REQUIREMENT TO OBTAIN A BIOMETRIC RESIDENCE PERMIT FOR MIGRANTS WHO WISH TO STAY IN THE UK FOR MORE THAN 6 MONTHS
Following recent changes, all migrants coming to the UK for more than six months are now issued with a vignette valid for 30 days.
The migrant will be required to travel to the UK within the 30 day validity of this vignette. If the migrant (or dependant) does not travel to the UK within that 30 day period, they will be required to have their biometric details taken again and submit an application for a replacement entry clearance, which will require the payment of a further fee.
Upon the migrant’s entry to the UK, they are required to collect a separate document called a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) within 10 days of their arrival in the UK from the Post Office which was selected at the time of submission of the online application form. It includes the migrant’s name, date and place of birth, fingerprints, photograph, immigration status and conditions of stay. It also states whether the migrant can access benefits and health services. All migrants must carry their BRP and passport with them when travelling to and from the UK throughout the duration of their stay.
If a family travel to the UK together, one person from that family will be able to collect all the family’s BRP’s, however, if they travel separately, they will need to collect their BRP’s individually.
The migrant should receive a letter following the approval of their application with instructions on how to collect their Biometric Residence Permit on arrival.
These changes are intended to enhance the Government’s control of migrants after their arrival in the UK. However, there are already signs that there are problems with the system. In particular, it appears that BRP’s are often not available from the designated Post Office within the 10 day time period.
If the above applies to you, or you have any questions about these new procedures, please do not hesitate to contact Gherson who will be happy to assist you.