Biometric Residence Permit FAQs

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How long will it take to get my Biometric Residence Permit?

Biometric cards usually take 5-10 working days. The courier called DX is responsible in most cases for delivering the BRPs so don’t expect it to come through royal mail. If you are not in they will leave a card and you can reschedule another delivery or collect at their depot. Most of our clients report successfully getting their cards within 4 days from the date of their Same Day Visa Approval. If you don’t get your card within 10 working days taking into account public holidays and strikes if there is any then on your approval letter you will see an email address you can contact to get tracking information regarding your Biometric card.

I have just been approved ILR, but my Biometric Residence Permit shows a 10 year validity?

The 10 year validity of the Biometric card for ILR is only for the actual card and not your ILR. It is the same as your passport which has a 10 year validity or a driver licence. If for certain reasons you do not apply for British Citizenship 1 year after getting your Indefinite Leave to Remain and keep it for 10 years then you can apply for a new card through the Home Office which will likely involve a small renewal fee. As Biometric Residence Permits haven’t been around for 10 years, currently the Home Office don’t offer the service to renew expired cards, but you can expect they will when the first batch of card holders reach 10 years.

I have to travel and I haven’t received my Biometric card yet?

Many people ask us if they can travel without their biometric card and if they can enter the UK without their biometric card. Technically speaking you shouldn’t travel without it, but life is never as straight forward as this. If you have applied through the same day premium service and don’t think you will get your BRP in time for travel then here is what you can do.

• Bring your approval letter that you were issued at the Premium Service Centre
• Bring any previous approval letters or Home Office letters
• Bring a letter from your employer if possible stating you are working there and travelling to visit family, for a wedding, etc
• Bring evidence of living in the UK such as recent bank statement or payslip

I contacted the Home Office on their stance regarding entry back into the UK without a biometric residence permit and they stated it is possible with evidence to back up your right to work or live in the UK. Be prepared for lots of questions and long delays though when you get to the airport. Finally be aware that some airlines may not let you board if you don’t show a valid visa or permission to enter the UK so call them up in advance in case they won’t even let you on the plane back to the UK.

Will my Biometric Residence Permit issue date be the same as my Premium same day application date?

Yes, your Biometric Residence Permit will show an issue date of the say you were approved.

My Biometric Residence Card expires soon. What can I do to renew it?

If your biometric card has expired or is going to expire soon and you have Indefinite Leave to Remain then you will be able to make an application to renew your biometric card. If you require assistance with this process our fees are £200.