ENTRY CLEARANCE FOR THE UK

INTRODUCTION OF BIOMETRIC RESIDENCE PERMITS

The UKs visa system was overhauled on 15 April 2015, with the validity of many entry clearance vignettes being
reduced to 30 days. Visa applicants will be expected to enter the UK within that period and pick up a Biometric
Residence Permit (BRP) from their local UK Post Office after entering.
What is a BRP?
A BRP is proof of a non-EEA nationals right to stay, work or study in the United Kingdom. It can also be used as a
form of identification (for example, if they wish to open a bank account in the United Kingdom). The holder is not
required to carry their permit at all times, but they must show it at the UK border, together with their passport, when
travelling outside of, and when returning to, the United Kingdom.
A BRP is the size of a credit card and looks a lot like a UK driving licence.

What is changing?
Successful visa applicants will be granted a 30 day short term entry clearance vignette. Vignette holders are
expected to enter within the 30 day period. They will then need to pick up their BRP from a local Post Office near
their UK address.
The new scheme will not apply to everybody only non-EEA migrants granted over six months entry to the UK.

When does the 30 day window begin?

From the date you say you will enter the UK. Applicants will need to provide a date of entry when they apply on the
Visa4UK website. That will then become the start date on your visa.

What if I do not enter within the 30 period?

You will need to apply for a new vignette. This is known as a vignette transfer application. It will cost 122 from
6 April and normally takes a week or two to be processed, although the time line could change if there is a sudden
increase in application numbers.
You can make the application at https://www.visa4uk.fco.gov.uk/. Once you have inserted your personal details
you will come to Select Visa Type. You should then enter:

Reason for Visit Other

Visa Type - Other

ENTRY CLEARANCE FOR THE UK

This will give you the option to make a vignette transfer application.

When should I pick up my BRP?

As soon as you can after arriving in the UK. You are expected to pick up the BRP within ten days of arriving in the
UK, although in practice we understand that the Post Office should hold them for 60 days.
How will I know my local Post Office?
You will be able to select the closest Post Office when you apply for your visa. You will be given a choice when
you insert your UK address on the visa application form.
Around 200 Post Offices are participating and you can find a list here. You can also use the Branch Finder tool on
the Post Office website please ensure you select BRP Collection Service from the drop down Product and
Services list.
These lists are great if you know where you will live in the UK, but not so useful if you dont. If you havent
arranged accommodation before you apply for your visa then we recommend you add the postcode of the office
you will work in.
What if I dont pick up the BRP?
You could face a civil penalty or the Home Office could shorten your stay in the UK.
As the BRP is evidence of your right to work in the UK your employment could be cut short or otherwise disrupted if
you do not collect the BRP before your 30 day vignette expires.
What if I dont travel to the UK?
Some sponsored workers will be granted a visa but will not go on to travel to the UK. Their assignment might be
cancelled, for instance.
If you do not travel to the UK you should ensure your manager or HR contact is informed. They will then be able to
cancel your sponsorship. The Home Office will be informed that your assignment will not go ahead and you will not
be expected to pick up the BRP.

ENTRY CLEARANCE FOR THE UK

Can I work without the BRP?
Yes, but you will need to collect your BRP before your 30 day short term entry vignette expires. You will then need
to present your BRP to your UK Line Manager for verification and for a copy to be certified and sent to the UKI
Global Mobility team UKI-globalmobility@csc.com .
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------What must I do when I receive my biometric residence permit?
You must check your permit carefully when you receive it, to make sure that all the details on it are correct. If you
find a mistake, you must email BRPerror@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk within 10 working days of receiving the permit otherwise you may be charged for a replacement and will have to apply again. In this event you should also advise
the UKI Global Mobility team so they are aware of your situation.
You must provide as many of the following details as possible:
full name;
date of birth;
nationality;
passport number;
contact telephone number;
BRP reference number;
case reference number; and
exactly what is wrong with the BRP.
What must I do if my biometric residence permit is lost or stolen?
If your biometric residence permit is lost or stolen, you must report the loss or theft as soon as possible by
e-mailing BRPLost@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk. In this event you should also advise the UKI Global Mobility team so
they are aware of your situation.
You must provide as many of the following details as possible:
full name;
date of birth;
nationality;
passport number;
contact details;
BRP reference number;
case reference number; and
when, where and how the loss or theft occurred.
You must also report the loss or theft to the police and obtain a police report and a crime reference number, as
soon as possible.
If your biometric residence permit is lost or stolen while you are in the UK, you must apply for another permit within
3 months of reporting the loss or theft of your original permit, using form BRP (RC). You can download the BRP
(RC) application form and guidance from our website at: ReplaceBRP
If your permit is lost or stolen while you are outside the UK, you must apply for a Replacement BRP visa in order to
re-enter the UK. Replace-BRP page explains what you have to do. You must then apply for a new biometric
residence permit within 1 month of re-entering the UK, using form BRP (RC). You can download the BRP (RC)
application form and BRP (RC) guidance from their website at: Replace-BRP
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ENTRY CLEARANCE FOR THE UK

If you do not apply for a replacement permit, you may have to pay a financial penalty of up to 1,000, or the Home
Office may shorten your permission to stay.
What do I do if I have lost my passport after arriving in the UK but before I have collected my biometric
residence permit?
If you do not bring your passport or travel document with you to the Post Office you will not be able to collect your
BRP. If you have lost your passport or travel document since arriving in the UK, you must e-mail
BRPCollection@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk. In this event you should also advise the UKI Global Mobility team so they
are aware of your situation.
You must provide the following details:
full name;
date of birth;
your nationality;
your UK residential address;
your passport number;
how it was lost;
the date the loss was reported to the Police;
a contact telephone number; and
your case reference number.
You will be notified of what you need to do next within 5 working days of receipt. You should not attempt to collect
your BRP until you have been told to do so by the Home Office.