Philippines: Changes to visa process for applicants travelling to the UK for more than 6 months
Biometric residence permits (BRP) to launch in the Philippines.
From 31 May 2015, Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) for non-EEA nationals travelling to the UK for more than six months will begin to be issued to visa applicants in the Philippines. The changes will affect those applying to join family in the UK, as well as students and workers applying for a longer stay visa.
From 31 May 2015, Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) for non-EEA nationals travelling to the UK for more than six months will begin to be issued to visa applicants from the Philippines. The changes will affect those applying for a Tier 4 student visa, employment visas and those applying to join family.
From this date, applicants will receive a 30 day sticker in their passport instead of a ‘vignette’ with the full grant of leave. Applicants will be required to collect their BRP from a post office within ten days of arrival in the UK. The BRP card can then be used as proof of the right to work, study and access public services in the UK.
Applicants will receive a letter which provides detailed information about how to collect their BRP on arrival. Further information for overseas visa applicants is found on this page while full guidance can be read on this link.
Will this affect me?
The change will only affect non-EEA nationals travelling to the UK for more than six months, such as those applying for a Tier 4 student visa, employment visa or to join family in the UK. If you are applying to go on holiday or on a short business or study trip, using a visit visa, you will not need a BRP.
How do I apply for a visa after 31 May?
The application process is largely the same. If you want to go to the UK for more than six months, you will be asked for additional information when you complete your online visa application, which will include the postcode of your new address in the UK. The main difference is that when you arrive in the UK, you will need to go to a post office to collect your residence permit.
How much will this cost?
There is no additional fee and the visa application fee remains the same.
I’m not sure what date I will travel to the UK, what should I do?
It is very important you supply an accurate travel date as part of your application, as you will be designated a 30 day travel window on the basis of the information provided in the application form. Make sure you know the date you will travel to the UK before you apply. Your temporary visa will only be valid for 30 days once you receive it and you will need to travel within this period. If you receive your temporary sticker, and can’t travel during the 30 day window, you will need to apply for a replacement.
What happens if I decide to change my travel date after I receive my 30 day passport sticker?
If the short term vignette has expired or will expire before you travel then they will need to apply for a new short term vignette.
How will I know where to collect my BRP?
When you apply for your visa you will be asked for the first part of the postcode of your new address. It is very important you supply an accurate UK postcode as part of your application, as you will be designated a specific Post Office branch on the basis of the information provided in the application form. You will be given the details of the Post Office when you receive your decision letter.
What can I use the BRP for?
The purpose of the BRP is to provide evidence of your immigration status. You will need to show it to demonstrate your entitlement to work or to access benefits or public services.
How can I find out more?
Further information for overseas visa applicants is at on this page while full guidance can be read on this link