A BRP Replacement Visa Entry Clearance Application is essential for those who need a replacement for their Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) when traveling outside the UK. This application is necessary if you lose your BRP, it’s stolen, or if there are errors with the document. BRP replacement is a critical process to ensure individuals maintain their legal status in the UK or can re-enter the country without issues. This guide will walk you through the process of applying for a replacement BRP visa, its processing time, and related fees.
What is a BRP?
A Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) is a document issued to foreign nationals in the UK, providing proof of their right to stay, work, or study. It contains personal details, fingerprints, and a photograph. When a BRP is lost, stolen, or damaged, individuals need to apply for a BRP replacement visa to replace the card and maintain their immigration status.
Why Do You Need a BRP Replacement Visa Entry Clearance Application?
If you are outside the UK and your BRP is lost, stolen, or damaged, you may need to apply for a BRP replacement visa to return to the UK. This process involves applying for entry clearance from outside the UK to re-enter the country legally.
When you lose your BRP, you risk facing difficulties when re-entering the UK, as you will not have proof of your immigration status. This is especially important for individuals with a single entry replacement BRP visa or those applying for a BRP replacement e-visa.
BRP Replacement Visa Process
The process for applying for a BRP replacement visa varies depending on whether you are inside or outside the UK.
- Application Inside the UK: If you are in the UK and lose your BRP or it is stolen, you should apply for a replacement through the Home Office’s website. You will need to complete an online application and provide necessary documentation, including details about your lost or stolen BRP.
- Application Outside the UK: If you are outside the UK, you need to apply for a BRP replacement visa entry clearance application to be allowed to re-enter the UK. This application involves applying at a UK visa and immigration service center in the country you are in. You must prove your identity and residency status in the UK when applying for a replacement BRP visa. The single entry replacement BRP visa is issued in such cases, meaning you can return to the UK but cannot leave again until you apply for and receive a new BRP.
BRP Replacement Visa Processing Time
The BRP replacement visa processing time depends on whether you apply from within the UK or outside the UK.
- Inside the UK: Once the application for a replacement BRP is submitted, the process generally takes around 8 weeks. This timeline can vary based on the complexity of the application or any issues with documentation.
- Outside the UK: If you are applying for entry clearance to return to the UK, the processing time can take longer, typically ranging from 2 to 3 weeks, depending on the country of application and the specific circumstances surrounding the application. It’s essential to apply as soon as you realize your BRP is missing to avoid delays.
BRP Replacement Fees
The cost for applying for a BRP replacement visa varies based on whether you are applying from within or outside the UK.
- BRP Replacement Fee Inside the UK: If you apply for a replacement BRP inside the UK, the fee is usually around £56. However, if you are also applying for a visa or need to extend your stay, the fee can increase depending on the nature of the application.
- BRP Replacement Fee Outside the UK: When applying for a BRP replacement visa from outside the UK, you may also incur additional fees for the entry clearance application. These fees generally start from £154, but can vary depending on the location where you apply.
What to Do If Your BRP Replacement Visa is Refused?
If your BRP replacement visa is refused, the process can be a bit more complicated, especially if you are outside the UK. There are several reasons why a BRP replacement visa could be refused, including insufficient documentation, mistakes on your application, or failure to demonstrate your immigration status clearly.
If you face a refusal, you have the option to:
- Appeal: If you believe the refusal was made in error, you can appeal the decision. You must carefully review the reasons for the refusal and provide additional documents or evidence to support your application.
- Reapply: If you cannot appeal, you can reapply for a replacement BRP or a new visa application with corrected details or additional documentation.
- Seek Legal Advice: In some cases, it might be beneficial to consult an immigration lawyer or expert to guide you through the process of appealing or reapplying.
BRP Replacement E-Visa
In some cases, individuals can apply for a BRP replacement e-visa. This is an online application process available for certain visa categories. An e-visa makes it easier for applicants to replace their BRP without submitting physical documents to a consulate or visa center.
FAQs
What should I do if I lose my BRP outside the UK?
If you lose your BRP outside the UK, you must apply for a BRP replacement visa entry clearance application from the country you are in to return to the UK. You can do this through the nearest British consulate or visa center.
How long will it take to get my BRP replacement?
The BRP replacement processing time typically takes around 2-3 weeks if applying outside the UK and around 8 weeks within the UK. This time can vary depending on the case’s complexity and the location of the application.
What if my BRP replacement visa is refused?
If your BRP replacement visa application is denied, you may appeal the decision or reapply with additional documentation to resolve the issues cited in the refusal?
How much is the BRP replacement fee?
The BRP replacement fee inside the UK is generally £56, while the fee for a replacement visa outside the UK can vary, typically starting at £154.
Can I apply for a BRP replacement e-visa?
Yes, in some cases, you may be able to apply for a BRP replacement e-visa, depending on your visa type and immigration status.
Conclusion
Applying for a BRP replacement visa entry clearance application is a crucial process for those who lose or have their BRP stolen outside the UK. The application process, fees, and processing times vary depending on your location and specific circumstances. Whether applying for a single entry replacement BRP visa or a BRP replacement e-visa, it is essential to follow the application guidelines to ensure a smooth process. If your application is refused, you have options to appeal or reapply. Always ensure that you act quickly if your BRP is lost or stolen to avoid complications with your UK immigration status.
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