This guide is maintained as a current resource for September 2026 and covers only the laws of England and Wales. Information is for general guidance, not legal advice. Consult a qualified solicitor for advice specific to your situation.
Biometric Residence Permit requirements for UK work visas explained, including Skilled Worker visa rules, eVisa transition, employer right-to-work checks, BRP validity, and legal compliance under UK immigration law.
A Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) has traditionally been the key physical document used by non-British nationals to evidence their immigration status in the UK, including permission to work under routes such as the Skilled Worker visa.
However, UK immigration documentation has undergone a major transition from physical BRPs to digital immigration status (eVisa). This has changed how work visa holders prove their right to work, how employers conduct checks, and when a BRP is issued or required.
This article explains the requirements, legal function, and current relevance of BRPs in UK work visa cases, including the ongoing shift toward digital-only status verification.
What Is a Biometric Residence Permit?
A Biometric Residence Permit is a Home Office-issued card containing:
- Immigration status (e.g., Skilled Worker, Student, ILR)
- Biometric data (facial image and fingerprints)
- Conditions of stay (including right to work restrictions)
- Expiry date of permission
- Unique reference number
It has historically served as official proof of immigration permission for employment, housing, and public services.
Current Legal Position: BRPs and the Shift to eVisas
The UK immigration system is transitioning away from physical BRPs toward eVisas, which are digital records of immigration status held in a UKVI account.
Key developments include:
- BRPs are no longer routinely issued for most new applications
- Most migrants now receive digital-only status (eVisa)
- BRPs have been phased out as the primary proof of status
- eVisa systems are intended to replace physical documents entirely
In practical terms, immigration permission remains valid, but the method of proving it has changed.
Do You Still Need a BRP for a Work Visa?
1. New Skilled Worker Visa Applicants
For most new work visa applications:
- A BRP is generally no longer issued in standard cases
- Immigration status is granted digitally via eVisa
- Applicants use a UKVI account to access their status
A BRP may only be issued in limited legacy or exceptional administrative situations.
2. Existing Skilled Worker Visa Holders
For individuals who were granted visas before the digital transition:
- A BRP may still exist as physical evidence
- However, it may no longer be the primary legal proof of status
- Employers are expected to rely on online right-to-work checks or share codes
3. Work Right Verification Requirement
Employers must verify the right to work using:
- UKVI online checking service (share code system), or
- eVisa digital record access
Physical BRPs alone are no longer sufficient in many cases for statutory compliance checks.
How BRPs Were Used in Work Visa Compliance
Historically, BRPs were required to:
- Evidence permission to work under a Skilled Worker visa
- Confirm visa conditions (e.g., restricted hours or employer sponsorship)
- Support employer right-to-work checks under statutory requirements
- Demonstrate immigration status to banks, landlords, and public bodies
They functioned as both identity and immigration status documents.
Transition to eVisa: What Has Replaced the BRP System?
The eVisa system replaces physical documents with a digital immigration record.
Key features include:
- Online status accessible via UKVI account
- Share code generation for employers and third parties
- Real-time confirmation of work permission
- Reduced reliance on physical documents
This change is part of a broader digital immigration infrastructure update across UK Visas and Immigration systems.
What Happens if You Still Have a BRP?
Many individuals still hold BRPs issued before the transition.
Important practical points:
- A BRP may remain useful as secondary evidence
- It is not always valid for travel or long-term status proof
- Immigration status is now primarily confirmed digitally
- Users are expected to access and maintain their eVisa account
Some legacy BRPs have limited validity extensions or transitional recognition, but reliance on them is decreasing.
Employer Right to Work Checks: Legal Requirements
Employers must comply with statutory right to work obligations under UK immigration law.
Acceptable methods now include:
- Online UKVI check using share code
- Digital immigration status verification
- Approved Home Office systems
Failure to conduct correct checks can lead to:
- Civil penalties (up to £20,000 per illegal worker in some cases)
- Sponsor licence suspension or revocation (for Skilled Worker sponsors)
- Criminal liability in serious cases
Common BRP Issues Affecting Work Visas
1. Expired or Invalid BRP Cards
Even if a visa remains valid, an expired BRP may no longer be usable for verification.
2. Mismatch Between BRP and Passport
Name or document inconsistencies can cause issues in employer checks or UKVI records.
3. Failure to Transition to eVisa
Individuals who do not activate their UKVI account may face difficulty proving work rights.
4. Employer Misunderstanding of the System
Some employers incorrectly continue to rely on physical cards rather than digital checks.
Legal Risks of Incorrect Status Evidence
Failure to use correct immigration proof can lead to:
- Employment suspension or termination
- Refusal of job offers due to inability to verify right to work
- Compliance issues for employers under the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006
- Disruption to Skilled Worker sponsorship compliance
These risks apply even where the individual has valid underlying immigration permission.
Practical Steps for Work Visa Holders
Key compliance actions include:
- Ensuring UKVI account is active and up to date
- Generating share codes for employment checks
- Checking that personal details match immigration records
- Retaining BRP only as historical or supplementary evidence
- Monitoring expiry of leave to remain separately from document validity
Common Questions from our Readers
Is a BRP still required for a Skilled Worker visa?
No. Immigration status is now primarily digital via eVisa.
Can I use a BRP to prove my right to work?
Only in limited transitional cases. Most employers require online checks.
What replaces the BRP?
The eVisa system and UKVI online immigration status record.
Do I need to keep my BRP after switching to eVisa?
It may be kept for reference, but it is no longer the main legal proof of status.
What if my BRP is expired but my visa is valid?
Your immigration permission remains valid, but you must use digital proof.
Key Takeaways
Biometric Residence Permits were historically the central document for proving UK work visa status, including Skilled Worker permission. However, the UK immigration system is transitioning to a digital model where eVisas replace physical cards. BRPs are no longer routinely issued or relied upon for right-to-work checks, and employers must now verify immigration status through online systems. Work visa holders must ensure their digital immigration record is active and correctly linked to their identity to avoid employment or compliance issues.
