Uk resident permit

Under current UK rules, certain foreign nationals are required to have a biometric residence permit (BRP) as proof of their UK immigration status.

BRPs are issued following visa approval, and do not have to be applied for separately. However, specific rules apply which BRP holders must adhere to, including what to do if your BRP is lost, damaged or if the information is incorrect or out of date.

In this guide, we explain what a BRP is, who needs one, how to get one, how they are used and your obligations as a BRP holder.

We also update on important upcoming changes impacting Biometric Residence Permits. BRPs are now being issued with an expiry date of 31 December 2024, regardless of the individual’s period of leave, and from 1 January 2025, the Home Office will no longer issue BRPs. Instead, visa holders are to rely on their eVisa digital status.

Section A: Overview of the Biometric Residence Permit

As the holder of a BRP, you can prove your identity safely and quickly, when required, and provide official proof of your lawful status in the UK.

1. What is a BRP?

Those applying for a UK visa for more than 6 months will be required to enrol their biometrics as part of the application process. Biometrics refer to information about an individual’s external physical characteristics, including a digital facial photograph and a digital fingerprint scan. This information is then used in a biometric residence permit (BRP).

A BRP is a physical polycarbonate card issued by the Home Office containing both the holder’s biometric information and immigration status in a tamperproof embedded chip. The permit has a unique document number.

The BRP is designed to provide a secure and easily verified proof of identity and a person’s permission to be in the UK.

If you refuse to give your biometric information, your immigration application will be rejected or if you are already in the UK, it could lead to your deportation.

The biometric residence permit can be used to confirm your immigration status in the UK, as well as your right to any public services or benefits you may be entitled to. It can also be used as a form of identification, for example, if you wish to open a UK bank account.

As a foreign national in the UK, the BRP will provide you with both a reliable form of identification and evidence of your immigration status. The BRP also confirms your right to claim for any public services or benefits that you may be eligible for.

Recent changes, however, mean that BRPs can no longer be used as proof of the right to work or the right to rent.