Biometric Residence Permits for Visa Applications
Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)
A Biometric Residence Permit is a biometric permit that is typically issued to foreigners applying to extend their visa, and to their family members. It serves as evidence of the holder’s ability to remain, work or go to school in the UK It can also use as proof of identification.
In addition, the person applying will be required to submit information to BRP at the time he or she applies for the visa including fingerprints as well as a digital photograph.
The BRP will store the personal details of the candidate, like:
- Name
- Birthplace and birthday celebrations
- Fingerprints and photos
- Information about their current visa, as well as the conditions of stay
- Information on the possibility of gain access to public funding, i.e. health services
- They will be able to identify their National Insurance number (not all of them, however, depending on the particulars of the applicant).
BRP Holders can utilize this document to disclose:
- Information regarding their identity
- Their rights are based on their category in the field of employment or study
- The accessibility of their level to public services.
- More detailed information on BRP in the comprehensive guidance in this article – in the event that you’re seeking a visa within in the UK and here when you apply from outside.
- The document is automatically taken after the visa application is accepted and there is no requirement in submitting it in a different manner.
Review your permit when you receive it to ensure that there are no errors. If you discover the information is incorrect, notify your Home Office as soon as possible. So that they can amend it and issue an updated copy with the correct information.
Who Needs a Biometric Residence Permit?
Nearly every foreign national living who is not part of the European Economic Area. Who enters the United Kingdom under a long-term permit must apply for a Biometric residency permit within 10 days of arriving within the UK. If the person applying for the visa must apply for a BRP and it is mentioned in the visa.
The criteria for candidates who be eligible to apply for BRP must apply for BRP include:
- The visa application was approved for a stay of more than six months
- They applied to extend their current visa for more than 6 months
- Applied for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) (Settlement Permission). For more information on the transfer of an ILR to the Biometric Residence permit, read this article.
- Changed their visa to the new passport
- Apply to obtain certain travel documents at the Home Office
Biometric Information for BRP
Children younger than 6 years old are only allowed to have their face pictures taken. All people over 6 are required to submit their fingerprints when applying for biometric residence permits. It is also legal for children younger than 16 to have a “responsible adult’ with them. You can also visit immigration solicitors for further details.
If a person who is a foreign national living in the UK is unable to provide their biometric data, then your application with the Home Office will be rejected which could result in being deported back to their home country.
In the event that you are physically incapable of providing your biometric data, or your fingerprints due to physical limitations (you don’t have fingers or even hands) you will be logged on the database an individual who is physically in a position to give fingerprints. The facial images, however, will be stored within the database.
Your biometric data will be stored in an official central database of the United Kingdom, and handled according to strict data protection laws.