Update on the Issuing of BRPs

The Home Office made an announcement on 26 September 2024 that new BRPs will no longer be issued, for any application, from 31 October 2024 and that the replacement BRP service was to be closed with immediate effect.

This announcement will affect those with an outstanding application, or looking to apply in the near future, as they will not be issued with a BRP in the event of a successful application. It will also affect individuals whose BRP or BRC has been lost or stolen, or whose personal details on their BRP or BRC have changed. Furthermore, it will impact those with non-EEA national family members of EEA nationals whose BRCs have expired, as these individuals would have been able to seek a replacement document through the BRP replacement service.

The exception to the above appears to be individuals whose indefinite leave to remain is confirmed by a stamp their passport, rather than by a BRP. Home Office guidance, despite being updated to reflect the above changes, still confirms that individuals in these circumstances should continue to apply for a BRP using the NTL application.

By way of background, as outlined in our previous blog, the Home Office is switching to a digital system of eVisas from 1 January 2025. As a result, all individuals with a BRP expiring on 31 December 2024 should create a UKVI account and register for an eVisa prior to the expiration of their BRP. Individuals with a BRC will already have a UKVI account and an eVisa.

For those individuals who do not have a BRP, the Home Office has confirmed that a travel document and visa application number can be used to create a UKVI account and register for an eVisa.

While individuals without a BRP will be able to register for a UKVI account and an eVisa, they may encounter difficulties when travelling abroad as the Home Office's position is that individuals should carry their BRP/BRC, as evidence of right to re-enter the UK, until the end of the year.

If you would like any advice or assistance regarding the switch to fully digital immigration status and the impact it will have on you, or your immigration document, then please do not hesitate to contact one of the experienced solicitors in our immigration team.