Top 10
most-asked
questions about BRPs

9 September 2016

When a non-EEA national is granted permission to live, work or study in the UK for a period longer than six months, they are issued a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) as proof of their UK immigration status.

Below, we answer the top 10 most asked questions about this immigration document, including how to collect your BRP once in the UK, and what to do if you should lose or damage it.

What is a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)?

A Biometric Resident Permit (BRPs) is a credit card-sized document which acts as a means of identification for a non-EEA migrant living in the UK for a period longer than six months, and confirms when their UK immigration status.

If I am applying from abroad, when do I receive my BRP?

Once your UK visa application is successful, you will be issued with a 30-day vignette which will appear in your passport and will allow you to enter the UK within the 30 day time frame and collect your BRP.

How do I collect my BRP?

You must collect your BRP from the Post Office branch which is stated in your decision letter within 10 days of arriving in the UK. You will need to bring with you the passport or travel document which contains your 30-day travel vignette.

May I collect my BRP from a different Post Office to the one stated on my decision letter?

Yes, but you will need to go to the Post office branch from which you wish to collect your BRP and ask for it to be redirected to this branch. You will have to pay a fee for this service and not all branches will be able to do this for you.

Can someone else collect the BRP on my behalf?

Yes, but this is only possible if:

• You have a serious illness or disability which prevents you from collecting your BRP yourself;
• You are under the age of 18 and cannot collect your permit at the same time as your parent of legal guardian

In order for someone else to pick your BRP, they must have either a British passport, an EU passport, or a BRP. You must also nominate them by sending an email to 3PartyCollection@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk stating your name, date of birth, nationality, passport number, case number, vignette number, contact telephone number and the reason why you need someone else to collect your BRP on your behalf.

I have lost my decision letter and do not know which Post Office branch to collect my BRP from – what do I do?

You should send an email to BRPCollection@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk as soon as possible, explain your problem and state your name, date of birth, passport number, contact telephone number and case reference number.

May I begin work before I collect my BRP?

It is advisable to collect your BRP before you begin employment in the UK, but if this is not possible you will be able to evidence your right to work in the UK using your 30-day travel vignette in your passport. You should then inform your employer once you have collected your BRP.

Must I carry my BRP with me when travelling overseas?

Yes, you must carry your BRP with you when you are travelling abroad, as you will need to present it alongside your passport to the Immigration Officer at the port of entry when you re-enter the UK.

What do I do if I lose or damage my BRP?

If your BRP becomes lost, damaged or stolen you should report this to the Home office as soon as possible by emailing BRPLost@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk. You will then have to apply for a replacement BRP within three months of reporting your original BRP lost, damaged or stolen. If your BRP is lost, damaged or stolen whilst you are outside of the UK, you will need to apply for a temporary ‘replacement BRP visa’ in order to be able to re-enter the country, and then again for a replacement BRP once you have returned to the UK. If you do not apply for a new BRP you may be fined up to £1,000 and your permission to stay in the UK may be shortened.

How do I change or update incorrect information on my BRP?

If any information stated on your BRP is incorrect, you should contact the Home Office at BRPError@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk as soon as possible and explain the issue. If you wish to update some of the information shown on your BRP (for example your name, gender, nationality or facial appearance) you must apply for a replacement BRP showing the updated information.

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