Synopsis: The UK has extended the e-visa transition deadline for expired BRP and BRC holders to December 31, 2026, offering temporary relief. However, this extension excludes critical right-to-work and right-to-rent checks, which strictly require digital verification. Migrants must secure their online immigration accounts immediately to prevent sudden compliance issues or disruptions to their residency status.
The United Kingdom has granted temporary immigration status to those who still have expired physical immigration documents, giving many individuals additional time to prepare for the country’s digital immigration system.
The migration from physical immigration cards to online records of immigration status, referred to as ‘e-visas’, is a process the UK is currently transitioning to, and the update applies to those holding expired Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) or Biometric Residence Cards (BRCs).
Many migrants will be relieved by this extension. But the rules aren’t the same for all. While some expired documents are still valid for some immigration-related services, others continue to be ineligible for important checks like right-to-work and right-to-rent. 
What Has Changed?
As per the latest update reported by Fragomen, expired BRPs can still be used for access to the majority of e-visa services till December 31, 2026.
This supersedes the previous deadline that is set to expire in June 2026. The extension will provide more time for BRP holders to receive immigration services while the UK is making the switch to a fully digital service.
But that doesn’t mean that expired BRPs can be used for all applications. The UK government has established clear boundaries as to where these documents are still acceptable.
BRP Holders: Key Deadline and Restrictions
For the majority of the e-visa services, expired Biometric Residence Permits will be accepted until the end of 2026.
However, migrants need to be cautious. You cannot use expired BRPs for:
- Right-to-work checks
- Right-to-rent checks
- EU Settlement Scheme applications
- Lost BRPs
- Cases where a person received immigration status after BRPs were withdrawn, but was not issued a card
Migrants should not presume that an expired BRP is sufficient for establishing immigration rights in all circumstances. Digital proof of status may be required instead by employers, landlords, and immigration platforms.
BRC Holders Get Different Deadlines
The rules for Biometric Residence Cards are slightly different. Expired BRCs will remain for most non-EU Settlement Scheme purposes until December 31, 2026.
But BRC holders linked to the EU Settlement Scheme now have an extended validity period. Please note that their expired BRCs can still be used for relevant immigration purposes until December 31, 2030.
Quick Comparison: BRP vs BRC Deadline
Why is the UK Moving to E-Visas?
As part of a comprehensive immigration records modernisation programme, the UK began to replace BRPs and BRCs. Rather than having to use physical cards, migrants are being transferred to a digital status system.
This new digital status (e-visa) is intended to enable migrants to demonstrate their immigration status electronically. Ideally, this would eliminate the need to maintain physical records and simplify the status check process.
What Should Migrants Do Now?
It’s important that migrants don’t wait until the last minute. Persons who have an expired BRP or BRC must ensure their digital immigration status is correctly documented and is accessible. You should also find out what the deadline is for your document. There may be different rules for a BRP holder, a non-EUSS BRC holder and an EUSS-linked BRC holder.
Above all, migrants should not only check using an outdated physical card. If you are required to establish a right of residence, right to work, travel, study or access services, you might need to use your online immigration status instead.
Final Thoughts
While the new extension will provide more time for many migrants, it won’t eliminate the need to transition toward digital.
Most e-visa services for BRP holders will be available up until December 31, 2026, with some BRC holders’ services available until December 31, 2030 (under the EU Settlement Scheme).
However, the rules are narrow and have specific restrictions. The best thing to do is to confirm whether you can access e-visas, understand your document type and ensure that your UK immigration status is verifiable electronically before it becomes an issue at the last minute.
