BRPs, Digital Status & Financial Access: What Banks Need to Know
As the UK moves further into the digital status era, financial institutions are being reminded that biometric residence permits (BRPs) are no longer standalone proof of immigration status. The Home Office has issued updated guidance for banks, building societies, and other financial providers on how to verify a customer’s right to reside in the UK.
Here’s what you need to know and why it matters.
BRPs = Proof of Status
While BRPs remain a physical document issued to many migrants, they do not confirm a person’s current immigration status. Instead, financial providers must use the Home Office’s online status check service to verify whether an individual has the right to reside and access financial services.
This shift reflects the government’s broader move toward digital-only immigration status, with BRPs set to be phased out entirely by the end of 2025.
What the Guidance Says
The updated guidance makes several key points:
BRPs alone are not sufficient to confirm immigration status.
Financial providers must use the Home Office online service to verify status.
This applies to both existing and prospective customers.
The check requires a ‘share code’ from the customer and their date of birth.
The online result will confirm whether the individual has the right to open or operate a bank account.
You can access the full guidance here:
👉 Residence documents: information for financial providers
Why This Matters
For migrants, especially those navigating the UK’s digital status system, being denied access to financial services due to outdated BRP assumptions can be distressing—and discriminatory.
For financial providers, relying solely on physical documents risks non-compliance and exclusionary practices.
This guidance is a timely reminder: digital checks are not optional—they’re essential.
How Charge Solutions Can Help
At Charge Solutions, we work with employers, sponsors, and sector partners to ensure compliance is not just a tick-box exercise, but a foundation for dignity and access.
If you’re a financial provider, HR lead, or compliance officer unsure how this guidance affects your processes, we can help you:
Understand the digital status landscape
Train frontline staff on right-to-reside checks
Build inclusive, compliant onboarding practices
Let’s make compliance clear, consistent, and human.
📩 Get in touch to explore how we can support your team.
