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Biometric Residence Permit Guide 2024

Biometric Residence Permit

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According to the rules in place now, some foreign nationals must have a biometric residence permit (BRP) to show that they are legal in the UK.

No additional application is required for BRPs; they are issued upon approval of the visa. But there are rules that people who have a BRP must follow. For example, what should you do if your BRP is lost or broken? Or if the information on it is wrong or out of date?

In this article, we will explain What is a BRP card. Who needs one? How do I get one? How do I use one? What are my responsibilities as a BRP holder?

We also let you know about important changes coming up that will affect Biometric Residence Permits. Now, BRPs are given out with an expiration date of December 31, 2024. No matter how long the person is on leave. The Home Office will stop giving out BRPs on January 1, 2025. Instead, people with visas should use their digital eVisa status.

What is a Biometric Residence Permit?

Individuals seeking a UK visa for more than 6 months will have to provide fingerprint information as part of the application process. Biometrics are pieces of information about a person’s outside physical traits. These may include a digital fingerprint scan or a picture of their face. It is then used to make a biometric residence pass (BRP).

A BRP is an actual polycarbonate card that the Home Office issues. It has an embedded chip that contains the holder’s biometric information and immigration status. The pass has a unique number on it.

A person’s identification and right to be in the UK can be simply and securely confirmed with the BRP.

If you are already in the UK, refusing to provide biometric information could result in your deportation. It could also lead to the rejection of your immigration application.

You can use the biometric residence pass to prove your right to stay in the UK. It also enables you to access any public services or benefits you may be eligible for. You can also use it as proof of who you are. For example, when you wish to start a bank account in the UK.

For foreigners in the UK, the BRP provides valid identification and proof of residency. The BRP also ensures that you can ask for any public services or perks that you may be entitled to. It serves as proof of your eligibility.

However, due to recent modifications, BRPs cannot be used as evidence of the right to work or rent.

Which information does a BRP contain?

It is possible to verify the name of the person holding a biometric document because it has information built into it.

The BRP is a small card that looks like a UK driver’s licence. It has your name, gender, country, date of birth, and place of birth written on it.

It may also have your national insurance number. Additionally, it includes a digital picture of your face, and a scan of your fingerprints. Also, a digital copy of your signature. This depends on when it was given.

The card will also tell you about your immigration status in the UK. It will show the date that your leave to remain in the UK ends. It will also list any limits on your leave to remain in the UK. Moreover, also specify any rights you have been given, like benefits.

Besides that, the card has a number of safety measures. The BRP is made of plastic and has an electronic chip that makes it harder to fake. Moreover, its purpose is to stop people from working illegally and coming to the country illegally.

Uses of Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)

The BRP replaced older types of documentation and became the usual way for non-EEA nationals to show they could live in the UK for a long time after it was introduced in 2008 as part of a larger effort to modernise UK border controls.

They’re meant to make it easy to identify a foreigner for sure, stop illegal activities like identity scams and working while in the UK, and stop people from coming here illegally.

How long do BRPs last?

In the past, BRPs could only be used for as long as the individual’s limited leave lasted, plus an additional five years if they were under the age of sixteen.

However, BRPs are being slowly replaced, and the Home Office wants to get rid of all physical papers by the end of 2024.

To make things even better, all new BRPs are being stamped with an expiration date of December 31, 2024, even if the person is allowed to join or stay in the UK after that date.

Instead of BRPs, eVisas

If you want to show that you have a UK immigration status from January 1, 2025, you will not need a BRP.

People whose BRPs are about to expire will be able to view and prove their immigration status online through a UKVI account that is linked to their eVisa.

If your BRP expires on December 31, 2024, you do not need to notify the Home Office. This is because your rights and benefits will not change if you have permission to stay in the UK that ends after that date.

What are the eligibility criteria for BRP?

Not every person will or needs a BRP. It’s important to know the exact rules and exceptions that apply if you want to move to the UK, stay longer, or change your immigration status.

Who Needs a UK BRP?

Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) are issued when:

If you want to stay in the UK longer than six months: Visa holders entering the UK for more than six months for a job, study, or family reunion must get a BRP.

  • Extending your visa beyond six months requires a BRP.
  • UK settlement applications: Applicants for indefinite leave to remain or settled status must have a BRP to prove their immigration status.
  • Transferring a visa to a new passport requires a new Biometric Residence Permit (BRP).
  • Home Office-issued travel documents, such as a Certificate of Travel or a Stateless Person’s Document, qualify for a BRP.


Should kids have a BRP?

This means that both kids and adults must have their own BRPs if they fit these criteria.

Those applying who are younger than 18 must still give genetic information. The type of information needed will depend on their age. Also, any kid younger than 16 must be with a parent, guardian, or adult (18 or older) who is legally responsible for them.

