Obtaining a residence permit in the UK opens doors to a myriad of opportunities and privileges, providing individuals with the legal right to reside and engage in various activities within the country.
What is a biometric residence permit in the UK?
A biometric residence permit (BRP) serves as confirmation for your identity, right to study, and entitlement to public services or benefits in the UK. However, it cannot be used as proof of your right to work or rent, which must be demonstrated online. BRPs are typically issued when applying to stay in the UK for more than 6 months, extending a visa beyond this period, settling in the UK, transferring a visa to a new passport, or applying for specific Home Office travel documents. Importantly, a separate application for a BRP is not required.
It's essential to distinguish BRPs from biometric residence cards (BRCs), also known as 'UK residence cards.' BRCs, bearing the label 'residence card,' may be held by individuals in the UK as family members of individuals from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, or Liechtenstein.
It's essential to distinguish BRPs from biometric residence cards (BRCs), also known as 'UK residence cards.' BRCs, bearing the label 'residence card,' may be held by individuals in the UK as family members of individuals from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, or Liechtenstein.
How to get residence permit in the UK?
The process of applying for a UK residence permit varies based on individual circumstances and the type of visa held. Generally, applicants for indefinite leave to remain are required to apply online, where they must upload supporting documents and pay the application fee. Subsequently, they await a decision, with the option to expedite the process by paying an additional fee.
For instance, individuals with a Skilled Worker visa who have completed 5 years of residence and work in the UK can follow these steps:
For instance, individuals with a Skilled Worker visa who have completed 5 years of residence and work in the UK can follow these steps:
- Confirm eligibility and gather necessary supporting documents.
- Initiate the online application on the UK Government's Visa and Immigration website, allowing for the option to save and return to the form later.
- Complete the application form and make the online payment for the application fee.
- After submission, schedule an appointment at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) center to provide biometric information.
- The decision is typically received within 6 months, unless an expedited decision is requested by paying an additional fee.
UK biometric residence permit (BRP): requirements and documents
To obtain a BRP, applicants must follow specific requirements and provide essential documents. The initial step involves applying for a relevant visa category, such as a work or study visa, through the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) online application system. During this process, applicants will need to submit biometric information, including fingerprints and a photograph.
Upon successful visa approval, individuals will receive a 30-day vignette in their passport, allowing them to enter the UK. Within ten days of arrival, applicants must collect their BRP from a designated Post Office. To accomplish this, they should carry specific documents, including the decision letter from the UKVI, the passport containing the vignette, and any additional supporting documentation mentioned in the decision letter. Failure to collect the BRP within the stipulated time may result in penalties.
Upon successful visa approval, individuals will receive a 30-day vignette in their passport, allowing them to enter the UK. Within ten days of arrival, applicants must collect their BRP from a designated Post Office. To accomplish this, they should carry specific documents, including the decision letter from the UKVI, the passport containing the vignette, and any additional supporting documentation mentioned in the decision letter. Failure to collect the BRP within the stipulated time may result in penalties.
UK family residence permit with investment
The UK family residence permit through investment is a rapid and secure pathway to gain residency in the UK, with approval possible in as little as 10 weeks. To qualify for this permit, individuals need to make a substantial investment, with a minimum requirement of £2,000,000. This investment can be directed towards British corporate bonds, share capital, or loan capital in actively trading UK-registered companies.
Biometric residence permit card in the UK: cost and processing time
The cost for a BRP stands at £19.20, regardless of whether you are submitting your biometric details for the first time or have done so previously. Upon receiving the 'decision letter' from the Home Office, confirming your eligibility to stay in the UK, your BRP is expected to be delivered within 10 days.
How to renew residence permit in the UK?
For individuals holding Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK, the document that may require renewal is the Biometric Residence Permit (BRP). If your ILR status includes an expiring BRP, the renewal process can be initiated online through the government website and their BRP replacement service. Alongside the online application, you will be required to submit various documents, including proof of continuous residency in the UK.
UK residence permit: renewal fee
To renew your UK residence permit, you must complete the application form and pay a fee of £56 for a new Biometric Residence Permit (BRP). Additionally, if the renewal process requires the submission of biometric information, encompassing your photograph and fingerprints, an additional fee of £19.20 is applicable for this service.
Can I travel to Europe with UK biometric residence permit?
The visa-free policy for holders of a UK residence permit extends to a diverse range of countries and regions.
Andorra, Finland, Liechtenstein, Kyrgyzstan, Monaco, and San Marino are among the countries covered. Additionally, Australia, France, Lithuania, Moldova, Montenegro, and Singapore, along with Austria, Germany, Luxembourg, Russia, Netherlands, and Slovakia, are included. The list further extends to Belgium, Greece, Argentina, Serbia, New Zealand, and Slovenia, as well as Bulgaria, Hungary, Belarus, Tajikistan, Norway, and Spain.
Croatia, Iceland, Brazil, Ukraine, Poland, and Sweden are part of the visa-free arrangement, alongside Cyprus, Ireland, China, Uruguay, Portugal, and Switzerland. Czech Republic, Italy, Georgia, Uzbekistan, Qatar, Vatican City State, Denmark, Japan, Iran, Ecuador, Korea, and the United States are also covered. Estonia, Latvia, Kazakhstan, Malta, Romania, the United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom itself are included in the comprehensive list of countries and regions allowing visa-free travel for ordinary passport holders with a UK residence permit.
Andorra, Finland, Liechtenstein, Kyrgyzstan, Monaco, and San Marino are among the countries covered. Additionally, Australia, France, Lithuania, Moldova, Montenegro, and Singapore, along with Austria, Germany, Luxembourg, Russia, Netherlands, and Slovakia, are included. The list further extends to Belgium, Greece, Argentina, Serbia, New Zealand, and Slovenia, as well as Bulgaria, Hungary, Belarus, Tajikistan, Norway, and Spain.
Croatia, Iceland, Brazil, Ukraine, Poland, and Sweden are part of the visa-free arrangement, alongside Cyprus, Ireland, China, Uruguay, Portugal, and Switzerland. Czech Republic, Italy, Georgia, Uzbekistan, Qatar, Vatican City State, Denmark, Japan, Iran, Ecuador, Korea, and the United States are also covered. Estonia, Latvia, Kazakhstan, Malta, Romania, the United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom itself are included in the comprehensive list of countries and regions allowing visa-free travel for ordinary passport holders with a UK residence permit.
