Biometric residence permits (BRPs)

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Getting your BRP if you applied from outside the UK

You can no longer collect a biometric residence permit (BRP) from a Post Office. This is because most BRPs expired on 31 December 2024 and have been replaced by eVisas.

The Home Office will contact you if you were told you would get a BRP when you applied to come to the UK.

You should still get your BRP, even if it’s expired. You might be able to use it to prove your right to work, rent or travel.

If you nominated someone else to collect your BRP

If your nominated person (for example a sponsor) has already collected your BRP from a Post Office, collect it from them.

If your nominated person has not collected your BRP, the Home Office will contact them.

When to contact the Home Office

Contact the Home Office by email if any of the following apply:

  • you have not received an email from them by 31 March 2025
  • you know that your nominated person collected your BRP but you cannot get it from them
  • you no longer have access to the email address you used when you applied to come to the UK

BRP collection 
brpcollection@homeoffice.gov.uk

The Home Office will email you to tell you what to do next. They’ll usually reply within 5 working days.

There are other ways to prove your immigration status without a BRP.

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Part of Apply for a Parent of a Child Student visa: step by step

  1. Step 1 Check if you need a visa

    You might be eligible for different visas depending on why you're visiting the UK and how long for.

    1. Check if you need a visa

  2. Step 2 Prepare the evidence you need

    1. Check what you need to show evidence of
    2. Check what documents you can use as evidence
    3. If your visa is for more than 6 months, check if you need a TB test

  3. Step 3 Apply

    1. Apply for a visa and book an appointment £637
    2. Check where your visa appointment will be

    You should get a decision within 3 weeks of your appointment.

    You might be able to pay an extra £500 for a decision within 5 working days or £1,000 for a decision within 24 hours (not including weekends or bank holidays). Check with your visa application centre.

  4. Step 4 Attend an appointment

    1. What you need to prove at your appointment

    You'll be told when a decision has been made about your visa.

  5. Step 5 Get access to your eVisa

    If your visa allows you to stay in the UK for longer than 6 months, you'll get an eVisa. This is an online record of your immigration status.

    1. Get access to your eVisa by setting up a UKVI account

    You’ll need to link your travel document to your UKVI account. This should be the travel document you use to come to the UK.

    1. You may have to prove your immigration status when you travel to the UK

  6. Step 6 Travel to the UK

    1. Check what you need to show at the UK border
    2. Check what you can bring with you

    Keep the documents that prove why you're visiting the UK in your hand luggage so you can show them if asked.

    1. Check the documents you can use to show why you're visiting the UK

  7. Step 7 After you arrive in the UK

    1. You are currently viewing: Find out how to get your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) if you were told you'd get one when you applied

    Check your visa to find out when you must leave the UK. You may be able to extend your visa if you want to stay for longer.

    1. Extend your visa

    If you break the conditions of your visa you may not be able to return to the UK again.

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