Dr Mohammad Shafiq
If you're a foreign national planning to stay in the UK for a while, you'll need to get a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP). But, what is Biometric Residence Permit? Think of it as your passport to living, working, and enjoying all the UK offers. A BRP is more than just a fancy card; it's your official stamp of approval, a tangible proof of your right to live, work, and enjoy the perks of being a UK resident.
Without a BRP, you'll have difficulty doing the things that make life in the UK. Applying for a BRP is straightforward. You'll need to fill out an online form, provide some documents, and attend an appointment to get your fingerprints and picture taken. Let's dig a little deeper and learn about it in detail.
The UK Biometric Residence Permit application process is designed to be secure and efficient. The process is as follows:
A Biometric Residence Card (BRC) is a type of BRP issued to EEA nationals residing in the United Kingdom before the end of the Brexit transition period. BRCs are no longer being issued but are still valid for travel and work in the UK.
A Biometric Residence Permit is issued to non-EEA nationals in the UK. BRPs are valid for various lengths of time, depending on the type of visa that the holder has.
"Where can I do my biometric residence permit?" is a common question among applicants. You can apply for biometric card online on the UK government website. The online application form is available in many languages.
To apply for a BRP online, you will need to:
The BRP application form will ask you for a variety of information, including your personal details, contact information, and immigration history.
You will also need to provide some supporting documents with your application. These documents can include:
A Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) number is a unique identifier assigned to a BRP cardholder. It is a 13-digit number printed on the front of the BRP card. The BRP number is used to identify the cardholder and to verify their immigration status in the UK.
The BRP number is pivotal in various aspects of a foreign national's life in the UK. It works as a key reference point for:
Your BRP number is printed on the front of your BRP card. It is located in the top right-hand corner of the card. The number starts with two letters, followed by one or two digits, and then six digits. For example, a BRP number might look like this: AB1234567890.
In addition to being printed on the front of your BRP card, your BRP number is also included in the email you received when your BRP was issued. You can also find your BRP number on the UK government website if you have created an online account.
If you are a non-EEA national and your Biometric Residence Permit expires, you must renew it to continue living in the UK. The BRP renewal process is straightforward and can be completed online or by post.
Here are the steps involved in renewing your BRP:
You are eligible to renew your BRP if you are a non-EEA national and your BRP is still valid. Plus, you must meet the following:
You can apply to renew your BRP online or by post. The online application form is available on the UK government website. The fee to renew your BRP is £193.50.
The BRP renewal process typically takes 8 weeks. However, it may take longer if your incomplete application or UKVI requires further information.
Here are the documents that you will need to provide with your BRP renewal application:
There are two main ways to verify the validity of your BRP:
It's essential to check the expiry date of your BRP regularly because:
The online BRP validity check is an easy and quick way to check the validity of your BRP. To use the check, you will need to:
The website will tell you whether your BRP is valid or not. If your BRP is invalid, the website will also tell you why and what you need to do to rectify the situation.
Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs), introduced in 2008, have primarily served as physical documents evidencing an individual's right to reside and work in the UK. Initially, BRPs were issued with varying expiry dates depending on the visa category. However, in 2019, the UK government decided to standardize BRP expiry dates to December 31, 2024.
The standardization of BRP expiry dates stemmed from the European Union's (EU) security regulations requiring the incorporation of next-generation encryption technology into residence documents. This technology, known as 'Document Security Standards (DSS) 2019,' enhances the security and integrity of residence permits.
The December 31, 2024, expiry date for BRPs does not affect an individual's underlying immigration status or leave to remain in the UK. Individuals granted indefinite leave to remain (ILR) or other visas authorizing long-term residence in the UK will continue to hold these statuses even after their BRPs expire.
Despite the EU's withdrawal from the UK, the Home Office continued issuing BRPs with the December 31, 2024, expiry date. This decision was motivated by several factors, including the need to align with existing visa validity periods and the transition to a digital immigration status verification system.
The future of BRPs remains under discussion, with the Home Office considering various options, including introducing digital BRPs or entirely abolishing the physical card. The decision will likely depend on the effectiveness of the online 'View and Prove' system and the evolving landscape of immigration document security standards.
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The processing time for BRP applications depends on the visa category and whether you are applying from within or outside the UK. Generally, you can expect to receive your BRP within 7 to 10 days after your application is approved.
Yes, you can travel outside the UK with a valid BRP. However, you should always check the entry requirements of the country you are visiting. Some countries may require a visa in addition to your BRP.
If you lose or damage your BRP, immediately report it to the Home Office. You can do this online or by calling the BRP helpline. You will need to pay a fee to replace your BRP.
You can update your BRP details, including your address, online or by calling the BRP helpline. There is no fee to update your BRP details.
Yes, there is a fee for renewing a BRP. The fee depends on the visa category.
Overstaying on a BRP is a severe immigration offense. If you overstay, you may be fined, detained, or deported. You may also have difficulty gaining entry to the UK in the future.
The restrictions on employment with a BRP depend on the visa category. Some BRPs allow you to work without restrictions, while others may restrict the type of work you can do or the amount of time you can work.
If your BRP is stolen or lost, you must report it to the police as soon as possible. You should also report it to the Home Office.
Yes, family members of certain BRP holders may be able to apply for a BRP based on their status. The eligibility criteria depend on the visa category.
If you are a BRP holder, you are not required always to carry your BRP. However, you may be asked to show your BRP to a Border Force officer when you enter the UK.
In conclusion, Biometric Residence Permits are essential documents for individuals residing in the UK. However, the Home Office is transitioning to a digital immigration status verification system, and the future of physical BRPs is uncertain. So, you must stay informed about BRP updates and seek legal advice when needed.
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