Your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) is an essential document that confirms your immigration status and right to live, work, or study in the UK. But with the Home Office phasing out physical BRPs by 31 December 2024, many migrants and UK residents are left asking: what do I do when my BRP expires?
In this guide, Borderless explains what steps you need to take, how the rules have changed, and what your responsibilities are to avoid losing your lawful status.
What Is a BRP and Why It Matters
A Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) is a credit-card-sized ID card that includes:
- Your name, date, and place of birth
- Your immigration status and visa expiry date
- Conditions of your stay (e.g. work rights)
- Whether you can access public funds
- Biometric details: a facial image and fingerprints
- National Insurance number (for some visa types)
It is commonly used to:
- Prove your right to work or rent in the UK
- Access services like the NHS or benefits (if eligible)
- Open bank accounts
- Re-enter the UK after travel abroad
Why Most BRPs Expire on 31 December 2024
From 2025, the UK government is transitioning to a fully digital immigration system. This means:
- No more physical BRP cards will be issued after 2024
- Everyone will need to prove their status digitally through a UKVI account and eVisa
Even if your permission to stay in the UK is valid beyond 2024 (e.g. Indefinite Leave to Remain), your BRP may still display an expiry date of 31 December 2024. This does not mean your actual immigration status expires—only that the card itself will no longer be valid.
How to Transition to a Digital Immigration Status (eVisa)
To continue proving your right to live and work in the UK after your BRP expires, you must:
1. Create a UKVI Account
Visit the UKVI digital account service to set up your account.
You will need:
- Passport details
- Your BRP number
- A recent photo
2. Link Your Status to Your Account
If your immigration status isn’t already linked to your UKVI account, you may need to apply to update your record. This process is simple and free.
3. Start Using Your Digital Status
Once active, you can use your UKVI account to:
- Share your immigration status with employers or landlords
- Update your personal information
- Track visa expiry and renewals
What If You Have Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)?
If you hold ILR but your BRP expires on 31 December 2024:
- You do not need to apply for a new visa
- You do need to switch to a digital eVisa
Create your UKVI account and follow the steps to digitise your status. You’ll continue to hold ILR and can apply for British citizenship if eligible.
BRP Expiry While Abroad
You cannot renew your BRP from outside the UK. If your card expires or is lost while you’re abroad, you must:
Step 1: Apply for a Replacement BRP Visa
This visa allows you to re-enter the UK once. Cost: £154.
Step 2: Apply for a New BRP from Within the UK
Once back in the UK, submit an application to replace your expired BRP. Cost: £56 + £19.20 for biometrics.
You’ll need:
- Your passport
- Previous BRP (if available)
- Proof of legal status
What to Do If Your BRP Is Lost or Stolen
If your BRP is lost or stolen inside the UK:
- Report it to the Home Office online within 3 months
- Apply for a replacement BRP if your leave is valid for more than 3 months
If your BRP is lost or stolen outside the UK:
- Report the loss to the Home Office
- Apply for a replacement BRP visa to re-enter the UK
Once back in the UK, apply for a replacement card as above.
Documents Needed to Replace or Update Your BRP
Typical documents include:
- Valid passport
- Existing or expired BRP (if available)
- Proof of address (e.g. utility bill, tenancy agreement)
- Evidence of continuous residence (for ILR holders)
- 2 passport-sized photos (if applicable)
- Evidence of any name or gender change
BRP Renewal Costs (2025)
Automate Home Office Audits with Borderless
The Borderless platform provides a centralized system for all sponsorships, automating reminders for key tasks and ensuring best practices across your organization, simplifying audit preparation and ongoing compliance.
If you're switching to digital status only, there is no fee to create a UKVI account or activate an eVisa.
How Borderless Helps You Stay Compliant
At Borderless, we help individuals and employers:
- Understand BRP transition rules
- Digitise immigration status quickly and correctly
- Maintain compliance through real-time alerts and monitoring
- Avoid costly mistakes with automated reminders and expert guidance
Whether you need help managing sponsor responsibilities, right to work checks, or transitioning your team to digital status, we’re here to help.
Download our Right to Work Checklist to stay audit-ready.
