Applicants for British citizenship by naturalisation who hold a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) must destroy it after receiving their naturalisation certificate, under Form AN guidance changed on 23 April 2026.
The guidance page now shows an update dated 7 July 2026.
Key facts
- Who: Applicants for British citizenship by naturalisation who hold a BRP
- From: 23 April 2026
- Source: Form AN: guidance
The UK Visas and Immigration guidance sets out a step-by-step process for naturalising as a British citizen. Step 2.6 is headed "Destroy any Biometric residence permit you hold after getting your certificate". It follows step 2.5, the citizenship ceremony, where applicants make an oath of allegiance and a pledge and receive their naturalisation certificate.
Step 2.6 also covers travel. After getting British citizenship, an applicant needs to apply for a British passport or a certificate of entitlement to the right of abode. The guidance states that the naturalisation certificate cannot be used to travel.
A BRP can still be used during the application. Section 7.1 lists documents an applicant can provide to show they are free from immigration time restrictions. One is a BRP or any other document confirming the right to remain permanently in the UK. It can be used for 24 months after the expiry date printed on the card, provided the applicant still holds that status. An expired BRP can only be used until the end of 2026.
Other listed options include:
- a 16-digit unique application number (UAN) for those granted indefinite leave, including under the EU Settlement Scheme
- a UAN or share code for those with an eVisa showing indefinite leave to remain
- a passport showing permission to remain permanently in the UK
- the Home Office letter granting permission to remain permanently
What this means for applicants
Applicants who hold a BRP can use it as evidence of indefinite leave when they apply, within the limits in section 7.1. An expired BRP can only be used until the end of 2026. After receiving the naturalisation certificate, the guidance tells them to destroy the BRP. The certificate cannot be used for travel, so anyone planning to travel outside the UK needs a British passport or a certificate of entitlement to the right of abode.
Related guide: Naturalisation requirements
Sources
- Form AN: guidance, GOV.UK
- Form AN: guidance (accessible), GOV.UK