passport endorsements such as visa stickers.
A UKVI account is a secure platform for individuals to manage their immigration status, while an eVisa is the electronic record of an individual’s immigration status. With a UKVI account, you can view your eVisa and generate a share code to prove your status. UKVI accounts are automatically created for those using the UK Immigration ID Check App, but individuals with physical documents must register for an account to access their eVisa and other online services.
When Your BRP Expires
Following closure of the replacement BRP service and the ongoing eVisa roll out, your options to deal with an expiring BRP depend largely on the reason for its expiry.
1. Expiring Visa or Permission to Stay
If your permission to stay in the UK, such as your visa, is expiring, you must apply to extend your stay or get a new type of permission. For instance, you might extend your visa or apply for a new one. Most successful applicants are now being issued eVisas, as digital proof of immigration status.
2. BRP Expires Before Your Permission to Stay
For those with permission to stay beyond their BRP expiry date, BRPs are being replaced by eVisas, which serve as an online record of your immigration status. You can continue using your BRP until it expires, but UKVI is advising to set up a UKVI account now to access your eVisa.
3. Legacy Documents and eVisas
If you hold older immigration documents, such as ink stamps or visa stickers in passports, transitioning to an eVisa is recommended for easier access to services and to avoid potential delays. By the end of 2024, new No Time Limit applicants will receive eVisas instead of BRPs.
Impact of the Changes on BRP Holders
The expiry of your BRP does not affect your immigration status, but how you prove your status will change after 2025. All BRP holders are encouraged to create a UKVI account now to access their eVisa. You should retain your BRP for future applications or travel, although expired BRPs cannot be used for international travel after 2024.
You can update personal information such as your address and contact details via your UKVI account at no cost.
Impact of the Changes on Employers and Right to Work Checks
BRPs are no longer acceptable for Right to Work checks, since a change in the official guidance in April 2022. Employers must use the online Right to Work service to verify the immigration status of workers who hold BRPs, which involves requesting a share code from the individual to check their immigration status online. UKVI has updated its guidance to include information about eVisas, with further updates expected when physical documents are phased out completely.
Need Assistance?
We are providing specialist advice, support and training to employers on the implications of the new eVisa system on immigration compliance, including Right to Work checks. We are also on hand to support with queries relating to individual visa holders’ transition to the eVisa.
Contact us for specialist advice.
Author
Founder and Managing Director Anne Morris is a fully qualified solicitor and trusted adviser to large corporates through to SMEs, providing strategic immigration and global mobility advice to support employers with UK operations to meet their workforce needs through corporate immigration.
She is a recognised by Legal 500 and Chambers as a legal expert and delivers Board-level advice on business migration and compliance risk management as well as overseeing the firm’s development of new client propositions and delivery of cost and time efficient processing of applications.
Anne is an active public speaker, immigration commentator, and immigration policy contributor and regularly hosts training sessions for employers and HR professionals
