If you’re planning to live or work in the UK, it’s crucial to stay updated with the latest changes in immigration policies. One significant update involves the transition from Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) to eVisas, which will impact individuals whose BRPs are expiring. From March 2025, the UK government will extend the use of eVisas, allowing more flexibility for those with expired BRPs to prove their immigration status.
In this blog post, we’ll explain the new rules surrounding BRP expiration, how to manage your immigration status, and what steps you need to take to ensure a smooth transition.
Understanding Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs)
BRPs are physical documents that prove your right to stay in the UK, often used by people with visas or residence permits. They include your biometric data (fingerprints and a photo) and immigration status details.
However, as the UK modernizes its immigration processes, BRPs are being phased out in favor of eVisas. These eVisas offer a more secure, online method of managing your immigration status, making it easier for you to prove your eligibility to stay, work, or study in the UK.
What Happens When Your BRP Expires?
If your BRP expires after December 31, 2024, you might be affected by the new eVisa system. Under the updated regulations, you can still use your expired BRP for travel until March 31, 2025, as long as you have permission to remain in the UK. After this date, you will need to transition to the eVisa to continue proving your status.
To ensure you’re prepared, follow these essential steps:
- Set up access to your eVisa: You will need to access your eVisa online. This is crucial as it will not be automatically set up for you once your BRP expires. You can view and prove your immigration status via the eVisa portal.
- Keep your expired BRP: While you don’t need to report the expiration of your BRP to UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), you should keep your expired BRP. It can be used as evidence if you apply to extend your stay or prove your right to work or study in the UK.
- Travel to the UK: If you plan to travel to the UK after your BRP expires but before March 31, 2025, you can still use your expired BRP as proof of your immigration status. After this date, you’ll need to rely solely on your eVisa.
Why the Transition to E-Visas?
The UK government’s decision to phase out BRPs and replace them with eVisas is part of a broader effort to modernize the immigration system. E-visas are easier to manage, more secure, and accessible online, allowing individuals to prove their immigration status without needing a physical card.
E-visas also streamline processes for people seeking to work, study, or live in the UK by reducing administrative burdens and potential delays associated with physical document renewals.
How This Affects Immigration Services
For individuals planning to apply for a UK Skilled Worker Visa or any other visa, it’s essential to understand these changes. If you’ve been considering applying for work in the UK or need job search assistance, the transition to eVisas will have minimal disruption, as long as you follow the steps to manage your status online.
Conclusion
If your BRP is set to expire after December 2024, ensure you’re ready for the shift to eVisas. Keep your expired BRP, set up access to your eVisa, and make sure your immigration status remains up-to-date. The extension to March 2025 gives you some time to adjust, but it’s essential to act now to avoid any disruption to your stay in the UK.
For those looking to work or live in the UK, Student Ports can assist with job search services and visa applications. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you secure the right job and immigration status.
In partnership with Holmes & Partners Ltd, a leading solicitor firm with OISC Registration: F202000183.