When do I need to replace my passport sticker with a BRP?
19/07/2019
BRPs (Biometrics Residence Permits) are given to everyone applying to come to the UK for longer than 6 months, as well as those extending visas to longer than 6 months and those applying to settle in the UK.
You will usually receive your BRP in one of two ways, depending on whether you applied from outside of the UK or from within the UK.
When making a UKVI application from inside of the UK you will be sent your BRP 7-10 days after receiving your decision letter.
If you’ve applied from outside of the UK you must collect your BRP when arriving in the UK. For full details on both of these please see our dedicated BRP page.
However, there are certain situations where you need to apply for a BRP to replace your current visa, or the sticker in your passport. The technical word for this visa sticker is a vignette.
There can be strict timescales for these replacements, and information on when to make this replacement can be unclear. We have therefore written this blog to outline when you need to make this replacement and the process of doing so.
Replacing your passport vignette with a BRP when entering the UK
In most circumstances you will need to replace your passport vignette with your BRP once you enter the UK.
This must be done within 10 days of arriving in the UK or before your vignette sticker expires, whichever is later.
You will be told in your decision letter where to collect your BRP, which will usually be at a local Post Office.
You will need to take your passport or travel document with you to collect your BRP and must be over the age of 18. If you are having problems collecting your BRP when entering the UK, please see our BRP page or contact the Home Office on the appropriate email address or phoneline.
Replacing your lost passport with a BRP
Two of the most common reasons why you might need to apply for a replacement BRP for your visa are when your passport or travel document has been lost or stolen.
This can also apply if your passport or travel document has expired.
You must make this application from inside the UK, through the UKVCAS process. When applying you will need to provide your biometrics information at a UKVCAS service point.
The fee for these applications will depend on what visa status you have at the time. If you have been granted settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain), then it will cost £229 and you’ll receive your decision within 6 months. This application was previously referred to as a No Time Limit application.
The Home Office offer a super priority service for an additional £800 which will allow you to receive a decision within 24 hours of your UKVCAS appointment.
If you have temporary permission to stay in the UK (leave to remain) then the application will cost £161 and you’ll receive your decision within 8 weeks. This application was previously referred to as a Transfer of Conditions application.
There is also a super priority service option for this application if you require a quicker decision.
It isn’t possible to apply for a replacement vignette which was previously in your passport if it was lost, therefore applying for a replacement BRP is your only option if you have lost your passport with your vignette inside it.
You can make either of these applications by following the links on this gov.uk page.
If you’re outside of the UK and have lost your passport, you are able to transfer your visa to a new passport online through this page. The cost of this application from outside of the UK is £169.
Replacing your visa with a BRP if your personal details have changed
You will also need to replace your visa (vignette) with a BRP if your personal details have changed since your application was processed. You will need to make this replacement if you have made changes to any of the following:
- Your name.
- Your nationality.
- Your facial appearance.
- Your date of birth.
- Your gender.
However, you do not need to get a BRP or report any of these changes if your stay within the UK is less than 6 months.
If your stay in the UK is longer than 6 months, then you must report these changes in the same way as in the above section.
If you are still unsure of when you should be collecting or applying for a replacement for your BRP, please contact us and one of our immigration advisers will be on hand to assist you.
