BRP: Biometric Residence Permit
This post includes all the information you need to know about a BRP. (Updated February 2017)
When completing a Visa application, you will need to get a BRP.
What is a BRP?
You’ll get a biometric residence permit (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 don’t have to apply separately for a BRP. You’ll get one automatically if your visa or immigration application is approved, or you’re replacing an older document.
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.
Why do you need a BRP?
You can use your BRP to confirm your:
identity
right to study or work in the UK
right to any public services or benefits you’re entitled to.
If you apply for a Visa through AM Law Solicitors, we will get a letter from the Home Office which tells you to go and get your fingerprints and photo taken. We will tell you when the letter arrives, and all you need to do is take the letter to a Post Office.
Give your fingerprints and photo:
You’ll be asked to provide your fingerprints and photo (‘biometric information’) 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
give your signature, or say why you can’t give it.
The process takes less than 5 minutes and doesn’t involve any ink or mess. You won’t need to take off your head covering if you wear it for religious or medical reasons.
If you don’t 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:
Children under 16 must be accompanied by a parent, guardian or someone over 18 who has legal responsibility for them.
Children don’t need to give their signature. They don’t need to give their fingerprints if they’re:
under 6 and applying from inside the UK
under 5 and applying from outside the UK.
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, go to:
a Post Office branch if you’re applying by post - check that the branch offers ‘Home Office biometric enrolment’
a premium service centre if you’re applying in person.
If you’re outside the UK, apply at a visa application centre.
Fee:
You must pay £19.20 when you give your biometric information at a Post Office branch. Otherwise the cost is included in your application fee.
GETTING A BRP DOES NOT MEAN THAT YOUR VISA APPLICATION HAS BEEN APPROVED, YOU WILL STILL HAVE TO WAIT FOR THE HOME OFFICE'S DECISION.
If you would like any help or information, or to Apply for a Visa to the UK, please call us on 0115 845 6583 or email us at contact@amlawsolicitors.co.uk
This information was published by GOV.UK - https://www.gov.uk/biometric-residence-permits
