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Form Guide

BRP Replacement Application - Biometric Residence Permit Replacement

Reviewed by Eric Provencio, Founder of VisaMind·Last updated Mar 2, 2026

Guide generated from official sources when available. Always confirm requirements on the authority’s official site.

The Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) Replacement Application is designed to handle issues with expired BRPs, ensuring individuals maintain their immigration status digitally.

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Quick answers

What forms are filed with BRP Replacement Application?
The forms needed with BRP Replacement Application depend on your case type. Review the instructions for your situation.
What mistakes cause BRP Replacement Application rejection?
Common issues: incomplete sections, missing signatures, inconsistent information, or using an outdated form edition.
What documents do I need for BRP Replacement Application?
You'll need: the current edition of brp replacement application, current immigration status or pending application, government-issued photo identification. Review the instructions for complete requirements.
What does BRP Replacement Application do?
BRP Replacement Application requests work authorization, allowing you to legally work under your immigration category.
How long is work authorization valid?
Validity depends on your immigration category. Some are valid for a set period; others are tied to your status.
How long does BRP Replacement Application take to process?
Processing times vary by category and current workload. Check the official processing times tool for your specific situation. Do not rely on unofficial estimates.
What happens while BRP Replacement Application is pending?
Whether you can continue to work or maintain status while your application is pending depends on your specific eligibility category. Some categories provide interim authorization under certain conditions. Check the official instructions and the case status tool for your category.
On this page

Quick summary

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Who fills it

Applicants in eligible immigration categories who need a biometric residence permit (brp) to work in the United Kingdom use this form, as described in the Form SU07 guide, as described in the Form VAF4A APPENDIX 1 guide.

When used

To request permission to work based on your immigration category

Where it goes next

Include it with your application package and follow official instructions for submission.

What it must match

Names, dates of birth, and passport details on other forms Program checklist requirements Supporting documents and translations

Overview (What is Form BRP Replacement Application?)

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By following the correct procedures and submitting the necessary information, applicants can successfully navigate the transition from a physical BRP to a digital e Visa, ensuring their continued ability to live and work in the UK legally, as described in the Standard Visitor Visa guide, as described in the Marriage Visitor Visa guide.

Official portal interface for BRP Replacement Application

Screenshot of official BRP Replacement Application online portal

Context and workflow

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The processing time for a BRP Replacement Application varies by category. Always consult the official UKVI processing time tool, as outlined in the Form ILR ONLINE APPLICATION guide.

Why this matters

  • Small mismatches inside BRP Replacement Application (or between BRP Replacement Application and supporting evidence) can force rework later in processing.
  • Inconsistencies often trigger returns or follow-up requests because they create uncertainty in the case record.

Where it fits in the workflow

  • Application acknowledgement letter
  • Attend biometrics appointment at a UKVCAS service point
  • BRP production and collection from post office

Who uses it

This form is intended for visa holders in eligible immigration categories who require a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) to work or reside in the United Kingdom. It is also applicable for BRP holders who need to replace their permit if it has been lost, stolen, or damaged. Applicants must report a lost or stolen BRP to avoid fines and ensure their immigration status is maintained digitally. The form is used to manage the transition to digital e Visas and should be completed with all required sections, signed, and submitted with the necessary evidence.

When it is used

  • To request permission to work based on your immigration category
  • When your status allows work authorization and you want a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)
  • To renew or extend existing work authorization

Do you need this visa?

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Visa-freeSome nationalities can visit the UK for up to 6 months without a visa. Check if you need a visa
RestrictedVisa national list determines which nationalities require a visa for entry. See visa national list
Use our tool to check if your nationality needs a visa for the UK. Find My Visa

Requirements snapshot

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  • Biometric residence permits (BRPs) are cards that were used to prove immigration status.
  • An e Visa is a digital record of your identity and immigration status.

Failure prevention (What causes Form BRP Replacement Application rejections?)

