Biometric Residence Permit UK

How long is a BRP valid for?

Your BRP will display an expiry date of December 31 2024, but this date doesn't necessarily indicate the end of your right to stay in the UK. Your actual permission to remain in the country will be specified in your Home Office grant letter, which will also include your expiry date.

Why does my BRP expire on 31 December 2024?

BRPs which have been issued in the last few years will display an expiry date of December 31 2024 as part of the Home Office’s plans to digitalise all immigration status information by that time. After 1 January 2025, BRPs will no longer be needed and you will be able to prove your immigration status online without one.

This means that your BRP may have an earlier expiry date than your leave. However, don’t worry: the Home Office will provide updated information on how to prove your immigration status online and you won’t need to take any action. Your immigration status won’t be affected in any way.

Can I renew my BRP before it expires?

The Home Office guidance, the process for replacing an expired BRP depends on whether you are currently in the UK and what type of leave you have.

It's important to note that replacing your expired BRP won't extend the amount of time you're allowed to stay in the UK if your leave is expiring. To continue living and working in the UK, you'll need to apply to extend your leave.

If your BRP has less than 3 months validity you may want to replace it now if you need to prove your right to work or rent or you are travelling outside the UK.

If you are outside the UK

If your BRP expires while you are outside the UK, you cannot apply for a replacement. Instead, you will need to apply for a 'replacement BRP visa', which allows you to re-enter the UK once only. A replacement BRP visa costs £154.

You can apply for a replacement BRP when you return to the UK. You must do this within 3 months of its expiry unless you have a good reason, for example you were unable to return to the UK in that time.

You can use the following link to renew or replace your BRP.

Biometric Residence Permits and proof of indefinite leave to remain

If you have been granted indefinite leave to remain in the UK, your BRP will serve as both your identification and proof of immigration status. In the event that you do not possess a BRP despite having obtained indefinite leave to remain, you will be required to apply for a No Time Limit (NTL) application to transfer your ILR to a BRP.

Can I use my BRP after citizenship?

You cannot use your BRP after receiving citizenship.

Once you have received your certificate of British citizenship you are required to send your biometric residence permit back to the Home Office within 5 working days.

You will need to cut your BRP into 4 pieces and place it in a windowless envelope.

Please include a note stating that you are returning your biometric residence permit because you have become a British citizen. It would be useful if you could include your name, date of birth and the document number (found on the front of the card) in the note.

If you are returning your BRP from inside the UK, you will need to send it to the BRP return address below: 

Naturalisation BRP Returns

PO Box 195

Bristol

BS20 1BT

You will be fined up to £1,000 if you do not return your permit within 5 working days.

Do I need to return my old BRP?

You will need to return your old BRP if it has expired or you have since received a replacement BRP because it will no longer be valid.

Where do I return my old BRP?

You must use the following BRP returns address to send back your old BRP card from inside the UK:

BRP Returns

P.O. Box 195

Bristol

BS20 1BT

To return your old BRP from outside the UK, you must return it to the following address:

BRP Returns 

Home Office

Conference House

Conference Avenue

Portishead Office Park 

Portishead

Bristol

BS20 7LZ

United Kingdom

When returning your old BRP it is important that you cut your BRP in half and send it to the appropriate address in a plain, windowless envelope.

What happens if I forget to return my old BRP card?

If you forget to return your old BRP card then you may be subject to a fine of up to £1,000.

What is the difference between a BRP and BRC?

Previously, foreign nationals from outside the European Economic Area who could live and work in the UK based on EU law rights could obtain a Biometric Residence Card (BRC), also referred to as an EEA biometric residence card. BRCs are no longer available, and possessing a UK Residence Card is no longer considered valid proof of your right to reside or work in the country. To continue living in the UK, you must now apply for alternative forms of stay permission, such as settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme.

How Paragon Law can help?

Our team of immigration lawyers is well-equipped to assist you with any queries you may have about your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP). Whether you're uncertain about the application process, need guidance on renewals, or have concerns about your immigration status, our experts are here to provide you with accurate and up-to-date information.