Douglas Olsen
The Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) is an identity card that was previously issued by the UK government to non-EU nationals as proof of their right to live, work, and study in the UK. The card contained the holder's biometric information, including fingerprints and a photograph, and was used to verify their identity and immigration status. While BRPs are no longer being issued as of 31 October 2024, existing cardholders must create a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account to access their eVisa, the new electronic record of their visa. This paragraph will discuss the process of obtaining a BRP card in the UK for international students, including the requirements and steps to acquire one.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What is a BRP card? | A Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) is a secure card that serves as proof of identity and residence for international students in the UK. |
| Who needs a BRP card? | International students with a Tier 4 (General) student visa, a Student visa, or their dependents staying in the UK for more than six months. |
| How to obtain a BRP card? | After entering the UK, students must collect their full Student Visa (BRP) from their university or a designated Post Office. |
| What to bring when collecting BRP card? | Flight details showing entry to the UK (for nationals of Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, and the USA). |
| What if I applied for a visa from within the UK? | Arrange for the BRP to be sent to your UK address. |
| What is the alternative to BRP cards? | As of October 31, 2024, BRP cards are no longer issued. Instead, international students receive an eVisa, an electronic record of their visa and immigration status. |
| How to access eVisa? | Create a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account and link your passport to it. |
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What You'll Learn
BRP cards replaced by eVisas
International students in the UK previously relied on Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) to prove their immigration status and right to live, work, and study in the country. The BRP was a physical card containing biometric information, such as fingerprints and a photograph, which was issued by the UK Home Office. It was mandatory for international students who were required to register with the police and had to be presented upon request by authorities.
However, as of 31 October 2024, BRPs are no longer being issued, and all existing BRPs have expired. They have been replaced by eVisas, which are electronic records of an individual's visa and immigration status. eVisas are accessible online through a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account, which must be kept up to date with any changes in passport or ID card details.
If you had a BRP before 31 October 2024, you should create a UKVI account to access your eVisa, even if your BRP has expired. It is important to note that expired BRPs can no longer be used for travel and must be destroyed by cutting the card into pieces and disposing of it. Additionally, any errors or issues with your BRP or eVisa should be reported, and you can contact the International Student Advice Service for guidance if needed.
The transition to eVisas simplifies the process of verifying immigration status and ensures that international students can easily access and manage their visa information online. By keeping their passport or ID card details current, students can ensure their immigration status is easily verifiable. This digital shift streamlines the previous BRP system, offering a more efficient and secure way to manage visa documentation for international students in the UK.
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BRP collection from universities
As of 31 October 2024, Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) are no longer being issued. If you were granted a student visa before this date, you may have received a BRP as physical evidence of your immigration permission. All BRPs expired on 31 December 2024 and have been replaced by eVisas, which are online records of your immigration status.
If you held a BRP, you should have already created a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account to access your eVisa. If you have not done so yet, you can find further information and instructions on the government website. Your eVisa is an official government document that confirms your immigration status in the UK.
If your BRP has expired or been lost, you can no longer obtain a replacement. However, you may still be able to use your expired BRP for 18 months after the expiry date to prove your right to work or rent in the UK. To destroy your expired BRP, cut the card into pieces and dispose of it. If you are in the UK, you can also post the BRP to the Home Office using an envelope without a window.
If there are any errors on your BRP, you will need to ensure that the details of your eVisa are correct and report any discrepancies. You may also request an administrative review if certain conditions are met. If you have any queries regarding your BRP or eVisa, you can contact the International Student Advice Service for guidance.
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BRP collection from the Post Office
As of 31 October 2024, BRPs are no longer being issued and have been replaced by eVisas, which are electronic records of your visa that can be viewed online. However, if you entered the UK before this date, here is some information about collecting your BRP card from the Post Office:
When completing your visa application online, you will be asked where you would like to collect your BRP. You can choose one of the local post offices suggested by the form (based on the postcode of your institution), or nominate a different post office if you know your UK address. All BRPs will be sent to the Post Office selected by UKVI if not nominated by you, which will be specified to you by UKVI when they approve your visa application.
