Individuals granted permission to enter or stay in the UK are receiving Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) with an end date of 31 December 2024. We consider the reasons for this, and how those affected will be able to prove their status in the future.
Why are BRPs due to expire on 31 December 2024?
For some time, individuals granted Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) have been issued BRPs with an expiry date of 31 December 2024. Those who are granted limited permission to enter or stay in the UK are also now receiving BRPs with the expiry date of 31 December 2024, despite having been granted a longer period of permission.
The reason for this initially stemmed from requirements of the EU to incorporate next generation encryption technology, which the Home Office planned to roll-out from 1 January 2025. Whilst the EU requirements are no longer relevant, the Home Office has been progressing its plans to digitalise proof of status and is therefore continuing to issue BRPs with an end date of 31 December 2024.
The Home Office has recently confirmed that individuals will not need a BRP from 1 January 2025. Those with valid permission will be able to prove their status online and the Home Office plans to provide information on how to do this in early 2024. It has confirmed that the individual’s immigration status will not be affected.
How can individuals prove the correct length of their permission?
When an application is successful, the Home Office should provide communication, which is usually sent by email, confirming the validity dates of the applicant’s permission to enter or stay. We strongly recommend that individuals retain this communication as confirmation of the correct date their permission is due to expire. We would expect the Home Office to be in touch in early 2024 with further clarification on how individuals can prove their status.
Those who currently hold a BRP can continue to prove their right to work and right to rent in the UK via the online checking services. This will provide accurate details on the duration of a person’s permission.
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