What is the Biometric Residence Permit?

The Biometric Residence Permit is a useful and convenient way of providing proof of your immigration status. It will tell you what you're able to access, including health, education, and the right to study in the UK.

What is a Biometric Residence Permit?

A Biometric Residence Permit (BRP or BRP card) is a UK residence permit and identification (ID) card. The government defines it as a card required for all foreign nationals - this includes you as an international student! The permit confirms your right to any public services or benefits that you're entitled to (if any) and your right to study in the UK. You should note this permit doesn't prove your right to work.

The permit contains your name, date of birth and place of birth as well as all your relevant biometric information, (facial image and fingerprint), your immigration status and any entitlements you're due in the UK.

Do I need a Biometric Residence Permit?

You don't always need to have a BRP card. However, you'll need them if:

• You are applying for certain Home Office travel documentation
• You are applying to come to the UK for more than 6 months
• You are applying to settle in the UK
• You are extending your current visa to last longer than 6 months
• You are transferring your visa to a new passport

If you are staying for longer than 6 months, then you will need a Biometric Residence Permit. The method of receiving the permit will vary depending on where you applied for it.

Applying in the UK

If you applied for the BRP from inside the UK, your BRP will be sent to you by registered courier delivery. After receiving your "Decision Letter" from the UK Home Office allowing you to remain in the UK, you should receive the BRP within 7 to 10 days. If it has not arrived in that time, you can report your missing BRP online.

Applying from outside the UK

You will likely need to collect your Biometric card when you arrive in the UK. Usually, you need to do this before the official vignette sticker in your travel document expires or within 10 days of arriving in the UK, whichever one is later.

The decision letter that you receive should tell you where to collect it from, which will be either the sponsor you chose when applying or your local post office.

If you're under 18, you'll need to go with an adult or have them collect the BRP for you. If you need someone else to collect it for you, even if it's your parent, you'll need to have this approved by the Home Office.

They must have one or more of the following:

• Their own BRP
• An EU National Identity card
• A passport

The Home Office will contact you to inform you if your nominee is approved to collect your permit.

How do I apply?

Applying for your BRP card is all part of the visa approval process and if this visa is for longer than 6 months. You won't need a BRP if you're staying for less than 6 months - if you are staying longer, then you will need to have one, and you will be charged the set fees for it.

When you are filling in your visa application form, you will be asked to provide:

• Your biometric information (photograph, fingerprint scan)
• Your signature

How much is a Biometric Residence Permit?

The fees for the BRP have changed since Brexit. It will now cost you £65, as well as an extra £19.20 in other biometric fees. Replacements will cost you £56.

You can be fined for not having your permit, in some cases up to £1000! Make sure to get this sorted before coming to the UK.

How long is the Biometric Residence Permit valid for?

The permit is valid for the entirety of your stay in the UK. The maximum is 10 years.

When the permit has expired, you don't need to apply for another one. Instead, you simply need to extend the permit or switch to a different visa option.

Can I use the Biometric Residence Permit as formal identification?

Yes, you can! If you want to open up a new bank account in the UK, having your permit will allow you to do this.

You don't need to always carry it with you, though. You will only really need the permit when travelling to and from the UK, along with your passport.

Can I travel with my Biometric Residence Permit?

If you wish to travel abroad or re-enter the UK with your BRP, you will need to have your passport alongside your BRP card.

It can be used to prove immigration status, your right to work and your access to public benefits, but it cannot be used as a standalone document in the same way that a passport can be.