Yes, but only in a limited way. In 2026, an expired biometric residence permit may still help evidence your settled status in a British citizenship application if you still hold that status and the card is within the permitted use period. The stronger option is to set up your UKVI account and use your eVisa, UAN or share code wherever available.
A BRP card expiring does not mean your indefinite leave to remain has expired. The card was evidence of your status, not the status itself. That distinction matters, because many people with ILR now prove their position digitally rather than with a plastic card.
Your ILR did not expire with the card
If you held indefinite leave to remain before your BRP expired, you normally still hold ILR unless it has lapsed through a long absence from the UK or has been revoked. Our guide on British citizenship after ILR explains the timing in more detail.
The Home Office has moved most immigration status evidence online. You now usually prove status through an eVisa accessed through a UKVI account, and you can generate a share code when another organisation needs to check your status.
Where an expired BRP still helps
Home Office guidance says an expired BRP may be used for up to 24 months after the expiry date printed on the card, or until 31 December 2026, whichever comes first. For naturalisation, the June 2026 Form AN guidance also says a BRP confirming permanent residence may be used within that limit if you still hold the status. You should still check the latest position on GOV.UK before relying on it.
| Task | Expired BRP | What you use instead or alongside it |
|---|---|---|
| Evidence settled status in a citizenship application | Yes, if within the permitted period and you still hold that status | eVisa, UAN, share code or Home Office grant letter |
| Set up or access your UKVI account | Yes, within the permitted period | The BRP number |
| Prove right to work or rent | No | A share code from your eVisa |
| Travel to the UK | No, expired BRPs stopped being accepted for travel from 2 June 2025 | eVisa linked to your current passport or travel document |
| Validity of your ILR | No effect | Your ILR continues unless it has lapsed or been revoked |
What a 2026 citizenship application actually needs
Set up your UKVI account before you apply and check that your name, date of birth, passport details and immigration status are correct. Mistakes may cause delays or extra questions. Our note on biometrics and document submission is worth reading before you upload evidence.
For most adult naturalisation applications, you must have lived in the UK for 5 years and held ILR, settled status or indefinite leave to enter for at least 12 months before applying. You must also meet the residence and absence rules, prove you were in the UK exactly 5 years before the Home Office receives your application, pass the Life in the UK test, meet the English language requirement at B1 CEFR or above unless exempt, and satisfy the good character requirement. You also need 2 referees, covered in our British citizenship referees guide.
If you are married to a British citizen, you do not usually need to wait 12 months after ILR. You can normally apply once you hold ILR, settled status or indefinite leave to enter and meet the 3-year residence rules, as our article on citizenship for spouses of British citizens explains.
However you reached settlement, whether through a Skilled Worker visa, the self-sponsorship visa or expansion worker sponsorship, your evidence should now be prepared carefully. Many Skilled Worker visa holders reach this stage through our ILR route for skilled workers, then move on to citizenship. Employers and landlords will use the online system too, as our right to work checks guide sets out.
Frequently asked questions
Does an expired BRP mean my ILR has expired?
No. The card expiring does not end your indefinite leave to remain. ILR continues unless it has lapsed or been revoked.
Can I still use my expired BRP for a citizenship application?
Yes, in limited circumstances. In 2026, it may still be used to evidence permanent status if it is within 24 months of the printed expiry date and before 31 December 2026, provided you still hold that status.
How do I prove settled status for citizenship now?
Use your eVisa, UAN or share code where available. You may also rely on other evidence such as a Home Office grant letter or qualifying BRP within the permitted period.
Can I apply for citizenship without sorting my eVisa first?
You may be able to apply, but it is safer to get your UKVI account working before submitting a British citizenship application.
Speak to a specialist
If your BRP has expired and you are unsure how to evidence your status, our London immigration team can check your record, identify any issues and prepare your citizenship application properly. Call +44 (0)20 7799 1600 or request a consultation today.
