A Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) is a card issued to non-EEA nationals who have permission to stay in the UK for more than 6 months. It contains your photograph, fingerprints, immigration status, and any conditions on your stay. BRPs are being phased out in favour of eVisas.

Are BRPs still being issued in 2026?

BRPs are being phased out as part of the UK's transition to eVisas. Most new visa holders now receive an eVisa (a digital immigration status) rather than a physical BRP card. If you still hold a valid BRP, it remains valid until its expiry date, but you should create a UKVI account to access your eVisa.

What do I do if I lose my BRP?

If your BRP is lost or stolen, report it to the Home Office immediately using the online reporting tool on GOV.UK. If you are in the UK, you can apply for a replacement. If you are abroad, you will need to apply for a replacement BRP visa to re-enter the UK.

Can I travel with just my BRP?

No, a BRP is not a travel document. You always need your passport to travel. However, your BRP confirms your right to re-enter the UK. If you are returning to the UK from abroad, airlines may ask to see your BRP alongside your passport.

BRP Explained: Biometric Residence Permit Guide 2026

A Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) is a physical card that proves your immigration status in the UK. It contains your biometric data, visa conditions, and personal details. BRPs are being phased out in favour of eVisas, but millions of people still hold them. This guide explains everything you need to know.

What Your BRP Contains

Your BRP card contains:

Your photograph and fingerprints (stored on a chip)
Your name, date of birth, and nationality
Your immigration status (the type of leave you have)
Any conditions on your stay (such as "no public funds" or work restrictions)
The expiry date of your leave
Your National Insurance number (if one has been assigned)

Employers use your BRP to conduct right to work checks, and landlords use it for right to rent checks. It is one of the most important documents you hold while living in the UK.

Collecting Your BRP

If you applied for a visa from outside the UK and were issued a BRP, you collect it from a Post Office within 10 days of arriving in the UK. The visa vignette (sticker) in your passport allows you to enter the UK, and the BRP is your ongoing proof of status.

To collect your BRP:

Go to the Post Office branch specified in your decision letter
Bring your passport and the decision letter
The Post Office will ask you to sign for the BRP

If you applied from within the UK, your new BRP (if still being issued) is sent to your home address or a Post Office, depending on your application type.

The Transition to eVisas

The UK is moving to a fully digital immigration system. The eVisa replaces the physical BRP with a digital record of your immigration status. Key points:

Most new visa holders now receive an eVisa rather than a BRP
Existing BRP holders should create a UKVI account to view and share their immigration status online
BRPs remain valid until their expiry date
You can prove your right to work and rent using the online checking service

The transition is being rolled out gradually. If you still hold a BRP, it is valid and you do not need to do anything immediately, but setting up your UKVI account ensures you are prepared.

Lost, Stolen, or Damaged BRP

If your BRP is lost, stolen, or damaged:

Report it immediately using the GOV.UK reporting tool
If stolen: Also report it to the police and get a crime reference number
Apply for a replacement: If you are in the UK, apply online. The fee is around £75
If you are abroad: You need to apply for a replacement BRP visa (a temporary vignette) to re-enter the UK

Do not delay reporting a lost or stolen BRP. Someone could misuse your card, and failure to report it could cause problems with your future immigration applications.

Using Your BRP

You will use your BRP (or the online checking service) regularly:

Starting a new job: Your employer will check your BRP or use the online right to work service
Renting a property: Your landlord checks your right to rent
Opening a bank account: Banks accept BRPs as proof of identity and address. See our bank account guide
Accessing NHS services: Your BRP confirms your NHS eligibility
Travelling: Carry your BRP when returning to the UK from abroad

BRP Errors

If there is an error on your BRP (wrong name, wrong conditions, wrong dates), report it to the Home Office as soon as possible. Errors can cause problems with employers, landlords, and future visa applications. You can report errors through the Home Office contact channels.

Related guides: