Give your fingerprints and photo

You’ll be asked to provide your fingerprints and photo (‘biometric information’) if you’re getting a biometric residence permit ( BRP ) as part of your visa or immigration application. You need to: have a digital photo taken of your face put your fingers on a glass screen to be scanned The process takes less than 5 minutes and does not involve any ink or mess. You will not need to take off your head covering if you wear it for religious or medical reasons. If you do not have any fingers you only need to have a digital photo taken of your face. It will be noted on your records that you’re physically unable to provide fingerprints. What children need to do when they give their biometric information Children under 16 must be accompanied by a parent, guardian or someone over 18 who has legal responsibility for them. Children do not need to give their fingerprints if they are under 5 when they apply. Where to provide your biometric information Where you give your biometric information depends on how you’re making your visa or immigration application. If you’re applying from within the UK, you’ll usually go to one of the following: a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services ( UKVCAS ) service point a Service and Support Centre (SSC) If you’re outside the UK, you’ll be asked to go to a visa application centre . Most overseas UK visa application centres are open, but some are closed until further notice because of coronavirus (COVID-19). Check with your local visa application centre for the latest information on the services they’re offering. If you’re applying to extend your stay or switch to a different visa, you must be in the UK to provide your biometric information. Fee It costs £19.20 to give your biometric information (or reuse it if you’ve provided it before) if you apply from within the UK. If you apply from outside the UK the cost is included in your application fee.

Getting your BRP if you applied from inside the UK

If you made your visa or immigration application from inside the UK, your biometric residence permit ( BRP ) will be sent to the address you gave in your application. You do not need to collect it. There’s a different way to get your BRP if you applied from outside the UK . When your BRP will arrive Your BRP will usually arrive within 10 working days of getting your ‘decision letter’ from the Home Office saying that you can remain in the UK. It may take longer if your BRP is being delivered to the: Isle of Man Isles of Scilly Scottish Highlands or islands You’ll get an email or text from the delivery company TNT telling you when your BRP will arrive and how to change the delivery time and date. Someone aged 18 or over must be at the delivery address to receive your BRP . They’ll need proof of their identity - for example, a driving licence, passport or national identity card. There are other ways to prove your immigration status while you wait for your BRP to arrive. If your address has changed You’ll need to update your address if you want your BRP to be sent to a different address than the one you gave in your application. If you do not have your decision letter yet, tell the Home Office your address has changed . If your decision letter has arrived, you’ll need to: tell the delivery company TNT your address has changed - you’ll get an email or text from TNT explaining how to do this tell the Home Office your address has changed Your BRP may take longer to arrive if your address has changed. Tell the Home Office and TNT as soon as it changes. If your BRP is delivered to the wrong address because you did not update it, you’ll need to report a problem with your BRP . If your BRP has not arrived within 10 working days Contact the delivery company TNT if either: your BRP has not arrived within 10 working days of you getting your decision letter you missed the delivery of your BRP You’ll need: the postcode of the address you gave in your application the consignment number Your consignment number is a 9 number code. You’ll usually have it in emails from TNT and UK Visas and Immigration’s BRP courier delivery team. If you missed the delivery of your BRP, you must contact TNT to arrange a new delivery time within 30 days or it will be returned to the Home Office. Contact TNT to track or rearrange the delivery of your BRP . The delivery company will track your BRP and rearrange delivery, if needed. You’ll need to tell the Home Office that your BRP has not arrived if: you do not have a consignment number TNT is unable to help with your delivery question it’s been more than 30 days since you missed the delivery of your BRP If your BRP is being delivered to the Isle of Man, Isles of Scilly, or the Scottish Highlands or islands Your BRP delivery will be arranged by TNT but carried out by Royal Mail. To track the delivery of your BRP , contact TNT to get your Royal Mail tracking number. You can use the tracking number to track your Royal Mail BRP delivery . Tell the Home Office that your BRP has not arrived You can contact the Home Office about your BRP delivery if your ‘decision letter’ from the Home Office saying that you can remain in the UK arrived more than 10 working days ago. You should only contact the Home Office if any of the following apply: you have already contacted the delivery company, and they could not help you you do not have a consignment number to track your delivery with the delivery company you missed the delivery of your BRP more than 30 days ago You’ll need the following information: your full name, date of birth and nationality an email or postal address your decision letter You can get someone to contact the Home Office for you, for example a legal representative, charity, employer, college or university. The Home Office will email you to tell you what to do next. You will usually get a response within 5 working days. It’ll take longer if you do not give an email address. Do not use this service if the delivery company tried to deliver your BRP and left a card, or sent a text message or email. Contact them to rearrange delivery. Report now If there’s a problem with your BRP Report any problems with your BRP within 10 days of getting it.

Getting your BRP if you applied from outside the UK

If you applied for your immigration status (for example, your visa) from outside the UK, you’ll need to collect your BRP once you’re in the UK. You must usually do this before the vignette sticker in your travel document expires or within 10 days of arriving in the UK, whichever is later. There’s a different way to get your BRP if you applied from inside the UK . Check your decision letter. It will tell you to collect your BRP from either: a named Post Office branch your sponsor, if you chose this option when you applied You must be over 18 to collect a BRP. Coronavirus (COVID-19) and collecting your BRP Do not collect your BRP if you’re self-isolating because of COVID-19. The Post Office will keep your BRP for 60 days. Collect it when you finish self-isolating. If your Post Office branch is closed because of coronavirus, your BRP will be stored safely until it reopens. Contact your Post Office branch for more information. What you’ll need Bring your passport or travel document with your vignette sticker in when you collect your BRP. You’ll get your vignette sticker when your visa application is approved. Collecting a child’s BRP You must be nominated to collect a child’s BRP, even if you’re the child’s parent. The Home Office will tell you within 5 working days if you’re approved to collect the child’s BRP. You do not need to be nominated if you’re also collecting your own BRP and you are named on your child’s vignette sticker. Collecting your BRP from a different Post Office branch You can choose to pick up your BRP from a different Post Office branch. You’ll need to arrange this at the Post Office branch you want to use and pay a fee. The Home Office cannot change the Post Office branch for you. Check that the Post Office branch you want to use offers a ‘BRP collection service’. Leaving and re-entering the UK before getting a BRP 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. A replacement BRP visa will let you re-enter the UK once only. It costs £154. Nominate someone else to collect your BRP You can nominate someone else to collect your BRP if you have a serious illness or disability that prevents you from collecting it. You cannot nominate someone else to collect your BRP for any other reason. The Home Office may email you to ask for proof that you cannot collect your BRP in person - for example, a letter from your doctor. Your nominated person will not be allowed to collect your BRP if you cannot show any proof when asked. The person you’ve nominated to collect your BRP must provide your passport as evidence that you’ve entered the UK. You cannot nominate someone to collect your BRP if you’re self-isolating because of coronavirus. Collect it when you finish self-isolating. The person you nominate must have one of the following: a passport an EU national identity card a BRP You can get someone to make the nomination for you, for example a legal representative, charity, employer, college or university. You’ll be told within 5 working days if the person you nominate is approved to collect your BRP. There are other ways to prove your immigration status before they collect it. If you change your mind, you can still collect your BRP yourself or you can nominate a different person. You do not need to cancel the original nomination. Nominate someone Report a problem with collecting your BRP Tell the Home Office if you cannot collect your BRP for any reason, for example: you went to collect it from the Post Office and it was not there you’ve lost your passport or travel document, or cannot prove your identity you do not know which Post Office to go to because you’ve lost your decision letter The Home Office will email you to tell you what to do next. You will usually get a response within 5 working days. It’ll take longer if you do not give an email address. There are other ways to prove your immigration status before they collect it. Do not tell the Home Office that you cannot collect your BRP if you’re self-isolating because of coronavirus. Collect it when you finish self-isolating. Report now If there’s a problem with your BRP Report any problems with your BRP within 10 days of collecting it.

Prove your status without a BRP

You may be able to prove your immigration status a different way if you have not received your biometric residence permit ( BRP ) yet, or your BRP is lost or stolen. Prove your right to work If the visa sticker (called a vignette) in your passport or travel document has not expired, you can use it as proof of your right to work in the UK. If the vignette has expired, your employer can ask the Home Office to confirm your right to work . Prove your right to rent in England If the visa sticker (called a vignette) in your passport or travel document has not expired, you can use it as proof of your right to rent. If the vignette has expired, your landlord can contact the Home Office to confirm your right to rent . You do not need to prove your right to rent in Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland. Prove your immigration status to the government or the NHS If you need to prove your status to get benefits or use the NHS, tell the government department, local council or NHS service you’re dealing with that your BRP has not arrived. They will contact the Home Office to confirm your status. Leave the UK If you need to leave and re-enter the UK before you get your BRP , apply for a ‘replacement BRP visa’. This will let you re-enter the UK once only. It costs £154. When you apply, you’ll need to: choose the country you’re going to provide your fingerprints and photo in confirm that you can travel to a visa application centre Apply for a replacement BRP visa . Open a bank account You usually do not need a BRP to open a bank account. Contact the bank to check if you’ll need a BRP or if you can use a different document.

Report a problem with your new BRP

If there’s a problem with your BRP when it arrives, report it within 10 days. Otherwise you may have to apply and pay for a replacement . You can report online if your BRP does not arrive . Mistakes in the length or conditions of your visa If you applied for your visa from inside the UK, you can ask for an administrative review . If your BRP expires on 31 December 2024 You do not need to tell UKVI if your BRP expires on 31 December 2024 but your immigration status (for example, your visa) allows you to stay longer. You will not need a BRP from 1 January 2025. You’ll be able to prove your immigration status online, without a BRP . UKVI will update their information on how to prove your immigration status in early 2024. You do not need to do anything and your immigration status will not be affected. If you were sent more than one BRP The BRP that was issued first is not valid. The issue dates are on the BRPs. Cut the older BRP into pieces and post it to the Home Office. Make sure you cut through the gold biometric chip and your personal details. Returns Unit PO Box 195 Bristol BS20 1BT Other problems with your BRP You can report other problems with your BRP online, for example: there’s a mistake on it, for example your name, gender or date of birth is wrong your BRP was damaged when it arrived If your name is long it may appear ‘cut off’ on your BRP. This is not a mistake - it is because there is limited space on the BRP card. However, if there’s a spelling mistake, you must report it . Report a problem with your BRP online You’ll need to have the following: your BRP number your full name, date of birth and nationality as they appear on your BRP an email or postal address You can get someone to report the problem for you, for example a legal representative, a charity, employer, college or university. The Home Office will email you to tell you what to do next. You will usually get a response within 5 working days. It’ll take longer if you do not give an email address. There are other ways to prove your immigration status if you cannot use your BRP . Report a problem If there is a problem with your BRP and you need to leave and re-enter the UK, apply for a ‘replacement BRP visa’ . This will let you re-enter the UK once only. It costs £154.

If your BRP is lost or stolen

You can report your biometric residence permit ( BRP ) lost or stolen from inside or outside the UK. You can only apply for a replacement from inside the UK. The Home Office will contact you within one working day of reporting it. You can get someone to report for you, for example a legal representative, a charity, employer, college or university. There are other ways to prove your immigration status while you wait for a replacement BRP. If you’re in the UK If your lost or stolen BRP was valid for 3 months or more, report it and apply for a replacement . You must do this within 3 months of losing it. You can be fined up to £1,000 and made to leave the UK if you do not apply for a replacement within 3 months. If your BRP was valid for 3 months or less, you must do one of the following: report it as lost or stolen if you do not intend to remain in the UK after its expiry date apply for a replacement if you plan to leave and re-enter the UK within 3 months of its expiry date apply to extend your visa if you want to stay in the UK after its expiry date - if granted, you’ll automatically get a new BRP If you’re outside the UK You must report your lost or stolen BRP outside the UK . You cannot apply for a replacement BRP outside the UK. Instead, you’ll need to apply for a ‘replacement BRP visa’ , which lets you re-enter the UK once only. It costs £154. You can apply for a replacement BRP when you return to the UK. You must do this within 3 months of reporting it lost or stolen unless you have a good reason, for example you were unable to return to the UK in that time. If you’ve been away for over 2 years and you’ve lost your documentation proving your right to live in the UK, you can apply for a Returning Resident visa . If you’re in North Korea you cannot apply for a replacement BRP visa online. Read the guidance for North Korea and use form VAF2 instead. If you find your BRP after reporting it lost or stolen You will not be able to use your BRP if you find it after you report it lost or stolen. If you’re in the UK, you’ll still need to apply for a replacement . If you’re outside the UK, you’ll still need to apply for a ‘replacement BRP visa’ to travel back to the UK before applying for a replacement. When your replacement arrives, cut your older BRP into pieces and post it to the Home Office. Make sure you cut through the gold biometric chip and your personal details. Returns Unit PO Box 195 Bristol BS20 1BT If you’ve found someone else’s lost or stolen BRP If you’re in the UK, post the BRP to the Home Office using an envelope without a window. Returns Unit PO Box 195 Bristol BS20 1BT Do not send any other items or documents with the BRP - they’ll be destroyed. If you’re outside the UK, hand the BRP in to the police or to the nearest British embassy or consulate .