You can choose to pick up your BRP from a different post office branch, but you will need to arrange this at the branch you want it to go to and pay a fee. Please contact your preferred Post Office directly about this.
When collecting your BRP, you must take your passport/travel document and your vignette sticker. If you are under 18 and do not yet have a nominated adult, please speak to a member of the Welfare, Immigration and Funding team.
Your BRP card is your visa and will contain personal and biometric information about your permission to be in the UK. It is important to note that the expiry date on your BRP card may not be the full length of the visa permission you have been granted. The full length of permission should be specified on your UKVI Visa Decision letter.
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BRP application from within the UK
Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) are cards that were used to prove immigration status in the UK. They were issued to individuals who were granted permission to live or work in the UK before 31 October 2024. After this date, BRPs have been replaced by eVisas, which are online records of an individual's immigration status.
If you are an international student who started a new programme in January 2025 or have been granted a new visa after 31 October 2025, you are unlikely to have a BRP. Instead, you will be issued an eVisa, which serves as an official government document that demonstrates your immigration status in the UK.
However, if you are still within the validity period of your BRP, it is important to manage it effectively. Here are the key steps and considerations for BRP applications from within the UK:
- Biometric enrolment: When applying for a visa from within the UK, you may need to pay an additional fee of £19.20 to enrol your biometrics. This includes providing a scan of your fingerprints and a digital photograph of your face. You will be informed by the Home Office during your visa application whether biometric enrolment is required.
- Collection of BRP: Once your visa application is approved and your biometrics are enrolled, you will need to collect your BRP. You must usually do this within 10 days of arriving in the UK. Your BRP will be sent to the postal address provided in your application form. Ensure that someone aged 18 or older is present at the delivery address to receive the BRP, as they will need to provide proof of identity.
- Verification of details: Upon receiving your BRP, carefully verify the details, including your personal information, biometric data, and visa particulars. If there are any errors or discrepancies, report them promptly to the relevant authorities.
- Accessing services: Your BRP serves as proof of your legal residency in the UK. It allows you to access essential services, such as healthcare, and enables you to open a bank account. It also specifies your work rights, including the number of hours you are permitted to work during term time and holidays.
- Validity and replacement: BRPs are typically valid for a specific period. If your BRP contains errors or becomes lost, you cannot obtain a replacement. Instead, you will need to transition to an eVisa, which will reflect your correct immigration status.
It is important to stay informed about the latest updates and requirements regarding BRPs and eVisas, as the UK's immigration policies may continue to evolve.
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BRP card disposal
As of 31 October 2024, BRP cards are no longer being issued and have been replaced by eVisas, which are electronic records of your visa. If you have an expired BRP card, you must destroy it.
To destroy your expired BRP card, cut it into pieces and dispose of the pieces. If you are in the UK, you can also post the BRP card to the Home Office using an envelope without a window. Do not send any other items or documents with the BRP card, as they will be destroyed. If you are outside the UK, you can hand the BRP card in to the police or to the nearest British embassy or consulate.
It is important to note that you should keep your expired BRP card for 18 months after the expiry date printed on the card. This is because you might be able to use it during this period to get a share code to prove your right to work or rent in the UK.
If your BRP card contains any errors, you can no longer obtain a replacement. However, you can ask for an administrative review and contact the International Student Advice Service for guidance.
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Frequently asked questions
BRP stands for Biometric Residence Permit. It is a secure card issued by the UK government to non-EU nationals as proof of their right to live, work, and study in the UK.
The BRP card is crucial for international students as it verifies their eligibility to stay in the UK for the duration of their studies. It also provides benefits such as proof of legal residency, access to essential services, and specifies work rights.
International students can obtain their BRP card by collecting it from a designated location, such as their university or a nearby Post Office, after entering the UK and completing the necessary visa processes.
To collect the BRP card, individuals may need to provide their flight details showing their entry into the UK, especially if they are from Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, or the USA.
BRP cards are no longer being issued as of 31 October 2024. Instead, international students will be issued with an eVisa, which is an electronic record of their visa and immigration status.
