In this blog, we’ll discuss how you can replace your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) if it is stolen or lost.
What is a BRP?
Individuals who have the right to stay in the UK are provided with a document called a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP). You may use it to confirm a person’s identity and their immigration status. Moreover, A BRP can also verify a person’s right to study and receive any public services or benefits.
Now you must be aware of the consequences of losing your BRP. For starters, it will become exceedingly challenging to prove your status. Plus, you would become liable for a fine if you fail to replace it. Don’t forget the requirements for a stolen or lost BRP relies on whether you are in the UK or some other country.
Reporting A Stolen Or Lost BRP
It is essential to report your stolen or lost BRP to the Home Office through an online form, regardless of your situation.
Furthermore, the Home Office suggests reporting the incident to the police. Consequently, a request is submitted for a police report or crime reference number.
What If Your BRP Is Lost Or Stolen In The UK?
Individuals with an indefinite leave to remain can apply for another BRP via a ‘No Time Limit’ application. Interestingly, this is an online application without any fee.
This is also for people with older-style legacy immigration documents who want to upgrade to a new BRP.
In contrast, you must make a replacement application within 3 months of losing your BRP if your BRP was valid for 3 months or more.
In this situation, you would be required to pay a fee of £75.20 for the standard service. The estimated time to obtain your new BRP is 8 weeks. You may choose a priority service for a faster replacement. However, it comes with an increased fee.
Those who are unable to apply for a replacement within 3 months of losing their BRP could be fined up to £1,000. They could also be asked to exit the country.
In case the validity of your BRP is less than 3 months, and you want to travel outside the UK before your leave expires, you should apply to replace your BRP first.
In addition to this, you can apply to extend your leave in the UK beyond the expiry date and wait for a response if you wish to stay longer. You will automatically get a new BRP if your application for an extension is approved.
On the other hand, a replacement is unnecessary if you don’t have any plans to go outside the UK and have no intention of extending your leave.
Similarly, if you lose your BRP while waiting for a response on your application for an extension, you don’t have to replace your BRP.
What If Your BRP Is Stolen Or Lost Outside The UK?
In that case, you must report the incident using the online form. However, you will only be able to apply for a replacement from the UK.
You will have to go for a replacement BRP visa in order to go back to the UK. Again, it is an online application with a fee of £154 with an estimated time of 15 days to get a response.
You must apply for a replacement BRP after arriving back in the UK. Most importantly, you must apply within 3 months of losing your BRP. Otherwise, you must have a good reason not to be able to apply on time.
What Happens If You Held ILR In The Past?
It is possible that you have lost your status if you previously had indefinite leave to remain (ILR) but have been outside the UK for over 2 years. Now you will be required to submit an application for a returning resident visa to come back and live in the UK permanently. The online application for this had a fee of £531.
Are There Any Alternate Ways To Prove Your Immigration Status?
What’s interesting to note here is that your BRP doesn’t indicate your right to work or rent. You can access this online without using your BRP.
You can inform the relevant body about losing your BRP if you want to avail yourself of benefits or use the NHS. As a result, the entity you inform will contact the Home Office to confirm your immigration status.
What If You Have Never Held A BRP?
Whether you receive a BRP depends on your visa. You wouldn’t get a BRP or be able to apply for one in the future if you submitted your application to live in the UK using the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check.’
What Happens If You Report Your Stolen Or Lost BRP But Recover It Later?
In that case, you wouldn’t be able to use your old BRP. Plus, you will have to return it to the Home Office.
We hope you found this information helpful. Follow our blogs for the latest updates and informative content on UK immigration.
