Navigating the process of obtaining your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) in the UK can seem an arduous task. But fear not! We’re here to demystify the procedures and take you step by step through the process. Our inside knowledge and practical advice are your guides to understanding and fulfilling all requirements.
We hope the post can make this crucial step in your UK journey less daunting!
What is a BRP Card in the UK?
The biometric residence permit (BRP) acts as a key, opening doors to live, work, or study in the UK. Not only is it a testament to your legal status, but it also serves as an ID, handy when you’re setting up a bank account, for instance. Some folks will find their National Insurance Number (NINo.) listed on the back of their permit, saving them the hassle of applying separately to the Department for Work and Pensions.
Although you don’t have to keep your permit on you at all times, remember to pack it along with your passport when you’re heading abroad or coming back to the UK. This card marks the end date of your stay, your employment rights, and any other conditions tied to your residence.
Breaching any of these terms could lead to serious consequences, potentially including prosecution or deportation. Rest assured, the data from your immigration application is only shared with other government bodies as the law permits, ensuring you comply with your conditions of stay.
According to the UK government, the following people are required to hold a BRP card:
- Those applying to stay in the UK for more than six months (including those extending their visa length to more than six months)
- Those applying to settle in the UK
- Those in the UK whose passports have expired but who need to continue to use their visas
- Non-British citizens in the UK who are unable to use their passport of origin but need to travel outside the UK (e.g. refugees with permits)
Apart from the above four categories, those coming to the UK for short-term travel, business visits or short-term study do not need a BRP card.
How to Get the BRP Card in the UK?
Applying for BRP card in the UK
Generally speaking, there is no need to apply for a BRP card separately. You will automatically get a BRP card at the same time you get the visa, and the biological information on the BRP card has already been collected when you apply for the visa, which you all have an impression of. When you arrive in the UK, take the letter to get the BRP card.
For those renewing their visa in the UK, the BRP card application also comes with the visa renewal application. After submitting the renewal application, applicants who choose Standard or Priority service will receive a letter with a barcode from the Home Office informing them that they need to go to the post office for biometric information collection.
At this point, you need to look for a post office that can provide Home Office Biometric Enrolment service on the Branch Finder page of the post office, and then bring your passport, the barcoded letter, cash or savings card (credit cards are not accepted) to the post office. Once payment (for £19.20) has been made, the post office will collect the biometric information, including photographs, fingerprints and signatures, and submit this information to the Home Office.
Once the application is complete, the BRP card will be sent by post. It is important to note that students who choose Priority must complete collecting their biometric information within two business days.
Those who choose the Priority service can enter their biometric information directly at the Visa Center and do not need to go to the post office to do so.
Collecting BRP card in the UK
When you receive your visa, you will also receive a Decision Letter from the UKVI informing you whether your visa application has been approved. The letter includes personal information and notes you need to know, so please read it carefully. The letter will state where you can collect your BRP card and the earliest time you can pick it up.
Most people collect their cards at a post office (Post Office). The exact post office is usually determined by the zip code provided when submitting your visa application. Some students collect their cards from their sponsor (usually the school for international students), who will give them an ACL (Alternative Collection Location) code.
The Decision Letter will still include the location, but the sponsor will inform you of the time and method of collection. The location will still be indicated in the Decision Letter, but the time and manner of pick-up will be communicated by the sponsor.
Documents required to collect BRP:
- Valid passport and entry visa
- Decision Letter
Notes:
- BRP cards must be collected within ten days of arrival in the UK and failure to do so will result in a fine of up to £1000.
- The recipient must be over 18 years of age and those under 18 must collect their BRP card with a parent or legal guardian when they collect their card.
- If for some special reason you are unable to collect your BRP card in person, you can authorize someone else to collect it on your behalf. This needs to be done online and if Home Office agrees to your application, a letter of authorization will be sent to you within five working days. The person authorizing you to collect the BRP card on your behalf will need to bring the letter, his passport and your passport to the designated place to collect the card.
- If there are any problems in collecting the BRP card, such as the BRP card not arriving at the designated post office, losing your passport before collecting the card or losing the decision letter, you need to report to the Home Office.
What Does a BRP Card Look Like?
The information contained on the BRP card are:
1. Photograph of the holder
2. Name of the holder
3. Expiration date
4. Place and time of issuance
5. Type of visa
6. Benefits and restrictions included in the visa (e.g., number of working hours)
7. Card number
8. Signature of the cardholder
9. Biochip
10. Gender
11. Date and place of birth
12. Nationality
13. Benefits and restrictions included in the visa (additional to point 6)
14. Card reading area
Some BRP cards will have a National Insurance Number on them, but depending on the time of application, it may not be on every card. So don’t worry if you don’t see this information.
What if the Information on the BRP Card is Wrong?
When you get your BRP card, check it carefully to ensure it is not damaged and that the information on it is correct. If you find that your card is broken or has incorrect information, you have to declare it online through the website within 10 days, and the Home Office will send you an email within five working days to tell you what to do next. If it’s been more than 10 days, you’ll have to reapply for a new one. This may delay things a bit.
Conclusion
We’ve guided you through the procedure of obtaining your BRP card in the UK, empowering you with the necessary knowledge to tackle this task with confidence. Remember that this process is a stepping stone on your journey in the UK, and while it may seem complex, it’s one you can surely overcome!
FAQ
The Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) is your passport to life in the UK, serving as proof of your legal status and also functioning as an ID for situations like setting up a bank account. Additionally, some may find their National Insurance Number (NINo.) conveniently included on their permit, eliminating a separate application process.
Yes. If you need to leave and re-enter the UK before getting a BRP, apply for a ‘replacement BRP visa’. You can also apply on behalf of a child.
You are able to go to these countries visa-free if you have a BRP card from the UK.
- Bulgaria
- Canada
- Cyprus
- Egypt
- Eswatini
- Greece
- Grenada
- Guine a-Bissau
- Ireland
- Malta
- Moldova
- Montenegro
- Portugal
- Spain
- Timor-Leste
- Turkey
- United Arab Emirates
- Vanuatu
Holding a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) card from the United Kingdom bestows upon you the freedom of seamless travel to an array of countries, without the need for a visa. This blissful liberty extends to countries as diverse and enchanting as the sunny shores of Greece, the rugged Irish terrain, the bustling streets of Turkey, the tranquil blues of Malta, and the exotic allure of Egypt. Not just that, countries like Bulgaria, Canada, Cyprus, Eswatini, Grenada, Guinea-Bissau, Moldova, Montenegro, Portugal, Spain, Timor-Leste, United Arab Emirates, and Vanuatu also open their doors to you.
