A Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) is an essential document for many individuals living in the United Kingdom. It provides evidence of the holder’s immigration status, such as their right to work, study, or access public services. Understanding the costs associated with obtaining, replacing, or updating a BRP is crucial for anyone navigating the UK’s immigration system.
What is a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)?
A Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) is a card that contains personal information about the holder, including their name, date of birth, fingerprints, and a photograph. It also indicates their immigration status, such as the type of visa they hold, the duration of their stay, and any restrictions on their activities in the UK.
The BRP is issued to non-European Economic Area (EEA) nationals who have been granted permission to stay in the UK for more than six months. It is also issued to those who are applying for indefinite leave to remain or who have been granted refugee status.
Why is a BRP Important?
The BRP serves as proof of the holder’s right to stay, work, or study in the UK. It is also used as a form of identification, similar to a national identity card. Without a BRP, it may be difficult to access essential services, such as healthcare, education, and banking.
Employers, landlords, and public service providers are legally required to check the immigration status of non-UK nationals. The BRP provides a simple and secure way to confirm that someone has the right to live and work in the UK.
Cost of Obtaining a BRP
The cost of obtaining a BRP can vary depending on the type of application being made and whether the applicant is applying from within or outside the UK. Below is a breakdown of the main costs associated with the BRP.
Application Fees for BRP
Initial Application:
If you are applying for a visa or leave to remain in the UK that requires a BRP, the cost of the BRP is included in the overall visa application fee. This means you won’t have to pay an additional fee specifically for the BRP when you make your initial application.
Replacement BRP:
If your BRP is lost, stolen, or damaged, you will need to apply for a replacement. The fee for replacing a BRP is £56 as of 2024. This fee must be paid each time you need a replacement, and the processing time is usually up to 8 weeks.
Transfer of Conditions (TOC):
If you have been granted leave to remain in the UK but your BRP was issued in another format (e.g., a vignette in your passport), you can apply for a TOC to obtain a BRP. The cost for a TOC application is £161.
No Time Limit (NTL):
If you have indefinite leave to remain in the UK but your status is not currently recorded on a BRP, you can apply for a BRP with the NTL status. The fee for this application is £161.
Change of Circumstances:
If your personal details (e.g., name, gender, or nationality) change, or if there is an error on your BRP, you must apply for a new BRP. The fee for this service is £56.
Additional Costs
Apart from the application fees, there may be other costs associated with obtaining a BRP.
Biometric Information Fee
When you apply for a BRP, you will be required to provide biometric information, which includes your fingerprints and a photograph. This is usually done at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) centre or, if applying from outside the UK, at a Visa Application Centre (VAC). The biometric fee is typically included in the visa application fee, but there may be additional charges if you need to reschedule your biometric appointment or use a premium service.
Premium Processing Fees
If you need your BRP urgently, you can opt for a premium service, which will expedite the processing of your application. The cost for premium processing can vary, but it typically ranges from £500 to £800, depending on the service and location.
Postal and Courier Fees
When applying for a BRP, especially if you are replacing a lost or stolen card, you may need to pay for postage or courier services to send your documents to the Home Office or to receive your BRP. These costs can vary, but special delivery within the UK usually costs around £7 to £15.
Legal and Immigration Advisor Fees
If you are unsure about the application process or need assistance with your BRP application, you may choose to hire an immigration advisor or solicitor. The fees for legal advice can range from £100 to £300 per hour, depending on the complexity of your case and the advisor’s experience.
How to Pay for a BRP
Payment for a BRP application is usually made online when you submit your application. The Home Office accepts various payment methods, including debit and credit cards. If you are applying through a legal representative, they may make the payment on your behalf and include it in their fees.
Processing Time for BRP Applications
The time it takes to process a BRP application can vary depending on the type of application and whether any additional checks are required. Below is an overview of the typical processing times.
Initial BRP Issuance:
If you are applying for a visa that includes a BRP, the card will usually be issued within 7 to 10 days after your visa application has been approved. You will receive a notification when your BRP is ready for collection or delivery.
