Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)
People who want to stay in the UK for more than 6 months need a biometric residence permit. It contains immigrant biographic details and biometric information. This BRP card gives a migrant the right to stay in the UK, as well as study or work in the UK. Besides, it enables you access to various public services.
The card also shows your current staying status in the UK. Knowing the procedure for getting a biometric residence permit is crucial. Your application method will vary depending on your current visa status.
How to Apply for a Biometric Residence Permit
UK Biometric Residence Permit Application Process
It is not necessary to apply for a Biometric Residence Permit in UK separately if you have already submitted your visa or immigration application. However, you must add your biometric information while applying for a visa or immigration application.
- A digital photograph
- A scan of your fingerprints
- An electronic signature
Paying any extra fee for BRP is not necessary either. You are entitled to get a Biometric Residence Permit if you fulfil either of these conditions:
- Applying to stay in the UK for over 6 months
- Extending the current visa for over 6 months
- An expiration, stolen, or loss of the current valid passport or travel document
- Applying for particular home office travel documents
Biometric Residence Card vs. Biometric Residence Permit
Both biometric residence cards and biometric residence permits contain biometric information and immigration status details. However, the main difference between a biometric residence card and a biometric residence permit is that the BRC is specifically for family members of EEA nationals, while the BRP is for non-EEA residents.
Applying for a BRP Online
If you have indefinite leave or temporary permission to stay in the UK, you can apply online for a BRP. To apply for Biometric Residence Permit online in the UK:
- Prepare Documents: Have your passport and visa details.
- Create a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) Account: Complete personal details and create a username.
- Fill out the Online Application Form: Provide the required information.
- Book an Appointment: Schedule a biometric appointment.
- Pay Fees: Pay online through the application portal.
- Attend Biometric Appointment: Provide fingerprints and photos.
- Submit Supporting Documents: Send required documents.
- Receive Decision: Await a decision and collect BRP within 10 days of arriving in the UK.
BRP Application Form and Required Documents
A Biometric Residence Permit application form contains both general and biometric information, including
- Personal Details
- Nationality and Passport Details
- Immigration History
- Biometric Information
- Purpose of Stay
- Address Details
Besides, you will be asked to submit some supporting documents, such as visa approval notices, proof of identity, etc.
Understanding the UK Biometric Residence Permit Number
What Is a Biometric Residence Permit Number?
A biometric residence permit number is a unique identification number assigned to each individual who holds a BRP in the UK. It is a series of letters and numbers found on the front of the BRP card.
Importance of BRP Number
A series of letters and numbers in a biometric residence permit is used for various purposes, including immigration and residency verification. The BRP number helps authorities and institutions to accurately identify and authenticate an individual’s immigration status and rights in the country. Besides, this unique BRP number has several benefits:
- Accurate and secure identification of the individual in various contexts
- Verification of an individual’s immigration status and rights
- Confirmation of the official documentation
- Required for various transactions, such as opening a bank account or accessing certain services
How to Locate Your BRP Number
The BRP number of each UK individual is located at the top right corner. There will be two capital English letters; the rest are numerical numbers. Generally, six numerical digits are present in a BRP number. Make sure not to raise the permit number.
Renewing a Biometric Residence Permit
Biometric Residence Permit Renewal Process
People who have the staying status of “Indefinite leave to remain in the UK” or “Permanent residence” can renew their BRP by visiting the official website of the visas and immigration service. However, it is mandatory to stay in the UK while applying for the BRP renewal.
Also, if your staying status is “Youth mobility leave to enter” or “General student leave to enter,” you must remain within the UK while applying for the BRP renewal. Visit your nearest visa application centre to finish the application procedure. Renewing BRP within 3 months of its expiration is mandatory until you have a valid reason, such as being unable to return to the UK at that particular time.
Once you get the renewal UK biometric residence permit approval, the authority will send you BRP with your decision letter. Make sure to return the expired biometric residence permit to the BRP Returns address.
Eligibility for Renewal
Individuals are eligible for renewal of their current in the following scenarios:
- Regardless of your staying status, a person is only eligible to apply for a BRP renewal if he/she is within the country while using it.
- If your existing BRP is expiring, you may be eligible for renewal.
- You hold a visa that allows BRP renewal. Some visas may require a new application rather than a renewal.
- You need to update your biometric information.
Application for BRP Renewal
Applying for the BRP Renewal is the same as applying for the new one. You just need to visit your nearest UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services, a service and support centre, or a post office branch. Fill out the application form and submit it along with all the supporting documents. Finally, pay the renewal fee and wait for the decision letter. But if you have the “Indefinite leave to remain in the UK” or “Permanent residence” status, you can apply it online.
Renewal Timeline and Requirements
It is necessary to apply within three months once the BRP has expired. Otherwise, you will be disqualified from applying for a BRP renewal unless you have some serious reasons. For instance, you might fail to return to the UK due to an emergency. Of course, you will have to show valid proof why you are not in the UK during that time.
Submitting some necessary documents while applying for a BRP renewal is needed. The following are the mandatory items to submit.
- Your passport or similar identity document
- Proof of temporary or continuous residence in the UK
- Current expired BRP
Checking the Validity of Your Biometric Residence Permit
How to Verify the Validity of a BRP
A person can verify the validity of a BRP in several ways. The following are the common ways to verify it:
- The biometric residence permit should look clean and good without any tampered conditions.
- The BRP card still has an expiry date.
- Its Permit Number is located in the upper right corner. There are two English capital letters first, followed by six numerical numbers.
- The digital image must have a grey scale and match the cardholder.
