Understanding the Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) in the UK

Many people from outside Europe, especially Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), live in the UK. If you’re one of them, you need something called a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP). This permit is important for non-European people who want to stay in the UK for longer than six months. Your BRP helps prove who you are, shows that you can work or study in the UK, and lets you use public services and get benefits.

Let’s learn all about what a BRP is, who needs one, and how to get it.

What is a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)?

Think of a BRP as a special ID card that the UK Home Office gives you. It’s like a secure card that contains your basic information – your name, when you were born, your fingerprints, and your photo. It also shows your immigration status and what you’re allowed to do in the UK.

brp example

The BRP makes it easier for you to prove who you are when you need to use services or show your right to stay in the UK.

How Can You Get a Biometric Residence Permit?

Getting a BRP involves three main steps:

1. Sending Your Application: You need to apply for the BRP while you’re in the UK. You can do this when you’re applying for your visa.
2. Giving Your Biometric Information: You’ll need to give your fingerprints and have your photo taken during the application.
3. Getting Your Permit: Once approved, you can pick up your BRP from a specific post office, or they can send it to your home address.

What Papers Do You Need When Applying for a BRP?

When you apply for a BRP in the UK, make sure you have these documents ready:

• A filled-out application form
• Your passport or travel document
• Something that shows where you live (like a bill, bank statement, or rental agreement)
• New passport photos that follow UK rules
• Supporting documents such as:
  • Birth or marriage certificates
  • Papers showing why you’re in the UK (work, study, etc.)
  • Financial documents proving you can support yourself
• You’ll also need to:
  • Give your fingerprints and photo at a special center called UKVCAS
  • Show that you’ve paid the application fee
  • Bring any other papers they specifically ask for

Remember to check the UK government website or ask an immigration expert about the latest requirements, as these can change.

Why Do You Need a BRP and How Does It Help in Daily Life?

Your BRP is very important for everyday life in the UK. Here’s where you’ll need it:

For Work: UK employers must check if you’re allowed to work here. Your BRP makes this easy.

For Banking: When you want to open a bank account, you need to prove who you are and your rights in the UK. A BRP does both jobs. It helps you use all banking services, including getting loans and managing your money.

For Healthcare: Non-UK residents need to show they can use medical services. Your BRP proves this right.

For Education: If you want to study in the UK, you need papers to enroll and prove you’re a student. Your BRP works for both.

For Travel: While your BRP isn’t exactly a travel document, you’ll need it to come back to the UK after traveling abroad.

Moving to Digital: Understanding eVisa

The UK is changing how it handles immigration papers. Instead of physical BRP cards, they’re moving to digital eVisas. Here’s what you should know:

The Timeline: After December 31, 2024, all physical BRP cards will become digital eVisas. According to Smith Stone Walters, all immigration records will be kept online.

Why eVisa is Better: Digital visas are more convenient because:

• You can manage your information online
• You won’t worry about losing physical documents
• It’s easier to update your information

Getting Ready: To prepare for this change:

• Stay informed about the switch
• Complete any steps needed to get your eVisa
• Learn how to use the new system

Conclusion

If you’re from outside Europe and want to stay in the UK for more than six months, you need a BRP. It’s not just a legal requirement – it makes life easier too.

Keep an eye on the upcoming change to eVisas, as it will affect how you handle your immigration documents in the future.

FAQs’

1. What details does a BRP contain?
Ans- Your BRP holds your personal information, including your name, birth date and place, your fingerprints, and a digital photo of you.

2. How long can NRIs use their BRP?
Ans- Your BRP lasts as long as your visa does. This could be anywhere from six months to several years, depending on what type of visa you have.

3. What makes having a BRP helpful?
Ans- A BRP helps you in many ways – it proves who you are and your immigration status, lets you work or study in the UK, and gives you access to public services and benefits.

4. How do NRIs get a BRP in the UK?
Ans- You can apply for your BRP when you’re applying for your visa. After you send in your visa application, you’ll need to visit a special center to give your fingerprints and have your photo taken.

5. What papers do you need to apply for a BRP?
Ans- You’ll need your valid passport or travel document, a completed visa application form, and proof that you can stay in the UK (like a job offer letter or university acceptance letter).

6. Do I need to carry my BRP with me all the time in the UK?
Ans- No, you don’t need to carry your BRP all the time, but it’s important to have it available when you need to prove your immigration status, like at work, opening a bank account, or for healthcare services.

7. Can I travel outside the UK with my BRP?
Ans- Yes, you can travel outside the UK with your BRP, but make sure to bring it with you when returning, as it’s required to re-enter the UK.

8. What happens if I lose my BRP?
Ans- If you lose your BRP, you must report it to the UK Home Office and apply for a replacement as soon as possible. You can still stay in the UK, but you need the BRP to prove your immigration status.

9. Do I need to update my BRP if my circumstances change?
Ans- Yes, you should update your BRP if your personal information, like your name or immigration status, changes. You can apply for an updated BRP through the UK government’s immigration services.

10.When will the BRP switch to the eVisa system?
Ans- Physical BRP cards will be replaced by digital eVisas after December 31, 2024. It’s important to stay updated on this change and prepare to manage your immigration status online.