Replacement BRP:
The processing time for a replacement BRP is usually up to 8 weeks from the date of application. If you need your BRP urgently, you can opt for a premium service, which can reduce the processing time to as little as 1 to 2 weeks.
Transfer of Conditions (TOC) and No Time Limit (NTL):
Applications for TOC and NTL typically take up to 8 weeks to process. However, if there are any complications or additional checks required, the processing time may be longer.
see also: How Much Does Visa Sponsorship Cost in the UK?
What to Do If Your BRP is Delayed
If your BRP is delayed, it is important to contact the Home Office as soon as possible. You should provide your application reference number and any correspondence you have received from the Home Office. Delays can occur for various reasons, such as missing documents, incorrect information on your application, or technical issues with biometric data collection.
If your BRP does not arrive within 10 days of the expected date, you should report the issue to the Home Office using the online form on the UK government website. In some cases, the Home Office may require you to attend an appointment or provide additional information to resolve the delay.
Replacing a Lost, Stolen, or Damaged BRP
If your BRP is lost, stolen, or damaged, you must apply for a replacement as soon as possible. Failure to replace your BRP within 3 months of it being lost, stolen, or damaged can result in a fine of up to £1,000 or other penalties.
To apply for a replacement BRP, you will need to complete the online application form on the UK government website and pay the £56 replacement fee. You will also need to provide your biometric information again and may be required to submit additional documents to support your application.
Renewing Your BRP
A BRP is typically issued with an expiration date that coincides with the duration of your visa or leave to remain. If your BRP is about to expire, you will need to apply for a new one before the expiration date. The cost of renewing a BRP is usually included in the fee for extending your visa or leave to remain.
It is important to note that a BRP does not automatically renew when your visa is extended. You must apply for a new BRP separately, and the application process is similar to that of obtaining your initial BRP.
What Happens If Your BRP Expires?
If your BRP expires and you do not apply for a new one, you may be unable to prove your immigration status in the UK. This could affect your ability to work, access public services, or travel in and out of the UK. It is essential to ensure that your BRP is valid and up to date at all times.
If you need to leave the UK temporarily and your BRP is about to expire, you should apply for a new BRP before you travel. If your BRP expires while you are outside the UK, you may face difficulties re-entering the country and may need to apply for a single-entry visa to return.
What to Do If Your BRP Contains Errors
If your BRP contains errors, such as incorrect personal details or visa conditions, you should report the issue to the Home Office as soon as possible. You can do this by completing the online form on the UK government website. The Home Office will usually correct the error free of charge if it was made by them.
If the error was due to incorrect information provided by you, you may need to apply for a new BRP and pay the £56 fee. It is important to ensure that all the information on your BRP is accurate, as any errors could lead to complications with your immigration status or when accessing services in the UK.
Travel Considerations with a BRP
Your BRP is an important document when traveling in and out of the UK. You will need to present it at border control to prove your right to re-enter the UK. If you are traveling outside the UK and your BRP is lost or stolen, you will need to apply for a replacement BRP and may also need to obtain a single-entry visa to return to the UK.
It is advisable to carry a photocopy of your BRP and keep it in a separate place from the original when traveling. This can help you provide evidence of your immigration status if your BRP is lost or stolen while you are abroad.
Conclusion
The cost of a BRP in the UK varies depending on the type of application and any additional services you may require. Whether you are applying for a new BRP, replacing a lost or stolen card, or updating your details, it is important to be aware of the associated fees and the processing times involved.
A BRP is a crucial document for anyone living in the UK on a visa or with indefinite leave to remain. Ensuring that your BRP is valid, accurate, and up to date will help you avoid potential legal issues and ensure that you can access the services and benefits you are entitled to.
By understanding the costs and requirements associated with a BRP, you can better manage your immigration status and ensure a smooth experience when living, working, or studying in the UK.