BIOMETRIC RESIDENCE PERMIT (BRP)
09-07-2016
What is a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)?
A Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) is a card with a microchip imbedded in to it that is issued by the Home Office to students, to show that you have immigration permission to study in the UK.
The permit holds your biographic details (name, date of birth and place of birth) and biometric information (facial image and fingerprints) and will also show your immigration status, length of stay, and any entitlements while you are in the UK (including the use of the National Health Service (NHS)).
All international students who live outside of the European Economic Area (EEA) are to apply to the British Home Office for a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP). This applies to postal applications and applications made in person (premium applications).
Applying for a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)
You will need to complete the correct application form, pay the visa and Immigration Health Surcharge fees and book an appointment at a visa application centre. Once you have provided all the correct evidence, you will have your picture and fingerprints taken. These will be placed on to the Biometric Residence Permit’s (BRP’s) imbedded chip.
Children under 16 years of age will need to be accompanied by a ‘responsible adult’ when attending a visa application appointment and collecting the Biometric Residence Permit (BRP). This is a legal requirement set by the Home Office to ensure you fully understand the process and are reassured. A ‘responsible adult’ is a parent or guardian aged over 18 years old who takes responsibility for you.
Processing Times
Each country has different processing times for applications; please check how long it will take to get your visa here.
Arrival into the UK
When you arrive at the Border Control (immigration), you will need to present your passport, visa, and letter issued by the UKVI for your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP). You will then be given a vignette (a brief statement in your passport) to state that you are cleared to enter and this will protect you until you collect your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP).
The Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) needs to be collected from the Post Office (allocated close to the school or residence) within 10 days of entry into the UK. To be able to collect the Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) you and your ‘responsible adult’ if applicable (who is registered with the United Kingdom Visa and Immigration (UKVI)) must take the letter issued by the UKVI and your passport (including visa).
Some schools have registered to receive the Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) themselves but you should check with your school if they offer this service. On application you will need to know the Agency Location Code (ALC) for your school or course provider. The Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) will then be delivered to school and you will not need to visit a Post Office.
Alternatively, a Study Links representative can be the registered person to collect the Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) with you (the applicant). We can accompany you to collect the Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) from a designated Post Office. We would provide you with the Study Links representative information in advance so that you can register their details. We would also arrange with school/homestay to collect you on the day. There may be an additional fee for this service.
Collecting your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) from the Post Office
You would need to visit the Post office that is stated on the Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) collection letter sent to you by the Home Office.
To be able to collect the Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) you must take the letter issued by the Home Office, your passport, and your visa (if applicable). If you are under 16 years of age, you will also need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian who is over the age of 18. They would need to be registered as a ‘responsible adult’. If you would like more information about how to register Study Links as the ‘responsible adult’ please email applications@studylinks.co.uk
What happens next?
You are now free to travel around the UK and use the NHS services if needed (fees may be charged) – please see our Immigration Health Surcharge blog for more details.
You do not need to carry the Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) with you at all times but it may be helpful if you are visiting places for medical appointments (e.g. hospital) or official appointments.
The Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) can also help you open a bank account as it can be used as identification and proof of immigration status.
If you are over the age of 16 and wish to apply for a job, the Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) can help show that you are eligible to work and are the correct age. For information about gaining employment, please consult the terms and conditions of your visa.
The information provided by Study Links cannot be used as an alternative to legal advice from an appropriately qualified professional. If you have any specific questions about any legal/visa matters please contact the UKVI or Visa and Immigration expert. Please contact Study Links and we will offer you details of some of the companies we work in partnership with. Information correct at time of publication (July 2015).
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Natasha Sykes, Applications Officer