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Technical rejections

  • Not reporting a lost or stolen BRP promptly
  • Ensure form edition is current

Substantive weaknesses

  • Failing to include a police report reference when required
  • Verify the eligibility category code you select matches your immigration status and filing basis
  • To avoid not reporting loss within required timeframe: Report within 1 working day if in the UK. Apply for replacement within 3 months.

What it asks for (What does Form BRP Replacement Application ask for?)

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  • Details about your expired BRP and your current immigration status.
  • Biometric residence permits
  • Access to digital immigration records
  • Full legal name and any other names used
  • BRP number, if applicable
  • Entry or status document information
  • Eligibility category selection
  • Mailing and physical addresses
  • National identification number or equivalent
  • Prior work authorization details if applicable
  • Documentation related to: Complete all required sections, sign, and submit with required evidence

What you need (What do you need for Form BRP Replacement Application?)

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  • The current edition of BRP Replacement Application
  • Proof of current immigration status or pending application
  • Government-issued photo identification
  • Passport-style photographs meeting specifications
  • Complete all required sections, sign, and submit with required evidence.

Checklist (What is the Form BRP Replacement Application checklist?)

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  • Access the latest BRP Replacement Application and accompanying instructions by visiting the official UKVI website.
  • Gather required supporting documents per the instructions
  • Complete all required sections of BRP Replacement Application
  • Ensure that all pages originate from the latest edition of the BRP Replacement Application.
  • Ensure that you sign and date the BRP Replacement Application. Submit it along with all necessary supporting evidence.

Where to file

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Submit your application at the designated UKVI office, embassy, or consulate. Check the official website for the location with jurisdiction over your place of residence.

Submit application

Submit your application at the UKVI office or designated embassy/consulate in your country of residence. Check the official instructions for the correct location.

Filing locations and procedures may change. Always verify on the official UKVI website before submitting. For related guidance, see Form TB TEST CERTIFICATE.

Apply online

Fees

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ComponentAmount
Filing FeeThe standard filing fee for form brp replacement application. Check the current fee on the official UKVI fee schedule.See official schedule
Biometrics Services FeeThe Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) Replacement Application is used to manage the transition from physical BRPs to digital e Visas in the UK. It addresses issues related to expired BRPs and ensures that individuals maintain their immigration status digitally.See official schedule

Can the Form BRP Replacement Application fee be waived?

Fee waivers may be available for qualifying applicants. See official instructions for eligibility.

What happens if I submit the wrong fee?

UKVI will reject your application if the incorrect fee is submitted. Verify the current fee on the official schedule before filing.

Fee waiver: Fee waivers may be available for qualifying applicants. See official instructions for eligibility. For related guidance, see Form VAF4A APPENDIX 5.

UKVI fee schedule

Fees change; always verify on UKVI.

Form sections (What sections does Form BRP Replacement Application have?)

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Personal Details

Applicant identity.

  • Full name and date of birth
  • Nationality and passport details
  • Current UK address

BRP Details

Original BRP information.

  • Original BRP number (if known)
  • Visa type and expiry date

Loss/Theft Details

Circumstances of the BRP loss or theft.

  • Date and location of loss/theft
  • Police report reference number (if stolen)
  • Whether reported on GOV.UK

Key terms

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Biometric residence permits (BRPs)
Cards used to prove immigration status in the UK.In this form: BRPs have been replaced by digital e Visas.
e Visa
A digital record of your identity and immigration status.In this form: Replaces the physical BRP for proving immigration status.

Strategy tips

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Strategy: Report a lost or stolen BRP immediately. You must apply for a replacement within 3 months if in the UK.
Strategy: If your BRP is lost while outside the UK, you need a replacement BRP visa to re-enter.
Strategy: Keep a photocopy or photo of your BRP separately from the card itself.

Mistake severity

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Mistake typeSeverityHow to avoid
Not reporting loss within required timeframeDelayReport within 1 working day if in the UK. Apply for replacement within 3 months.