Kids younger than 16 will have to give a scan of their fingerprints and a picture of their face, but they won’t have to sign. And if the child is younger than 6, they won’t have to give print pictures either.

People over the age of 16 will need to provide the same biometric information as adults. This includes a signature, a digital picture of their face, and a scan of their fingerprints.

Clear guidelines and exceptions

In general, BRPs are needed for all of the above, but there are some situations and rules that don’t apply:

Visitors staying in the UK for less than six months, like tourists and business travellers, do not need a BRP.

EEA Nationals Before Brexit: A BRP is not needed for EEA nationals who lived in the UK before the end of the Brexit transition period. That’s why they should use the EU Settlement Scheme instead and get a digital confirmation of their position.

Diplomatic Staff: Because of their diplomatic immunity and benefits, diplomats and some official government staff may not need a BRP.

Exceptions for Age: Children younger than six don’t have to give fingerprints, but they do have to get a BRP in their name that shows who they are and where they live.

When you can’t get a BRP

You can’t get a BRP if you apply to stay in the UK using the UK Immigration: ID Check app. In this case, the only way to show your immigration status is online.

Should I get a BRP if I already have an ILR?

“Indefinite leave to remain” (ILR) is permission from the Home Office to live and work in the UK. You can ask to change your ILR to a BRP by submitting a “No Time Limits” (NTL) application in the following situations:

  • You do not have documents that prove your ILR
  • You have either lost your passport with the ILR stamp, had it stolen, or it has expired.
  • Additionally, you have changed who you are.


People who have an ILR often choose to apply for the BRP. The permit makes it easier to enter the country because it shows that the person’s status is permanent. It also provides official proof of the right to receive public benefits, and compared to passport pictures, it is safer and has more anti-fraud features.

You will need to show that you have a valid ILR, that you haven’t lost this status by being absent, and that you are still qualified for ILR in order to apply for NTL.

As long as your ILR status is still good, there are no rules about when you can or should apply for NTL.

To apply for NTL, you have to be in the UK and fill out an NTL registration form. There is a fee. You have to fill out the application form online and get your biometrics taken, which are your fingerprints and a picture.

Moreover, you should get a ruling within 6 months of your appointment with UKVCAS.

You can choose an urgent service if you need a BRP faster, but it will cost you an extra £800. If you choose the priority service, you will hear back by the end of the day if you have an appointment during the week and two business days after a weekend meeting.

How to apply for apply for biometric card online?

You will get your BRP immediately if you have been permitted to stay in the UK for more than 6 months. That is, you don’t need to fill out a different Biometric card application.

You can apply for your BRP whether you are in the UK or on vacation. It depends on your immigration situation at the time of the application.

How to apply for apply for biometric card online?

A “vignette” sticker is put on your passport when you apply for your ILR in the UK from outside the country. This is only good for 30 days and lets you get into the UK to get your BRP.

The Post Office or an Alternative Collection Location are both places where you can get your resident card. Your BRP pickup date is specified on your ILR clearance letter.

You need to bring the forms of identification listed on your application for a biometric residence permit.

You are always needed to get your own BRP. If you are under 18 or have a serious illness, you can appoint a representative to speak on your behalf.

You can also have your BRP sent directly to a UK-based sponsor or job in the UK if you have one.

It’s important to know that you could get a £1000 fine if you don’t get your BRP. Also, you might need to fill out another Biometric Residence Permit application.

The fee for a fingerprint Residence Permit is £65 plus £19.20 for fingerprint fees. A new BRP can be sent to you for £56 if you lose the one you had before.

If you feel any difficulty in applying for BRP our team is spread out across the UK, in places like London, Manchester, and Birmingham. You can call us anytime at 02033844389.

How long does BRP take to arrive?

Within 7 to 10 days of getting a letter from the Home Office letting you know you can stay in the UK if you apply from inside the UK, your permit will be sent to the address you gave them by courier.

If you applied for the pass from outside of the UK, you will need to get it once you get to the UK. This needs to be done either before the vignette sticker on your travel document ends. Alternatively, you must do it within 10 days of arriving in the UK, whichever comes first.

If you choose this choice when you apply, you will be told where to pick up the permit in your decision letter. It could be a named post office branch or your sponsor. You could be fined up to £1000 if you don’t collect your BRP or don’t do so within the time limit.

To get a biometric residence pass, you must be at least 18 years old. You must also be nominated to get a child’s permit, even if you are the parent of the kid.

How can I replace or renew my Biometric Residence Permit?

Getting a new Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) or updating an old one is a necessary part of staying legally resident in the UK.

Replace Stolen or Lost BRP

You must notify the loss or theft of your biometric residence permit and request for a replacement within the UK if the permit was valid for three months or longer. The UK may fine you and send you back to your home country if you don’t apply for a replacement within 3 months.

The permit was only valid for three months or less, so you still need to report it lost or stolen, even if you don’t plan to stay in the UK after that date.