Replace an expired BRP

How you replace an expired BRP depends on whether you are in the UK and what type of leave you have. Replacing your expired BRP will not give you more time to stay in the UK if your leave (for example, your visa) is expiring. You must apply to extend your leave if you want to continue living and working in the UK. If you have indefinite leave to remain or enter Use the BRP replacement service from within the UK. There are other ways to prove your immigration status while you wait for a replacement BRP. If your visa is about to expire You cannot use the BRP replacement service. You’ll need to apply to extend your visa or apply for a new visa instead. If it is granted, you’ll automatically get a new BRP . If you’re outside the UK You cannot apply for a replacement BRP if it expires while you are outside the UK. Instead, you’ll need to apply for a ‘replacement BRP visa’ , which lets you re-enter the UK once only. It costs £154. You can apply for a replacement BRP when you return to the UK. You must do this within 3 months of its expiry unless you have a good reason, for example you were unable to return to the UK in that time.

Replace your visa with a BRP

You can apply for a biometric residence permit ( BRP ) to replace the visa (or wet ink stamp) in your passport or travel document, for example if: your passport or travel document has expired or it’s been lost or stolen the details on your visa (including your facial appearance) have changed You must apply from inside the UK. The fee and how you apply depend on your visa status. When you apply, you’ll be asked to make an appointment at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services ( UKVCAS ) service point to provide your biometric information (your fingerprints and a photo). You have permission to settle (‘indefinite leave to remain’) You must apply online if you have indefinite leave to remain . It costs £229. You’ll get a decision within 6 months. If you want a faster decision you can pay an extra £800 for the super priority service. You’ll get a decision: by the end of the next working day after your UKVCAS appointment if your appointment is on a weekday 2 working days after your UKVCAS appointment if your appointment is at the weekend Working days are Monday to Friday, not including bank holidays. You have temporary permission to stay in the UK (‘leave to remain’) You can apply online if you have leave to remain . It costs £161. You’ll get a decision within 8 weeks. If you want a faster decision you can pay an extra £800 for the super priority service. You’ll get a decision: by the end of the next working day after your UKVCAS appointment if your appointment is on a weekday 2 working days after your UKVCAS appointment if your appointment is at the weekend Working days are Monday to Friday, not including bank holidays. You’re a Commonwealth citizen and do not have the documents to prove your right to stay in the UK You may be eligible to get a BRP under the Windrush Scheme . Get help to apply online You can get help with completing the online form if you: do not feel confident using a computer or mobile device do not have internet access You can only use this service if you’re applying in the UK. You cannot get immigration advice through this service.

Biometric residence permits (BRPs)

What a BRP is

A biometric residence permit (BRP) can be used to confirm your:

identity
right to study, rent property or work in the UK
right to any public services or benefits you’re entitled to

From 6 April 2022 you will not be able to use your BRP to confirm your right to work or rent. You’ll need to prove your right to work online or prove your right to rent online instead. You will still be able to use your BRP to confirm your identity, your right to study and your right to any public services or benefits.

You’ll usually get a BRP if you:

apply to come to the UK for longer than 6 months
extend your visa to longer than 6 months
apply to settle in the UK
transfer your visa to a new passport
apply for certain Home Office travel documents

You do not have to apply separately for a BRP.

You will not get a BRP if you use the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app to prove your identity when applying for your visa. You’ll get a digital immigration status instead.

What’s on your BRP

Your BRP will include:

your name, date and place of birth
your fingerprints and a photo of your face (this is your biometric information)
your immigration status and any conditions of your stay
whether you can access public funds, for example benefits and health services

You may have a National Insurance (NI) number printed on the back of your BRP. Not all BRPs have this - it depends on factors like the date it was issued and your visa status.

You’ll need to apply for an NI number if all of the following apply:

there is not one on your BRP
you do not already have one
you’re planning to work, claim benefits, apply for a student loan or pay Class 3 voluntary National Insurance contributions

Guidance

Read the guidance about biometric residence permits if you’re applying from:

View a printable version of the whole guide

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