BRCs are not to be confused with Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs). BRCs were previously issued to non-EEA nationals with leave under EU Regulations – as the family member of an EU national exercising their Treaty Rights in the UK, for example. BRCs were evidence of their immigration statuses in the UK.
In 2021, anyone who held a BRC under the pre-Brexit EU Regulations was required to apply for a new BRC under the new EU Settlement Scheme. Those who failed to apply for the replacement no longer held valid cards and they would face difficulties proving their statuses when travelling or for right-to work-checks. This update aligns with the UK’s post-Brexit immigration framework, where EU nationals must have either pre-settled or settled status to continue residing in the UK.
As part of the UK’s ongoing digitalisation of the immigration systems, BRC holders were automatically issued with online statuses. This means that anyone with a BRC will not need to apply for an eVisa as they will already have one. You can log into your UKVI account using your BRC number and your date of birth.
This online system can be used to prove your right to rent and work in the UK.
Although BRCs have been a vital part of the UK immigration system, the UK government are committed to making the processes more efficient and secure through the use of technology. Staying up to date with these changes will ensure smooth transitions and continued compliance with UK immigration law.
How Gherson can assist
Gherson’s Immigration Team are highly experienced in advising on UK visa matters. If you have any questions arising from this blog, please do not hesitate to contact us for advice, send us an e-mail, or, alternatively, follow us on X, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn to stay-up-to-date.
The information in this blog is for general information purposes only and does not purport to be comprehensive or to provide legal advice. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information and law is current as of the date of publication it should be stressed that, due to the passage of time, this does not necessarily reflect the present legal position. Gherson accepts no responsibility for loss which may arise from accessing or reliance on information contained in this blog. For formal advice on the current law please do not hesitate to contact Gherson. Legal advice is only provided pursuant to a written agreement, identified as such, and signed by the client and by or on behalf of Gherson.
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