Biometrics are data about an individual’s external physical characteristics, such as a photograph of their face or a fingerprint image.

In the United Kingdom, Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) are given to migrants who are subject to immigration control and have not been given status under the Withdrawal Agreement. This is to show that they are allowed to stay for more than 6 months when their previous periods of leave are added together.

A BRP can be used to prove that a migrant is who they say they are, that they can study and that they are eligible for any public services or benefits. Individuals, however, cannot use their BRP to confirm their right to work or rent. They must use the official websites to prove their right to work or right to rent: https://www.gov.uk/prove-right-to-work and https://www.gov.uk/prove-right-to-rent.

Even if a migrant was granted Indefinite Leave to Remain, a BRP is currently issued with an expiry date of December 31, 2024. (ILR). Applicants who were granted limited leave for a period of five years were given BRPs with an expiry date of December 31, 2024, beginning in January 2020. This, however, does not mean that the right to remain in the UK will expire on December 31, 2024.

According to the Home Office, the date of December 31, 2024 reflects the fact that current BRPs do not include the next generation encryption technology required by the EU for cards valid beginning January 1, 2025. As a result, all BRP cards must now have an expiration date no later than December 31, 2024.

Furthermore, the Home Office states that beginning January 1, 2025, migrants will be able to prove their immigration status online without the need for a BRP card. In early 2024, the UKVI will also update the detailed information.

Please keep in mind that those who used the UK Immigration: ID Check App to apply for a visa to stay in the UK will not be issued a BRP card. Individuals will instead have to prove their immigration status online: https://www.gov.uk/view-prove-immigration-status.

Contact Our Immigration Team

Please call our immigration team at 0203 643 7508 or email Atty. Magsino at donm@queensparksolicitors.co.uk for expert advice on any aspect of your UK visa application.