Why is my BRP expiring?
Anyone recently issued with a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) will have noticed that its expiry date is 31 December 2024.
This has caused a lot of panic and confusion where people’s permission to stay in the UK is actually valid for a much later date.
The reason for this is that the Home Office is introducing a digital immigration system.
This will replace BRPs, endorsements, and vignette stickers on passports.
A similar eVisa system is already in place for those eligible under the EU Settlement Scheme.
As BRPs are being phased out by the end of the year, you must apply to replace your BRP with an eVisa.
You need to do this before 31 December 2024.
How the eVisa works
The eVisa will work by linking your passport or travel document to an online system that has
- records of your immigration status
- when it expires
- the conditions of your status, like whether you are entitled to work or access public funds
You must keep your passport or ID card details up to date in your UKVI account and tell them about any changes, so that your immigration status can be easily identified.
You can share your eVisa with third parties, like employers or landlords, by generating a share code in the ‘view and prove’ service, which will give them time-limited access to your immigration status information.
You can get a new share code whenever you need one.
So what do you need to do?
Step 1: Create a UKVI account
You need to create a UKVI account to access your eVisa.
Unlike almost all other Home Office services, there is thankfully no fee payable for the eVisa. Be aware of scams if you are asked to pay a fee or give bank details.
You will need:
- access to a smartphone
- a mobile phone number
- an email address
- your BRP card or a valid passport with your BRP number (if you already have a visa )
- your visa application number (if you’re applying for a new visa)
Your visa application number is the global web form (GWF) or unique application number (UAN) from your visa application.
You will need to update your UKVI account if:
- you renew or replace the identity document you used to apply – for example, if your passport expires
- you change your name – for example, if you get married
- you change your address, phone number or email address – your contact details need to be up to date so you can view or share your status
- you want to change your identity document or add another one
You can create your account here by simply clicking on the link and entering all your personal details that are requested.
Once you have completed the final steps, you will get an email confirming the UKVI Account has been set up.
File or bookmark this email somewhere safe and follow the instructions in the email.
Your UKVI Account is now ready to access.
Step 2: Confirm your identity using the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app
Clicking on the link in the email sent to you, sign into your UKVI Account using your smartphone.
If you used your BRP card to create your UKVI Account, you will need to re-enter the details
and use your phone/email address to get one-time access codes to sign back in.
Download the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app on to your smartphone from either the App Store or Google Play.
Make sure you are using the correct app – check the name (‘UK Immigration: ID Check’).
Link the App to your UKVI Account either by using the QR code on-screen or request a connection code.
Follow the instructions step-by-step as they appear on-screen.
Using the UK Immigration: ID Check App, you will be directed to
- take a photo of your BRP (front and back)
- scan the biometric chip inside the card
- take a biometric scan of your face
- take a photo that will appear on your e-Visa
When taking your photo, we recommend you find a well-lit, plain wall background. The
photo image must be clear with nothing covering your face and without any shadows. You
can take a selfie or ask a friend to take the photo for you.
This photo will appear on your e-Visa so make sure you are happy with it.
Step 3: Link your eVisa to your UKVI Account
On screen you will see a list of sections.
You have just completed the ‘confirm your identity’ section. Next you will need to complete the ‘contact preferences’ section.
Account security questions are questions and answers that are selected by you and will be used to help verify your identity over the phone if you ever need to contact the UKVI call-centre about any problem with your account.
Choose one question and answer from each of the three sets. Make a note of these somewhere safe where you can access them in the future if needed. Save and move on to the next section.
Read and sign the digital declaration page and then press Submit.
Confirmation that you have submitted your e-Visa registration will appear on screen and
you will also receive an email.
It can take a few days for your e-Visa to be ready to view on your UKVI Account, so do not
worry if you don’t receive your e-Visa at once. Keep checking your inbox including your
junk and spam folders.
Once your e-Visa is ready to view, you will receive another email from UKVI with instructions on how to view and prove your immigration status using your eVisa. File this email somewhere safe.
Once received, sign in and view your e-Visa as soon as possible and check all of the details
are correct.
You will see your photograph as well as similar information to what you now see on
your BRP – name, date of birth, visa type, visa start and expiry dates,and conditions.
If you have dependants with you in the UK, each dependant will need their own UKVI
Account and e-Visa. Please repeat the steps 1 – 3 above for each family member.
Travelling with your eVisa
Your eVisa is linked to the travel ID document used to create your UKVI Account. For most
people this will be the BRP although it can also be your passport.
You must carry your BRP when you travel in and out of the UK. This is necessary as long as it remains valid.
When you arrive in the UK, you will have your ID document scanned at the immigration desk. The eVisa needs to be linked to that travel ID document for the immigration officer to see your immigration status.
Before your BRP expires you MUST update your UKVI Account with your current passport
details. Link your eVisa to it. This will be the travel document you will use for
international travel once your BRP expires on 31st December 2024.
Failing to keep your UKVI Account updated will result in delays at the UK border and
difficulty proving your immigration status.
Visadreams.com, Diary of an Immigration Lawyer, is a blog run by Fahad Ansari, the director and principal solicitor of Riverway Law, a niche UK immigration and nationality law practice based in London. If you would like any advice or assistance in relation to your immigration matter, please do not hesitate to email me at fahad@riverwaylaw.com or submit your details here.
Diary of an Immigration Lawyer 