Complete Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) UK Guide 2026

Blaze HR

Miya

April 22, 2026

Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) UK: What It Is, How to Apply & What to Do in 2026

If you’re planning to live, work, or study in the UK, you’ve likely come across the term Biometric Residence Permit (BRP). It’s an essential document that proves your immigration status and rights while you’re in the country. As the UK moves towards digital immigration records, understanding how BRPs and eVisas work has become even more important for both individuals and employers.

In this guide, we explain everything clearly — from what a BRP is to how to collect, replace or renew it — without unnecessary legal jargon. If your business manages sponsored workers, our guide on UKVI compliance monitoring can help you stay compliant with employer responsibilities. Blaze HR also supports employers with right to work checks, visa expiry tracking and day-to-day UKVI compliance management.

Important Update for 2026: BRPs Are Being Replaced by eVisas

The UK government has now moved away from physical Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) and is replacing them with digital immigration status, known as an eVisa.

Most BRPs expired at the end of 2024, even if your permission to stay in the UK continues beyond that date.

This means your immigration status is now mainly checked online through your UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account rather than through a physical card.

If you already live in the UK and previously used a BRP, you should make sure your UKVI account is active and your eVisa details are correct.

This is especially important for travel, right to work checks, right to rent checks, and employer compliance.

You can check your immigration status here:
Check your immigration status online

What Is a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)?

A Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) is an official UK document issued to non-UK residents. It confirms your identity and shows your immigration status, including:

Your visa type
Length of stay
Work or study permissions
Access to public services

Think of it as your legal proof of residence in the UK.

You can also verify official BRP guidance directly on the GOV.UK BRP page:
Official BRP guidance on GOV.UK

BRP and eVisa: What Applies in 2026

You’ll usually receive a BRP if you:

Apply for a UK visa for longer than 6 months
Extend your visa while in the UK
Apply for settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain)
Transfer your visa to a new passport

If your stay is short-term (under 6 months), you typically won’t need one.

If you are applying under employer sponsorship, you may also find our Sponsor Licence Guide useful for understanding employer-side immigration requirements.

What Information Is on a BRP Card?

Your BRP contains both visible and embedded biometric data:

Full name and date of birth
Place of birth
Fingerprints and facial image
Immigration status
Visa conditions (for example, work restrictions)
Expiry date

This makes it a secure form of identification across the UK.

For employers carrying out right to work checks, our Digital Right to Work Checks guide explains how HR software simplifies UKVI compliance.

How to Apply for a BRP

You don’t always apply for a BRP separately—it’s usually part of your visa application.

Step-by-step process

Apply for a UK visa online
Book a biometric appointment
Provide fingerprints and a photograph
Wait for your visa decision
Collect your BRP after arriving in the UK

Start your UK visa application here:
Apply for a UK visa online

If you want help understanding sponsorship routes, read our full UK Sponsor Licence Guide.

How to Collect Your BRP

Once your visa is approved, you’ll collect your BRP after arriving in the UK.

Important points

Collect within 10 days of arrival
Usually available at a Post Office branch or designated centre
Bring your passport and visa decision letter

Check official BRP collection details here:
Official BRP collection guidance

If you are waiting for approval, our guide on tracking your UK visa application status can help you understand the next steps.

What If Your BRP Is Lost, Stolen, or Damaged?

Losing your BRP can cause serious issues, especially for travel or employment verification.

You must:

Report it immediately
Apply for a replacement
Avoid travelling without it

Report and replace your BRP here:
Report or replace a lost BRP

Employers should also ensure staff records are updated to avoid compliance risks during audits.

BRP Expiry and Renewal

Most BRPs are linked to your visa duration. However, many cards are being phased out and replaced by digital immigration status.

If your BRP is expiring:

Renew your visa (not just the card)
Update your immigration status if required
Switch to an eVisa if eligible

Check your immigration status or update details here:
Check your immigration status online

Our UKVI compliance monitoring page also explains how employers can track visa expiry dates and right to work deadlines more efficiently.

Can You Travel Without a BRP?

No—your BRP is often required when re-entering the UK.

If you lose it while abroad, you’ll need to apply for a replacement BRP visa before returning.

Before travelling, always ensure your immigration records and passport details are up to date in your UKVI account.

BRP vs Biometric Residence Card (BRC)

Many people confuse these two:

BRP – for most visa holders
BRC – mainly for EU Settlement Scheme applicants

Both confirm immigration status, but they apply to different groups.

Understanding the difference helps avoid delays during right to work checks and travel verification.

Moving to Digital: The Future of BRPs

The UK government is gradually replacing BRPs with digital immigration status, known as eVisas.

This means:

No physical card required in future
Status stored online
Easier verification for employers and landlords
Faster immigration status checks

This change is especially important for HR teams managing sponsored employees. Our HR software for onboarding and UK compliance helps businesses handle these checks in one place.

Related Resources

To improve your understanding, you can also explore:

Final Thoughts

A Biometric Residence Permit is more than just a card—it’s your official proof of legal stay in the UK. Keeping it safe, understanding your rights, and staying updated with changes such as eVisas is essential.

If you’re applying for a UK visa or already living in the UK, make sure you understand exactly how your BRP works to avoid delays or complications.

For employers managing visa holders, strong compliance systems are equally important. Blaze HR helps businesses manage right to work checks, visa expiry tracking, and UKVI compliance from one central platform.