A biometric residence permit for indefinite leave to remain can provide evidence of your identity as well as your right to stay in the UK and to use public services and access benefits if your visa or other permission entitles you to do this.
If you have indefinite leave to remain in the UK, you still need a valid BRP and it is crucial to note when this expires and make sure that you apply to renew it.
It is the government’s intention to replace all biometric residence permits in 2024 so that from 1 January 2025, immigration status will be proved by accessing the online ‘view and prove your immigration status’ service.
In the meantime, biometric residence permits (BRPs) are still valid and one will be issued to you if you have a visa that lasts for six months or more or if you apply to settle in the UK, unless you used the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app to verify your identity when you applied for a visa.
At Halliday Reeves, we specialise in visas and immigration and we can provide you with advice and representation in dealing with BRP matters.
We hold the Law Society’s accreditation for immigration and asylum work, including at senior caseworker and supervising senior caseworker level. This recognises both our legal expertise and the strong service we provide.
If you need help with renewing a biometric residence permit, obtaining indefinite leave to remain or with another visa or immigration issue, email us at enquiries@hallidayreeves.com or fill in our Contact Form and we will be happy to help. You can also speak to us on 0330 133 7777.
“This office was recommended to me by friends. They have been a great help for my application: approachable, friendly, clear answers and always thinking in terms of solutions. Thank you for helping me sorting out my application.”
Do I Need A Biometric Card If I Have Indefinite Leave To Remain?
A biometric residence card is different to a biometric residence permit. Cards were provided to family members of those from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein and can no longer be applied for.
If you have indefinite leave to remain, the document you will need is a biometric residence permit. This is evidence of your eligibility to be in the UK. The BRP will be issued along with your letter confirming that you have ILR, if your ILR application is successful.
If your BRP expires, you could receive a substantial fine from the Home Office. This could also cause issues moving over to the new electronic system if you do not have a valid BRP issued until 31.12.2024.
You will not be notified when the expiry date for your BRP approaches, so you need to check it and make sure that you apply to renew it in plenty of time.
If it has expired, you can ask UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) if they will accept a late application. This should be made within 14 days of the expiry date and you will need to provide a reason for the late submission. You are advised to ask a solicitor to assist with this to ensure that you have the best chance of your reason being accepted and that your application is as strong as possible.
We can help with your application where necessary, to include checking that you have the right paperwork in support.
“best solicitor in the town. very professional. Sabiha helped us a lot with Leave to remain application. prices are reasonable.
thanks again for the team”
How Do I Get A Biometric Residence Permit?
When you apply for a visa, you will need to provide your fingerprints and a photo. If you are in the UK, this can be done at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services service point or a Service and Support Centre. If you are outside of the UK, you will need to go to a visa application centre.
If you receive confirmation from UK Visas and Immigration that your visa or other application has been approved, you will usually receive your BRP within 7 to 10 days. It will be posted to the address included on your visa application.
How Do I Renew My Biometric Residence Permit?
If you are in the UK and your BRP is expiring, you need to use the government’s BRP replacement service. This involves filling in a form online, providing evidence in support of your application and paying a fee. You will also need to provide your biometric information – your photo and fingerprints – unless you are told that it is possible to use that which is already held. When you apply, you need to return your existing BRP. There is a substantial fine for failing to do this.
Contact us for biometric residence permit indefinite leave to remain and other visa and immigration issues
If you need advice or representation in securing indefinite leave to remain or renewing your biometric residence permit, please feel free to contact us.
We deal with a full range of visa and immigration matters from our offices in Gateshead, Middlesbrough, Wakefield and Nottingham. To contact one of our expert immigration lawyers, ring us on 0330 133 7777, email us at enquiries@hallidayreeves.com or fill in our Contact Form.
“I had a challenging situation applying for a UK visitor’s visa due to a previous refusal. I was fortunate to have found an exceptional lawyer like Sabiha Riaz, who went above and beyond to help me go through the process. Her expertise, dedication, patience, and attention to detail made it possible for me to receive the visa. I am incredibly grateful for her assistance, and I highly recommend their services to anyone in need of immigration support. Thank you, Sabiha, for making my journey to the UK possible!”