Replace Stolen or Lost BRP

If you plan to leave and return to the UK within 3 months of your visa’s expiration date, you can apply for a new one. If you want to stay in the UK after its expiration date, you can ask to have your visa extended. Moreover, if the request is accepted, you will be given a new permit right away.

If you lose your biometric residence permit while you are outside of the UK, you still need to report it. However, you will need to apply for a “replacement BRP visa,” which costs £154 and only lets you enter the UK once. After that, when you get back to the UK, you can apply for a new pass.

BRP expired

If your BRP has expired and you are in the UK, your type of leave and where you are located will determine how to replace it.

You can’t use the BRP alternative service if your visa is about to run out. It’s up to you whether you want to extend your visa or get a new one. You will get a new BRP right away if you are accepted.

If you wish to extend your stay or change your visa route, you have to be in the UK to re-enroll your biometric information. However, you may be told that the biometrics you already submitted can be used again.

To get a new BRP, you can use the BRP replacement service from inside the UK if your old one has expired and you have indefinite leave to stay or enter. Within 6 months of registering online, you should hear back about your application and be sent a new BRP.

You can’t get a new BRP if you are outside of the UK when your old one runs out. You will need to get a new BRP visa instead, which will only let you come back to the UK once. To finish your application, you will need to show proof of who you are at a VAC. Usually, you will hear back about your application within 3 weeks.

If your application is accepted, you will get your BRP along with a letter telling you the good news. If you can show a good reason, like not being able to get back to the UK within that time range, you can apply for a new BRP within 3 months of the expiration date on your old one.

Misconceptions People Have About BRPs

Myths and false beliefs can cause people to not follow the rules, which could lead to major legal problems like fines or problems with future immigration applications.

Myth 1: The BRP is just an extra ID card that you can choose not to use.

The BRP is more than just an ID card. Until December 31, 2024, some non-UK citizens who want to stay in the UK for more than six months must have it. The person who has it can show that they are legally allowed to live and work in the UK. They can also use public services without any issues.

Myth 2: You don’t need a visa to go outside of the UK once you have a BRP.

The BRP is not a trip document. It cannot be used instead of a passport or visa to travel to other countries. Even though it lets you come back to the UK, you might need a visa to visit other countries, based on your nationality and the rules for entering those countries.

Myth 3: If your personal information changes, your BRP will not be updated immediately.

People who have a BRP must update it themselves if their name, nationality, or facial look changes. Legal checks can be hard to do if you don’t keep the BRP up to date. You might not be able to show your right to stay in the UK.

Myth 4: The BRP gives you free access to public money.

Not all people who own BRP can get public funds. The permit itself needs to make it clear that the owner can access public funds. Many immigration situations make it harder to get public benefits.
Using public funds when you’re not supposed to can hurt your chances of getting immigration in the future.

Myth 5: If you have a BRP, you can do any job.

A BRP usually gives you the right to work, but there may be limits on the type of work you can do or the number of hours you can work. This is especially true for students or people with certain types of visas.

Myth 6: You should only get a new BRP if you lose or have it stolen.

In addition to losing or having your BRP stolen, you must also apply for a new one if it is damaged, has mistakes, or if your circumstances change greatly, such as if you get a new type of visa or change your personal information.

Myth 7: You can join the BRP from anywhere.

If you want to apply for a BRP as part of an immigration, extension, or move, you must be in the UK. If you are going from outside the UK, you will first need to apply for a visa. Once you get to the UK, you will pick up your BRP.

Myth 8: The processing time for BRP renewals and applications is only a few days.

Processing times for new BRP applications and renewals are very different. Depending on how complicated the case is and how busy immigration services are, it can take weeks or months. You can choose faster choices, but they will cost you more.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Do you know what a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) is?

Ans. Non-UK citizens who want to stay in the UK for more than six months are given a BRP, which is a legal document. It proves who the owner is, their legal status, and their rights in the UK, such as their ability to work and study.

Q2: How long is a biometric residency permit valid?

Ans. A BRP remains valid as long as the person has permission to stay in the UK, for up to 10 years.

Q3: What does it cost to get a new ID card?

Ans. You can buy a new BRP card on the.gov website. It costs £56, plus £19.20 to re-enroll your biometric information if you need to.

Q4: What are the limitations of using a BRP?

Ans. You can’t use a BRP to show that you have the right to work or rent in the UK.

Disclaimer

This website and its articles are not meant to give legal advice, but rather to provide general information. We make every effort to ensure that the content is accurate, but we cannot guarantee that it is comprehensive or applicable to specific situations. If users have any particular legal issues or concerns, they should not rely solely on the information given and should instead consult a solicitor. We at UK Immigration Solicitors are not responsible for anything that people do or don’t do after reading our articles. For tailored advice or to discuss your specific situation, please contact our experienced UK immigration solicitors at 02033844389.

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