Biometric residence permits (BRPs)

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1. What a BRP is

Biometric residence permits (BRPs) are cards that were used to prove immigration status. You might have a BRP if you were granted permission to live or work in the UK on or before 31 October 2024.

BRPs are being replaced by eVisas. An eVisa is an online record of your immigration status.

If you have a BRP and still have permission to stay in the UK, you need to create an account to get access to your eVisa.听

All BRPs have now expired but they can still be used in some circumstances.

What you can do with an expired BRP

You should keep your expired BRP.听

You may be able to use your expired BRP to travel to the UK before or on 1 June 2025 if both:

  • your BRP expired on or after 31 December 2024
  • you still have permission to stay in the UK

Find out more about what you need to do before you travel to the UK.

You may also be able to use your expired BRP for 18 months after the expiry date printed on the card to:

2. Getting your expired BRP if you applied from outside the UK

You can no longer collect a biometric residence permit (BRP) from a Post Office. This is because all BRPs have now expired and are being replaced by eVisas.

The Home Office tried to contact you if you were told you would get a BRP when you applied to come to the UK.

You should still get your BRP, even though it鈥檚 expired. You might be able to use it to prove your right to work, rent or travel.

If you nominated someone else to collect your BRP

If your nominated person (for example a sponsor) has already collected your BRP from a Post Office, collect it from them.

If your nominated person has not collected your BRP, the Home Office will contact them.

When to contact the Home Office

Contact the Home Office by email if any of the following apply:

  • you have not received an email from them
  • you know that your nominated person collected your BRP but you cannot get it from them
  • you no longer have access to the email address you used when you applied to come to the UK

BRP collection听
[email protected]

The Home Office will email you to tell you what to do next. They鈥檒l usually reply within 5 working days.

3. Report a problem with your expired BRP

You cannot get a replacement biometric residence permit (BRP).

BRPs are being replaced by eVisas. An eVisa is an online record of your immigration status.听

If there are any problems with your BRP when you get it, you鈥檒l need to:听听

You can also ask for an administrative review if both of the following apply:

  • you applied for your visa from inside the UK
  • there are mistakes in the length or conditions of your visa

What you do not need to report

You do not need to tell UKVI that your BRP expired but your immigration status (for example, your visa) allows you to stay longer.

You need to create an account to get access to your eVisa so you can prove your immigration status online after your BRP expires.

4. If your expired BRP is lost or stolen

You cannot get a replacement biometric residence permit (BRP). You need to set up access to an eVisa instead.听

You must , even though it鈥檚 expired.

You can be fined up to 拢1,000 and made to leave the UK if you do not report a lost or stolen BRP.听

You can get someone to report it for you, for example a legal representative, a charity, a family member, employer, college or university.

The Home Office will contact you within one working day of reporting it.

If you find your BRP after reporting it lost or stolen

You will not be able to use your BRP if you find it after you report it lost or stolen.听

You should cut the BRP into pieces and dispose of it.听

Make sure you cut through:

  • your personal details
  • the royal coat of arms
  • the gold biometric chip, if your card has one

If you鈥檝e found someone else鈥檚 lost or stolen BRP

If you鈥檙e in the UK, post the BRP to the Home Office using an envelope without a window.

Returns Unit
PO Box 195
Bristol
BS20 1BT

Do not send any other items or documents with the BRP - they鈥檒l be destroyed.

If you鈥檙e outside the UK, hand the BRP in to the police or to the nearest British embassy or consulate.