Biometrics encompass an individual’s physical characteristics, such as facial photographs and fingerprints, used for identification. In the UK, Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) are issued to migrants under immigration control, signaling permission to reside for periods exceeding six months, encompassing study rights and access to certain public services or benefits. However, BRPs don’t validate work or rent rights; these need separate validation via official online portals. After December 31, 2024, Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) are set to be replaced by a digital system called eVisas for migrants in the UK. These eVisas serve as an online record of your immigration status and stay conditions. To securely share this information with employers or landlords, individuals will need to create a UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) account.
The Home Office updated details on October 30, 2023, outlining how the eVisa system will function. It emphasizes that the eVisa won’t impact your immigration status or conditions if you applied using the IDV app.
For now, successful applicants will continue to receive physical BRP cards. Individuals holding physical documents indicating immigration status don’t need to take action yet. Updates throughout 2024 will guide the process for registering a UKVI account.
In the future, eVisas linked to UKVI accounts will serve as the primary document for travel to the UK. This digital approach offers advantages such as heightened security, no risk of loss or tampering, and quicker verification at UK borders. Though, providing biometric information in person might still be necessary as per requirements.
Presently, BRPs are issued with a uniform expiry date of December 31, 2024, irrespective of whether migrants hold Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). This expiry doesn’t indicate the end of UK residence. It’s attributed to current BRPs lacking EU-mandated encryption for cards valid post-January 1, 2025.
Post-2025, the Home Office will enable migrants to validate immigration status online, removing the need for a physical BRP. Updates on this will be available in early 2024. Additionally, those utilizing the UK Immigration: ID Check App won’t receive a BRP; instead, they’ll validate their status online.