UK Extends Leniency for Expired Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) and Cards (BRCs) Until End of 2026 – Important Update for Millions of Foreign Residents

UK extends leniency for expired BRPs and BRCs until December 31, 2026

London, June 16, 2026 — The UK Home Office has announced a significant extension to the transitional arrangements for expired Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) and Biometric Residence Cards (BRCs), providing much-needed relief for foreign nationals navigating the country’s ongoing shift to a fully digital immigration system.

Under the new rules, holders of expired BRPs and BRCs will be able to continue using them for most purposes for longer than previously planned, helping to reduce uncertainty during the eVisa transition period.

Key Extensions Announced

For Expired Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs):

• Holders can continue to use expired BRPs to access most eVisa services until December 31, 2026.

• This is a six-month extension from the previous June 2026 cutoff.

• Important Exceptions:

  • Checks for Right to Work and Right to Rent

  • European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) purposes

  • Individuals granted leave after BRP decommissioning who were never issued a physical BRP

  • Lost or stolen BRPs

For Expired Biometric Residence Cards (BRCs):

• Valid until December 31, 2026 for non-EUSS purposes

• Valid until December 31, 2030 for EUSS purposes

This represents a major extension for EUSS-related uses, giving EU citizens and their family members significantly more time to transition smoothly.

Background: UK’s Digital Immigration Transition

The UK began phasing out physical BRPs and BRCs in 2024 as part of its move toward a fully digital immigration system (eVisa). Since then, the government has repeatedly extended transitional arrangements to avoid chaos for millions of legal residents.

The latest extensions reflect ongoing feedback from employers, landlords, and affected communities about the practical challenges of the digital transition, particularly around access to services and travel.

Practical Impact on Foreign Residents

Positive Developments:

• More time to complete the switch to eVisa without immediate disruption

• Reduced risk of being unable to prove legal status during the transition

• Especially helpful for EU Settlement Scheme participants who still rely on physical cards

Remaining Challenges:

• Right to Work and Right to Rent checks still necessitate valid documents or eVisa access.

• Some individuals (e.g., those with lost BRPs) remain unaffected by the extension

• Employers and landlords may still request updated proof of status

What You Should Do Now

1. Check Your Document Status — Log into your UK Visas and Immigration account to confirm your eVisa status and any remaining validity of physical cards.

2. Apply for eVisa Promptly — If you haven’t already, convert your physical BRP/BRC to digital status as soon as possible.

3. Plan Ahead for Travel and Work — Carry both physical documents and digital proof where possible, especially for international travel.

4. Contact UKVI if Needed — Use official channels for case-specific advice if your situation is complex.

Broader Context of UK Immigration Digitalization

The UK’s move to a paperless immigration system is part of a long-term strategy to modernize border control, improve security, and reduce administrative burdens. While the transition has faced criticism for its pace and communication, repeated extensions show the government’s willingness to adjust timelines based on practical realities.

This latest announcement provides welcome breathing room for the millions of foreign nationals living and working in the UK as the country completes its digital transformation.

For the latest updates, detailed guides, eVisa conversion steps, BRP/BRC expiry rules, and 2026 UK immigration policy changes, visit: visasupdate.com/blog/categories/uk