Immigrationboards.com

Hello

I’m in a tricky situation. I’m applying for citizenship on June 2022 but my BRP for my ILR expires on 21 May 2022. I can’t apply for naturalisation earlier than this as I was not physically in the UK prior to June 2017 (had a nearly 2 years UK absence back then - but managed to return before the cut-off). I’ve read in their guidelines that I should be physically present in the UK 5 years prior to application, so essentially June 2022 would be the earliest and best time time to apply for me.

You think I can go ahead and apply with a 1 month expired BRP? I know this might be too early to ask but I wanted to be prepared in advance.

TIA!

BRP card expiry is not an issue. Your ILR status stays intact. You do not need to get it renewed as you have to return it to HO after Naturalisation anyways. It will be a waste to get it renewed unless you have travel plans (read below).

As long you have a current VALID passport (not expired), BRP card expiry is irrelevant. You should have one form of valid ID.

There is a possibility that the online form asks the reason for expiry once you input the date (MAYBE). In that case, you can simply state that ILR BRP card expired and you did not renew it as you planned to apply for Naturalisation and British Passport thereafter.

PS: As long you do not plan to travel for the next 6-12 months after application, you do not need to get it renewed. Obviously, if you want to travel, you will need to get it replaced. Note, it can take very long for a BRP to get replaced these days. Also note, citizenship application can take around (6-12 months in total) till you reach the ceremony stage due to corona delays.