If your immigration status in the UK is confirmed by way of a Biometric Residence Permit (‘BRP’), it is not advisable to ever travel outside the UK without your BRP card.
A BRP card shows proof of your immigration status and permission to live in the UK. You are normally required to show this in order to travel to, and re-enter, the UK. If you lose your BRP when you are outside the UK, you are required to apply for an entry vignette (aka a ‘replacement BRP visa’) which will allow you to return to the UK to apply for a replacement BRP.
If you take the risk of returning to the UK without a replacement BRP visa, you may be refused entry and sent back to the country you travelled from or your country of nationality.
What do you do when you lose a BRP:
1: Report the lost BRP
The first step is to report your BRP as lost or stolen on the Gov UK website. Next, you must report the lost BRP to the nearest police station where you lost it. At the police station you should obtain a receipt of a police report and a crime reference number.
2: Replacement BRP and one-time entry vignette
You cannot apply for a replacement BRP from outside the UK. You can only apply for a replacement BRP when you return to the UK.
If you lose your BRP while outside the UK, you must obtain a one-time entry vignette to enter the UK. This application can be made to the closest UK visa application centre abroad. The replacement BRP visa will allow you to re-enter the UK on one occasion. The processing times vary depending on which country you are applying from.
Once you have returned to the UK, you can apply for a replacement BRP. This must be done within 3 months of reporting it lost or stolen. You also risk the chance of being fined and made to leave the UK if you do not apply for a replacement within 3 months.
The processing time for a replacement BRP for those who have leave to remain in the UK can take up to 8 weeks from the date of the biometrics appointment. If you have ILR, the processing time can be anywhere between 3-6 months from the date of the biometrics appointment.
If you have lost your BRP and need assistance, please contact Gherson. We can provide immediate assistance, advice and help with BRP applications.
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The information in this blog is for general information purposes only and does not purport to be comprehensive or to provide legal advice. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information and law is current as of the date of publication it should be stressed that, due to the passage of time, this does not necessarily reflect the present legal position. Gherson accepts no responsibility for loss which may arise from accessing or reliance on information contained in this blog. For formal advice on the current law please do not hesitate to contact Gherson. Legal advice is only provided pursuant to a written agreement, identified as such, and signed by the client and by or on behalf of Gherson.
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