What to Do When My Biometric Residence Permit Expires?

Overview

The BRP contains important information regarding the holder’s immigration status.

Along with biometric information (your fingerprints and a picture of your face), the BRP also contains the following information:

• Name.
• Date and place of birth.
• Immigration status.
• The terms and conditions of the permit holder’s stay in the UK.
• Eligibility for public funds (social benefits and healthcare).
• A national insurance number (if applicable).

Historically, BRPs were issued for ten years to someone with indefinite leave to remain in the UK, while those with more limited visas were usually issued a permit for the length of the visa.

In 2020, the Home Office began issuing BRPs with an expiry date of 31 December 2024, regardless of the holder’s right to reside in the UK beyond that date.

The 31 December 2024 Expiry Date

The Home Office will no longer issue BRP cards from 1 January 2025.

You will need to prove your immigration status online, without a BRP after this date. You may need to create a UKVI account and ensure your status is digitized as BRP cards and other paper-based proof of immigration status will no longer be permitted. Some statuses have a transitionary period.

The Renewal Process

You will have to setup a UKVI account to digitise your immigration status after the deadline. It is a simple process, where you will need to verify some details including your identity and passport details. The UK moves to a digital-only entry system, and your BRP will be replaced by an E-Visa. You may already have one, or you may need to update or create an account.

Indefinite Leave

If you have indefinite leave to remain in the UK, you can renew your BRP online by visiting the visas and immigration service website.

If your application is approved, your BRP will be sent to you with your decision letter.

You’ll usually receive a decision on your permit application within six months of making an online application.

Renewals from Outside the UK

You cannot use the BRP replacement service if you are located outside the UK when you wish to renew your permit.

Instead, you’ll need to apply for a replacement BRP visa. This allows you to re-enter the UK once to renew your permit.

Once you have re-entered the UK, you’ll then have to prove your identity at a visa application centre to complete your BRP application.

You will typically get an update on the status of your application within three weeks of proving your identity.

Required Documents

You will need to provide the authorities with the originals of the following documents if you wish to renew your BRP:

• Your passport or equivalent identity document.
• If you were granted indefinite leave to remain more than two years before you apply for a new BRP, you will have to provide proof of continuous residence in the UK – eligible documents include council tax bills, utility bills, and a letter from your employer.
• Two passport photographs.
• Your current BRP.
• If appropriate, evidence of any changes to the information you provide (for example, your name or gender).

Cost

If you have indefinite right to leave to remain in the UK and are currently in the country, you can renew your BRP for £19.20.

If you are outside the UK and wish to renew your BRP, then you will have to apply for a renewal visa and then apply to renew your BRP.

This will cost:

• £56 for a Biometric Residence Permit renewal.
• £154 for a replacement BRP visa.

How to Replace a Lost or Stolen BRP Card

Overview

You can report your BRP lost or stolen from both inside and outside the UK.

The Home Office will usually contact you within 24 hours of you reporting the card lost or stolen.

If you wish to replace a lost or stolen BRP, you can only do this from within the UK.

If your lost or stolen BRP was valid for three months or more, you must report it lost or stolen within three months.

If your BRP was valid for three months or less, you can choose to do one of the following:

• Report the permit lost or stolen if you do not intend to remain in the UK once it has expired.
• Apply for a replacement permit if you intend to leave and re-enter the UK within three months of the card’s expiration date.
• Apply to extend your visa if you want to stay in the UK after the permit’s expiry date. If you are granted a visa, you will receive a new BRP.

How to Replace a Lost or Stolen BRP Outside the UK

You cannot apply for a replacement BRP outside the UK.

Instead, you’ll need to apply for a  ‘replacement BRP visa’ and then apply for a new permit once you are in the country.

You will usually have to do this within three months of reporting the card lost or stolen, but there are exceptions to this rule if you can give a valid reason why you were unable to return to the UK in good time.

How IAS Can Help

If you need help renewing or reporting a lost or stolen BRP or simply want to learn more about the process of applying for a permit, IAS is here to help.

We are an experienced team of immigration lawyers with lots of expertise in the BRP application and renewal process.

To learn more about how we can help you with your BRP application, give a member of our team a call on +44 0333 305 9375 or contact us via our website.