Will I get a BRP card when I receive ILR?

BRP cards are being phased out and replaced by eVisas. New ILR grants are increasingly issued as digital eVisas rather than physical BRP cards. You will access your status through your UKVI account online.

How do I prove my ILR status without a BRP?

Use the Home Office online status service to generate a share code. Employers and landlords can verify your status using this code. This replaces the need to show a physical card.

Do I need to do anything if I already have an ILR BRP card?

Yes. Create a UKVI account and ensure your digital status is linked. Your BRP card will eventually expire, but your ILR status does not expire. The digital record is now the primary proof of your status.

ILR, eVisas, and BRP: The Digital Transition Explained

Physical BRP cards are being replaced by digital eVisas. ILR holders should create a UKVI account and ensure their digital status is accessible. Your ILR status itself is unaffected by the transition. The change affects how you prove your status to employers, landlords, and service providers.

The Transition to eVisas

The UK government is moving all immigration status records to a digital system. Physical BRP cards, which were issued to visa holders and ILR holders, are being replaced by eVisas.

For ILR holders, this means your permanent status will be evidenced by a digital record rather than a physical card. The status itself does not change.

What You Need to Do

Create a UKVI account: Visit GOV.UK to set up your account.
Link your status: Use your BRP number, passport, or other details to link your ILR to your account.
Check your details: Ensure your name, date of birth, and nationality are correct.
Keep your account accessible: Save your login details securely.

Proving Your Status

To prove your ILR status to employers, landlords, or others:

Log into your UKVI account.
Generate a share code (valid for a limited time).
Give the share code and your date of birth to the person checking your status.
They verify it through the online checking service.

See our right to work guide for more detail on the employer checking process.

Your BRP Card

If you have an existing BRP card:

It remains valid until its expiry date printed on the card.
After expiry, your ILR status continues but the card can no longer be used as proof.
The digital eVisa replaces the card as proof of status.
Keep your expired BRP card as a personal record.

For general BRP information, see our BRP guide.

Travelling With an eVisa

When travelling internationally, airlines and border officials can verify your UK immigration status electronically. However, it is good practice to have a screenshot or printout of your eVisa details as a backup. Your ILR status is linked to your passport number, so ensure your UKVI account reflects your current passport.