If the expiry date on your biometric residence permit (BRP) says 31 December 2024, even though your visa extends beyond that point, do not panic.
Your permission to remain in the UK does not run out on 31 December 2024, and your permission to work, study, access the NHS and benefits remains until the date that the Home Office stated in their decision letter when you were granted status.
It is just your physical card that expires at the end of the year, as the UK government phases out physical immigration documents and moves to a fully digital border and immigration system.
As part of this transition, the Home Office is replacing biometric residence permits (BRPs) and biometric residence cards (BRCs) (also known as UK residence cards) with an eVisa.
From 1 January 2025, people will no longer need a BRP or a BRC and will instead be able to prove their immigration status online.
The move brings the UK in line with many other countries and has a series of advantages. Digital eVisas are more secure and cannot be lost, stolen or tampered with and applicants will not need to wait to receive a physical document after their application is decided.
Digital visas will also be quicker and easier to use to prove immigration status.
What to do when my BRP expires in 2024?
BRPs are currently only issued up to 31 December 2024 and will be replaced by a digital eVisa from the beginning of 2025.
How to move to eVisa from BRP
If you have a BRP with an expiry date of 31 December but your visa is valid beyond this date, there are certain steps you must take to move to the digital service.
- Create a UKVI account.
It is free and straightforward for customers who hold existing physical BRP and BRC documents to create a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account. Creating a UKVI account will not change, impact or remove your current immigration status or any rights in the UK.
To sign in and create a UKVI, you will need:
- Your identity document, such as your passport, national identity card, BRP or BRC.
- Access to your phone or email address, as you will receive a security code to confirm your identity.
- Confirm your details.
Once you have created a UKVI account, you must then follow the instructions to scan in your BRP and complete the relevant sections of the form. You will have to provide certain information, such as your BRP number, location and contact preferences.
- Access your eVisa.
Once you have created a UKVI account and linked your details, you will then be able to access your eVisa.
An eVisa provides a record of:
- Your immigration status.
- Conditions of the type of permission you have to enter or stay in the UK.
If you need to share your immigration statues with any third parties, such as an employer or landlord, you can do this by generating a share code via the ‘View and Prove your Immigration Status’ service.
If you travel outside of the UK, you should continue to carry your in-date physical immigration documents with you until they expire.
BRPs and BRCs will not be valid for travel after 31 December 2024, and you should ensure you obtain an eVisa in good time.
Vulnerable eVisa applicants
Support in obtaining an eVisa is available to vulnerable applicates, including:
- Disabled people.
- People with severe mental health conditions.
- Victims of human trafficking and domestic abuse.
- People with significant language or literacy problems.
- Homeless people.
- Elderly people.
Charities and voluntary organisations in the UK are being funded by the government to support the above groups of vulnerable people in making eVisa applications. Please contact Migrant Help (evisa@migranthelpuk.org) for further information.
Immigration Solicitors Uxbridge
Berlad Graham LLP offers a full range of immigration advice for individuals, including visa applications, naturalisation and citizenship, and indefinite leave to remain.
If you need legal advice about UK visas or need to talk about any other aspect of immigration law, call one of our experts today on 0330 175 5655, email us at info@bglaw.co.uk or fill in our contact form.
