United Kingdom: Extension of Leniency Periods for Expired Biometric Residence Permits and Cards

Holders of expired Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) may continue to use them to access most eVisa services until December 31, 2026; previously, they were scheduled to cease being accepted in June 2026. This extension does not apply to: Right to Work or Right to Rent checks; European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) purposes; individuals granted leave following BRP decommissioning who were not issued a BRP; or individuals whose BRP has been lost.  

Meanwhile, expired Biometric Residence Cards (BRC) will remain valid: 

• • Until December 31, 2026 for non-EUSS purposes only; and 
  • Until December 31, 2030 for EUSS purposes. 
     

Previously, expired BRCs were scheduled to cease being accepted for all purposes after December 31, 2026. Under the updated arrangements, expired BRCs will continue to be accepted for EUSS purposes until December 31, 2030. 

As part of the digitalization of its immigration system, the United Kingdom began phasing out BRPs and BRCs in 2024. Since then, the government has repeatedly extended transitional arrangements governing the continued use of expired BRPs and BRCs, although the permitted uses and end dates differ between the two documents.  

This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen.