A Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) is an official identity document issued by the UK Home Office to foreign nationals who have been granted permission to live, work, or study in the United Kingdom for more than six months. The BRP serves as proof of immigration status, work rights, and access to public services.
For individuals moving to the UK, obtaining a BRP is a mandatory requirement, and failure to collect it within the designated timeframe could lead to legal consequences, fines, or visa complications. This guide provides a step-by-step process for obtaining a BRP, from visa application to collection and potential replacement.
What is a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)?
A Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) is a plastic identity card that contains important information about a foreign national’s immigration status in the UK. It includes:
✔ Full name and date of birth.
✔ Immigration status and visa type.
✔ Start and expiry date of the visa.
✔ Work and study permissions.
✔ Restrictions on public funds or NHS access (if applicable).
✔ Biometric details (fingerprints and facial photograph).
✔ A unique BRP number.
The BRP is issued to students, workers, skilled migrants, refugees, and dependents who are staying in the UK for longer than six months.
Who Needs a BRP?
You must obtain a BRP if you:
✔ Are granted a UK visa for more than six months.
✔ Extend your visa or apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR).
✔ Transfer your visa from an old passport to a new BRP.
✔ Apply for asylum or humanitarian protection in the UK.
You do not need a BRP if you:
✖ Have British citizenship or indefinite leave issued as a stamp in your passport.
✖ Have a European Union Settled Status (EUSS) digital visa.
Step 1: Apply for a UK Visa (If You Are Outside the UK)
To get a BRP, you must first apply for a UK visa from outside the country. The type of visa you apply for depends on your purpose of stay, such as:
✔ Skilled Worker visa.
✔ Student visa.
✔ Family visa (joining a spouse or parent in the UK).
✔ Global Talent visa.
✔ Temporary Worker visa.
During your visa application, you will be required to provide biometric data (fingerprints and a photo) at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) in your home country.
Once your visa is approved, you will receive:
✔ A 90-day entry vignette (sticker in your passport)—valid for travel to the UK.
✔ A decision letter with instructions on collecting your BRP in the UK.
Step 2: Enter the UK and Collect Your BRP
Upon arrival in the UK, you must collect your BRP within 10 days of entry or before the expiry of your 90-day visa vignette, whichever comes first.
Where to Collect Your BRP:
- At a Post Office
- When applying for your visa, you can choose a Post Office branch for BRP collection.
- The location will be mentioned in your visa decision letter.
- From Your Sponsor (University or Employer)
- Some universities and employers offer BRP collection services.
- If available, you will be notified during your visa application.
Required Documents for BRP Collection:
✔ Passport with visa vignette.
✔ Visa decision letter (sent by the UK Home Office).
✔ Collection reference number (if applicable).
What Happens If You Don’t Collect Your BRP on Time?
- If you fail to collect your BRP within 10 days, you may face a fine or visa cancellation.
- If you cannot collect it within the deadline due to an emergency, you must contact the Home Office immediately.
Step 3: Checking Your BRP for Errors
Once you receive your BRP, carefully check the personal details and visa conditions. Ensure the following are correct:
✔ Name and date of birth.
✔ Visa type and expiry date.
✔ Work or study restrictions.
✔ No spelling mistakes or incorrect details.
What to Do If Your BRP Has Errors
- Report any mistakes within 10 days of collecting your BRP.
- Use the UK Home Office online form to report an issue.
- If a serious error affects your ability to work or travel, request an urgent correction.
Step 4: Using Your BRP for Identification
Your BRP is an official identity document and should be carried with you at all times. It may be needed for:
✔ Proving the right to work in the UK.
✔ Opening a UK bank account.
✔ Registering with a GP or accessing NHS services.
✔ Renting accommodation (right-to-rent check).
✔ Traveling in and out of the UK (until 2025, after which digital immigration status will replace physical BRPs).
Step 5: Renewing or Replacing a BRP
If Your BRP is Expiring
- Your BRP does not automatically renew, even if your visa is extended.
- You must apply for a visa extension or indefinite leave to remain before your BRP expires.
- If granted, you will receive a new BRP with an updated validity period.
If Your BRP is Lost or Stolen
- Report the loss to the UK Home Office and police immediately.
- Apply for a BRP replacement within 3 months or risk a fine.
- Use the BRP replacement online service to request a new card.
If Your BRP is Damaged
- If your BRP is physically damaged or unreadable, you must apply for a replacement BRP.
- Submit a request online and pay the replacement fee.
Step 6: Traveling With Your BRP
A BRP must be carried when traveling outside the UK, as it serves as proof of your right to re-enter the country.
✔ If you lose your BRP while abroad, you must apply for a BRP replacement visa before returning to the UK.
✔ If your BRP expires while you are outside the UK, you may need to apply for a new visa before returning.
From 2025: Transition to Digital Immigration Status
- The UK government plans to phase out physical BRPs and introduce digital immigration status.
- From January 2025, new visa holders will have digital proof of their immigration status instead of a physical BRP.
Common Problems and How to Resolve Them
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| BRP not received within 10 days | Contact UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration) for tracking. |
| Incorrect details on BRP | Report errors using the Home Office online form. |
| Lost or stolen BRP | Report to police and apply for a replacement online. |
| BRP expired but visa is valid | Apply for a BRP renewal before the expiry date. |
| Trouble collecting BRP | Contact the Post Office or your university/employer. |
Conclusion
The Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) is an essential document for foreign nationals in the UK, serving as proof of legal status, work rights, and access to public services.
To ensure a smooth process:
✔ Collect your BRP within 10 days of arrival.
✔ Verify all details for accuracy.
✔ Report lost, stolen, or damaged BRPs immediately.
✔ Be aware of upcoming changes to digital immigration status from 2025.
By understanding the step-by-step process of obtaining a BRP, individuals can avoid visa issues and enjoy a hassle-free stay in the UK.
Zara Adeyemi