A BRP is a document that shows your identity and immigration status in the UK. It has your biometric information and tells you what you can do in the UK. If BRP is stolen or lost, you need to report it online as soon as possible. You also need to apply for a new BRP within three months. If you don’t, you may face problems with your stay or a fine. You can get help from your employer, university, or legal representative to report and replace your BRP.
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What is Biometric resident Card (BRP)?
BRP stands for Biometric Residence Permit. It’s a document issued by the UK government to migrants who are subject to immigration control and have been granted permission to stay in the UK for more than six months. The BRP serves as proof of a person’s immigration status and includes biometric information like fingerprints and a photograph. It confirms their right to live, work, study, or access public services during their stay in the UK.
What Happens if I Lose My Biometric Residence Permit or If Stolen?
If you’re certain that your Biometric Residence Permit has been lost or stolen, you can report it regardless of whether you’re inside or outside the UK. Once reported, you should expect contact within one working day.
In cases where you’re unable to report the lost or stolen permit yourself, you can request assistance from employer, university, or legal representative to do it on your behalf.
How to Report BRP Card as Lost or Stolen?
You can utilize this link to report the loss or theft of your BRP.
The initial query will inquire whether you’re presently within the UK or outside it, and the subsequent steps will vary based on your location.
BRP valid for 3 months or more
If your Biometric Residence Permit had a validity of three months or more and it’s lost or stolen, it’s crucial to report the incident and apply for a replacement BRP.
You’re required to do this within three months of discovering the loss or theft of your BRP. Failure to apply for a replacement within this period might lead to potential consequences such as being asked to leave the UK or facing a fine of up to £1,000.
What if my Biometric Residence Permit was valid for 3 months or less?
If your Biometric Residence Permit had a validity of three months or less, take one of these steps:
- Report it as lost or stolen if you don’t intend to stay in the UK.
- Request a replacement BRP if you plan to leave and re-enter the UK within three months from its expiry.
- Apply for a visa/leave extension if you wish to remain in the UK after its expiry. If your extension is approved, you’ll receive a new Biometric Residence Permit.
How to apply for a replacement BRP in the UK
To request a replacement Biometric Residence Permit, you must use the online application system accessible through this link.
The fee for a replacement BRP stands at £56. After submitting your application and upon approval, expect a wait for the delivery of your new Biometric Residence Permit.
Remember, each dependent requiring a Biometric Residence Permit must complete their own application.
What if Biometric BRP is Lost or Stolen Outside the UK
Regrettably, if you’re outside the UK and your Biometric Residence Permit is lost or stolen, you can’t directly apply for a replacement. Instead, you’ll need to go through a different procedure: apply for a replacement BRP Visa, accessible via this link.
The replacement BRP Visa vignette grants a single re-entry into the UK. The current cost for this is £154.
Once you’re back in the UK, you can then follow the aforementioned process to apply for a replacement Biometric Residence Permit. Remember, you should reapply for a new BRP within 3 months of reporting it missing, unless there’s a valid reason for the delay. Seeking advice from a legal professional might be beneficial in such cases.
At present, the processing period for a replacement Biometric Residence Permit visa is around 3 weeks. You can find more information about this process here. It’s essential to consider these processing times when planning your arrangements.
What Should I Do? if I Find My Lost or Stolen BRP after Reporting It
Before reporting your Biometric Residence Permit as lost or stolen, ensure you’ve thoroughly searched for it. Once reported, even if you find it later, you cannot use the Permit. You must still follow the outlined process for a replacement.
If you discover your Biometric Residence Permit after reporting it missing, and once you have obtained your new valid permit, you’ll need to take additional steps. Cut the older Biometric Residence Permit into pieces and mail it to the Home Office at the following address:
Returns Unit, PO Box 195, Bristol BS20 1BT