Biometric residence permits (BRPs)
Prove your status without a BRP
The way you prove your immigration status is changing.
Biometric residence permits (BRPs) are being replaced by eVisas. An eVisa is an online record of your immigration status which you can use to prove your status instead of a BRP.
If you do not have a UKVI account already, you’ll need to create an account. You can do this at the same time as you set up access to your eVisa.
If you need to leave and re-enter the UK
You may be able to prove your immigration status in a different way if you are outside the UK and you either:
- cannot use your BRP - for example because it is lost, stolen or expired
- cannot set up access to your eVisa or update your UKVI account
Depending on your circumstances, you’ll need to either:
- get a temporary visa
- apply for a Returning Resident visa
Get a temporary visa
A temporary visa is a short-term vignette in your passport. It will let you re-enter the UK once only. It costs £154.
When you apply, you’ll need to:
- choose the country that you’ll provide your biometrics (fingerprints and photo) in
- confirm that you can travel to a visa application centre
Apply for a Returning Resident visa
If you have been away for over 2 years and you’ve lost your documentation proving your right to live in the UK, you can apply for a Returning Resident visa. It costs £637.