Biometric residence permits (BRPs)

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What a BRP is

Biometric residence permits (BRPs) are cards that were used to prove immigration status. You might have a BRP if you were granted permission to live or work in the UK on or before 31 October 2024.

BRPs are being replaced by eVisas. An eVisa is an online record of your immigration status.

If you have a BRP and still have permission to stay in the UK, you need to create an account to get access to your eVisa.听

All BRPs have now expired but they can still be used in some circumstances.

What you can do with an expired BRP

You should keep your expired BRP.听

You may be able to use your expired BRP to travel to the UK before or on 1 June 2025 if both:

  • your BRP expired on or after 31 December 2024
  • you still have permission to stay in the UK

Find out more about what you need to do before you travel to the UK.

You may also be able to use your expired BRP for 18 months after the expiry date printed on the card to:

View a printable version of the whole guide

Part of Apply for a Short-term study visa: step by step

  1. Step 1 Check if you need a visa

    You might be eligible for different visas depending on why you're visiting the UK and how long for.

    1. Check if you need a visa

  2. Step 2 Prepare the evidence you need

    1. Check what you need to show evidence of
    2. Check what documents you can use as evidence
    3. Check if you need a TB test to come to the UK

  3. Step 3 Apply

    1. Apply for a visa and book an appointment 拢186
    2. Check where your visa appointment will be

    You should get a decision within 3 weeks of your appointment.

    You might be able to pay an extra 拢220 for a decision within 5 working days or 拢956 for a decision within 24 hours (not including weekends or bank holidays). Check with your visa application centre.

  4. Step 4 Attend an appointment

    1. What you need to prove at your appointment

    You'll be told when a decision has been made about your visa.

  5. Step 5 Get access to your eVisa

    If your application is successful, you'll get an eVisa. This is an online record of your immigration status.

    1. Get access to your eVisa by setting up a UKVI account

    You鈥檒l need to link your travel document to your UKVI account. This should be the travel document you use to come to the UK.

    1. You may have to prove your immigration status when you travel to the UK

  6. Step 6 Travel to the UK

    1. Check what you need to show at the UK border
    2. Check what you can bring with you

    Keep the documents that prove why you're visiting the UK in your hand luggage so you can show them if asked.

    1. Check the documents you can use to show why you're visiting the UK

  7. Step 7 After you arrive in the UK

    1. You are currently viewing: Find out how to get your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) if you were told you'd get one when you applied

    Check your visa to find out when you must leave the UK. If you break the conditions of your visa you may not be able to return to the UK again.

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