Do I have to tell the Home Office if I move address?

Yes. Most visa holders are legally required to report a change of address to the Home Office. Failure to do so is a criminal offence under the Immigration Act 1971 (though prosecution is rare). You should report within a reasonable time, ideally within days of moving.

How do I report a change of address to the Home Office?

Report online through the GOV.UK 'change your address' service. You will need your BRP number or other immigration reference number, your old address, and your new address. There is no fee.

Will changing my address affect my visa?

No. Changing your address does not affect the validity of your visa. However, if you have a pending application, you should also update your address with UKVI through your online account to ensure correspondence reaches you.

Do I need a new BRP if I change address?

No. You do not need a new BRP when you change address. Your BRP does not display your address, so it remains valid. However, you must still report the change to the Home Office.

Does my sponsor need to know about my change of address?

Yes. If you are on a Skilled Worker visa or another sponsored route, your sponsor is required to report your change of address to the Home Office through the Sponsorship Management System (SMS). You should inform your employer so they can fulfil this obligation.

Moving Address: How to Notify the Home Office 2026

If you hold a UK visa, you are legally required to report any change of address to the Home Office. This guide explains how to do it, the deadline, who else you need to notify, and what happens if you do not report a move.

Who Needs to Report?

Most people with limited leave to remain (a visa) must report a change of address. This includes holders of:

People with ILR should also report changes of address, though enforcement is less strict. British citizens and Irish citizens do not need to report to the Home Office (though they should update their details with HMRC, the DVLA, and their GP).

How to Report Online

Use the GOV.UK change of circumstances service. You will need:

Your BRP number or immigration reference number
Your date of birth
Your nationality
Your old address
Your new address

The process takes approximately 5 minutes. There is no fee. You will receive a confirmation.

Deadline

There is no specific statutory deadline, but you should report as soon as possible after moving — ideally within a few days. The Home Office expects you to keep your details up to date. If they write to your old address and you miss important correspondence, this could affect your immigration status.

Who Else to Notify When You Move

HMRC. Update your address for tax and National Insurance purposes.
Your GP. Register with a new GP if you have moved area.
Your bank. Update your address with your UK bank.
DVLA. If you hold a UK driving licence.
Electoral register. Register at your new address if eligible.
Your employer. For payroll and sponsorship purposes.
Council tax. Register with your new local authority.

Impact on Pending Applications

If you have a pending visa application or extension, update your address through your UKVI online account. Home Office correspondence (including decisions) may be sent by post. If letters go to your old address and are returned undelivered, this could delay your case.

Next Steps

Report your change of address online through the GOV.UK change of circumstances service. Then update your details with your employer, GP, bank, and HMRC. For more on living in the UK as a visa holder, see our employment rights guide.

Moving Address: How to Notify the Home Office