If you hold Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK (ILR), it means that you are settled and can live in the UK with no time restrictions. An ILR Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) is proof of your ILR status. In this blog, we discuss what you should do if you hold ILR and your BRP is expiring.
All UK BRPs have an expiry date, and for recently issued BRPs the maximum expiry date is 31 December 2024. This is because the Home Office plans on introducing a wholly digital system for evidencing UK immigration status in 2025, meaning you will no longer need a BRP. Further information will be released in 2024, so please make sure that you follow our blogs for further updates.
For ILR status holders, the expiration of your BRP does not mean that your UK immigration status is expiring, as long as your ILR has not lapsed as a result of you being outside of the UK for 2 consecutive years or more. However, your BRP is proof of your UK immigration status. Thus, if your BRP has expired, this may prevent you from re-entering the UK or proving your right to work.
If your BRP is near expiry, you can apply to renew your BRP by making an application to the Home Office. You will need to apply online, upload evidence of your ILR status and supporting documents, and attend a biometric appointment. The Home Office’s published processing time is 6 months (subject to delays). Unfortunately, there is currently no priority service available for such applications, therefore, it is best to apply as soon as possible.
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 Twitter, 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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