Biometric residence permits (BRPs)

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What a BRP is

A biometric residence permit (BRP) can be used to confirm your:

  • identity
  • right to study
  • right to any public services or benefits you鈥檙e entitled to

You cannot use your BRP to prove your right to work or prove your right to rent.

BRPs are different from biometric residence cards (BRCs), which are also called 鈥楿K residence cards鈥�.

BRPs are being replaced by eVisas. An eVisa is an online record of your immigration status. You can still get a BRP if you were told you鈥檇 get one and you made a visa application from outside the UK.

What鈥檚 on a BRP

A BRP will include:

  • your name, date and place of birth
  • your fingerprints and a photo of your face (this is your biometric information)
  • your immigration status and any conditions of your stay
  • whether you can access public funds, for example benefits and health services
  • the expiry date

You may also have a National Insurance (NI) number printed on the back of your permit.

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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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