What is a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)? A Complete Guide for NRIs in the UK

The United Kingdom is a land of contrasts and home to ancient castles, cityscapes, and royal palaces. Imagine being in a city that has the historic streets of Edinburgh, fascinating art galleries in London, and the breathtaking beauty of the Scottish Highlands. It is not just a place to visit for a few days; the UK is a whole lifestyle. So if you are planning to move or stay long-term here, your first step is to settle in to get a Biometric Residence Permit.

A Biometric Residence Permit (BRP). It is an important document for identification purposes, immigration status, and civilian rights in the UK. BRP is essential for anyone who is non-European and wants to stay in the United Kingdom for more than six months. This physical polycarbonate card confirms the holder's identity and right to work and study, and provides access to all the public benefits and services.

This blog will walk you through a detailed understanding of the Biometric Residence Permit (BRP), its benefits, and everything you need to know.

What is a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)?

Anyone who is applying for a UK visa for more than six months also needs to get themselves enrolled in the application process of the Biometric Residence Permit (BRP). It is an identification card allocated by the United Kingdom Home Office containing the holder's personal information, like name, date, and biometric information such as fingerprints and photograph. With this, it also has information about the holder's visa conditions and immigration status in a tamper-proof embedded chip.

The Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) aims to streamline the authentication procedure.

How to Get a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)?

To apply for a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP), you need to go through three major steps:

Application Submission: Non-Resident Indians do not generally have to apply for the Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) directly, as it is included as part of the visa application process.

Provide Information: NRIs are required to provide all the biometric information asked like their photographs and fingerprints, during the application procedure.

Collect your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP): After the visa application and the Biometric Residence Permit application are approved, you can collect the card from the authorized post office, or it can also be delivered to the residence address of the applicant.

Documents Required To Apply For A Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)

NRIs need to keep a few documents handy to apply for the Biometric Residence Permit (BRP). Below is a list of all the documents:

• A complete Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) application form,
• NRIs' passports and travel documents.
• NRIs' proof of address, like a rental agreement, bank statements, or utility bills.
• Passport-sized pictures that comply with the UK passport photo guidelines.
• Birth certificate and marriage certificate (if relevant)
• Proof of study, employment, or any other reason for which you will be staying in the UK.
• Proof of sufficient funds
• While arriving in the UK, NRIs will also need to give their fingerprints and a digital picture at UKVCAS, which is the UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services center.
• Application fees paid proof.

Note: As requirements are subject to change, it is advised to always check the latest follow-ups and requirements on the government website of the UK or consult with an authorized officer.

Why the Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) Is Important for NRIs

The Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) plays an essential role in the daily life of NRIs living in the United Kingdom. Below are a few cases where having a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) proves to be necessary:

Banking: As an NRI, opening a valid bank account in the United Kingdom asks for rights to act and identification documents. While having a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) stands on both the requirements making the whole procedure easy for NRIs. With BRP, NRIs have full access to all banking services.

Employment Verification: In the United Kingdom, for legal reasons, NRI employees are required to verify their immigration status, and having a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) solves it right there. This card is a credible document for proving an NRI's immigration status.

Travel: Although the Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) does not help in travel-related purposes and documentation, it is important for NRIs in the UK to re-enter the country after traveling abroad.

Education: NRIs who wish to study in the UK must have a reliable document for verification and enrollment as a student. Here, having a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) permits both purposes.

Healthcare: NRIs in the United Kingdom must have valid proof of residence to be able to access medical rights. The Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) is a government document that verifies the holder's right to medical facilities.

How long is a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) valid?

Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) are valid for a maximum of 10 years, and if NRIs are under the age of 16, then they are valid for 5 years.

Understand the Difference Between BRP and e-Visa

As the United Kingdom is moving towards digital immigration services, Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) are set to expire on 31 December 2024 and be replaced by electronic visas. Many NRIs are confused about BRPs and eVisas.

Here is a summarized breakdown for both:

Biometric Residence Permit (BRP): While the BRP is a physical card that includes your biometric information, duration of stay, visa type, and the rights to access. NRIs need to carry a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) along with their Indian passport to access any government service, prove identity, or travel.

eVisas: They are a digitalized and enhanced version of BRP. The immigration status is linked to an NRI's passport. Instead of carrying a physical card, with eVisa, your immigration details will now be accessible online. This offers convenience to maintain all the data online, and NRIs need not fear losing documents.

Conclusion

Going through the United Kingdom's immigration rules is overwhelming, particularly with the major shift from BRPs to eVisas. As an NRI, it is crucial to keep your immigration status updated and secure. Stay informed and hands-on with all the immigration information, and let widely trusted platforms like Visament handle your immigration complexities so you can focus on your UK itinerary. Our experts are hands-on with all the eVisa information and requirements. Contact Visament today and have a smooth eVisa process.