- The biographical information must be matched with other submitted documents.
- Four national flowers of the UK are on the back of the card. It has a raised and shining design that can be felt when you touch it.
- Compared to driving licenses, BRP cards are thicker.
- The BRP card will create a unique sound when you flick it.
- A ‘chip inside’ symbol is at the top of the holder image from the front section. Its colour will vary from different angles.
- The BRP card has a Dynaprint with two high-resolution images. You can see the ‘valid until’ and ‘U’ letters from one angle. The holder picture and ‘K’ letter will be visible from another angle.
- A Kinegram security feature in the card will show different colours with precise details from different angles while strongly resisting counterfeiting and fraud.
Importance of Checking BRP Expiry Date
- Legal Compliance: Staying in the UK beyond the BRP expiry date without renewal violates immigration rules, leading to potential legal consequences.
- Residency Rights: The BRP signifies your right to live, work, or study in the UK. An expired BRP may impact these rights.
- Avoid Penalties: Failure to renew on time may result in fines, penalties, or even deportation.
- Access to Services: Many services, such as employment, banking, and healthcare, may require a valid BRP. An expired permit could disrupt access.
- Planning Ahead: Checking the expiry date allows you to plan for the renewal process in advance, ensuring a smooth continuation of your legal status in the UK.
Using the Online BRP Validity Check
To check the validity of a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) online, follow these steps:
- Access the Online Service: Visit the official UK government website or the online service specifically designed for BRP verification.
- Enter Details: Provide the required details, such as the BRP number, date of birth, and any additional information as prompted.
- Verification Process: The online system will verify the details against the Home Office records.
- Receive Confirmation: Upon successful verification, you may receive confirmation of the BRP’s validity.
- Contact Home Office: If there are issues or concerns, contact the Home Office or relevant authorities for further assistance.
Biometric Residence Permits Expiring on December 31, 2024
Historical Background of BRP Expiry Dates
Biometric Residence Permit was first introduced in the UK in 2008 under the European Union regulation 380/2008. The UK government introduced this card to increase security in immigration control. Expiry dates have been set based on the individual’s visa or immigration status. Immigrants could stay in the UK until the BRP expiry date. The Home Office periodically reviews and updates its policies, leading to changes in how BRP expiry dates are determined.
EU Requirements and Next-Generation Encryption Technology
European Union (EU) regulations have influenced the design and features of BRPs, including security standards. New EU encryption technology standards will be introduced after 31 December 2024. This highly powerful emerging technology with the AES algorithm will enhance the protection of personal and immigration data. Third parties can’t view or misuse it. Immigration data will remain encrypted even after being processed.
Impact on BRP Holders and Leave to Remain
Any BRP card issued after 1 January 2020 will be valid till 31 December 2024. However, your current immigration validity status will not be affected. You have the right to live, study, and work up to the date specified on their online immigration portal. If your immigration status is valid even after a certain period, the UK government will consider it.
Home Office’s Decision to Continue Short-Dating BRPs
The UK’s Home office has decided to continue short-dating all BRPs until the end of 2024 and stop issuing BRP cards starting 1 January 2025. It doesn’t matter whether you have college the BRP card in 2020 or 2024. All will have the same expiration of 31 December 2024. They will consider current immigration validity status. You won’t have to worry about renewing your staying status as long as the immigration validity status doesn’t expire.
Transition to Online Access and Future Plans for BRPs
There will be no BRPs after 31 December 2024. The UK government has planned to digitize the immigration system for broader digitalization efforts. Everything will be online based. Your staying status will be visible on the official website of the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does It Take to Receive a Biometric Residence Permit After Applying?
After applying, it takes around 7-10 days to receive a biometric residence permit.
Can I Travel Outside the UK with a Biometric Residence Permit?
Yes, you can travel outside the UK with a biometric residence permit. But you must show it alongside a passport at the border as proof of immigration status in the UK.
What Should I Do If I Lose or Damage My BRP?
If you lost or damaged your BRP card, apply for a replacement. Make sure to do it within 3 months of the expiration date.
How Do I Update My Biometric Residence Permit with a Change of Address?
You can report a change of address online or fill in the change of circumstances form and send it to the mentioned address on the form.
Is There a Fee for Renewing a Biometric Residence Permit?
It costs around £56 to renew a BRP card. If required, you need to pay an additional £19.20 to re-enroll the biometric details. Once your Biometric Residence Permit expires, order a replacement BRP card from the official UK government website.
What Are the Consequences of Overstaying on a Biometric Residence Permit?
Staying after the Biometric Residence Permit expires is a criminal offence under section 24 of the Immigration Act 1971. It may lead to different penalties, such as immigration fines, detention, imprisonment, etc.
Are There Any Restrictions on Employment with a BRP?
An immigrant can work anywhere from 10 to 20 hours per week, depending on their study level.
How Do I Report a Stolen or Lost Biometric Residence Permit?
Post the BRP to the Home Office using an envelope. Don’t add any windows or any other documents.
Can Family Members Apply for a BRP Under My Status?
The family members of EEA nationals can only apply for a BRP under your status.
Can I enter the UK without my BRP?
If you are a visa holder, you can enter the UK without a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP), but it’s advisable to carry the BRP as proof of your immigration status.
Conclusion
A biometric residence permit contains primary details about your immigration status. Carry the card with you whenever you visit any important event inside the UK where you might be required to show proof of identity. But don’t take it with you for any casual events. It might be lost, which can be an expensive hassle. Plus, stay informed of the BRP updates to know about changes in immigration policies, security measures, and any alterations to the validity or use of BRPs.