Examples (What are examples for Form BRP Replacement Application?)

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  • Strong application: An applicant submits the form with all required documents and receives a timely decision.
  • Common weakness: An applicant forgets to include the police report reference for a stolen BRP, causing delays.
  • Scenario: A software engineer submitted their petition with all supporting documents The case was approved within the standard timeline Prepare all evidence before filing to avoid delays
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Common misconceptions (What misconceptions surround Form BRP Replacement Application?)

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  • Filing this form does not guarantee approval of the underlying case
  • Filing does not authorize immediate employment
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Edge cases and variations

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  • If you are asked to submit or update BRP Replacement Application, treat it as a package update: check every place the same details appear and keep them consistent.

In-depth guidance

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How to complete this form reliably

Treat BRP Replacement Application as part of a system, not a standalone document. Most delays happen when details conflict across the form, supporting documents, and other parts of the application package. Before you start, gather the documents you will reference and decide which one is the source of truth for each field.

Fill the form in one sitting if possible. Partially-completed forms are where inconsistent edits creep in. When you finish, review each section and ask "what evidence in my package proves this statement?"

Scenarios

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A visa holder's BRP is stolen. They report to police, file a report on GOV.UK, and apply for a replacement online.

New BRP issued within 2 weeks after biometrics appointment.

You must report the theft and get a crime reference number before applying for a replacement.

A visa holder loses their BRP while travelling abroad and cannot re-enter the UK without it.

They must apply for a replacement BRP visa at the nearest visa application centre before returning to the UK.

If your BRP is lost outside the UK, you need a replacement BRP visa (valid for single entry) to return.

Key differentiators

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  • Unlike Physical BRP card: Facilitates the transition to a digital e Visa, eliminating the need for a physical card.
  • Unlike Form UK VISA ONLINE APPLICATION: UK Visa Online Application: Related form in this immigration process (General application pathway)

Why it matters

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  • You can use an expired BRP for certain purposes for 18 months after its expiry.

    Why it matters: This allows individuals to prove their right to work or rent while transitioning to an e Visa.

  • If there’s a problem with your expired BRP, you cannot use it and must destroy it.

    Why it matters: Ensures that individuals do not rely on invalid documents, which could lead to legal issues.

  • You must report a lost or stolen BRP even if it’s expired.

    Why it matters: Failure to report can result in significant fines and potential removal from the UK.

Next steps

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  • Receive an application acknowledgement letter from UKVI
  • Attend a biometrics appointment at a UKVCAS service point if required
  • Wait for BRP production and collection instructions
  • Collect the new BRP from the designated post office
  • Ensure the new BRP is valid and contains correct information

Verification

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This guide is based on official UKVI instructions for the BRP Replacement Application and is updated whenever form editions or filing rules change. Always confirm current requirements on the official UKVI website.

FAQs

Can I work while my BRP Replacement Application application is pending?

Consult the official BRP Replacement Application instructions for comprehensive guidance tailored to your specific immigration case and circumstances.

What happens after you file BRP Replacement Application?

Forms should be completed in the order specified in the official instructions relevant to your immigration category.

What should I do if my BRP is lost or stolen?

Neglecting to report a lost or stolen BRP may lead to fines and possible expulsion from the UK.

Can I travel with an expired BRP?

you may need to replace it with a valid document before traveling.

What happens if I find my BRP after reporting it lost?

If you find your BRP after reporting it lost, you may need to destroy it to prevent misuse, as it is no longer valid.

Do I need to provide a mailing address for BRP Replacement Application?

You need a reliable mailing address for notices and card delivery. If you do not have a stable address, UKVI allows alternatives (e.g., a representative's address or safe mailing options) per official rules — review the instructions for your situation.

What are common reasons BRP Replacement Application gets rejected?

Common reasons BRP Replacement Application is rejected include missing or incorrect signatures, using an outdated form edition, incomplete required fields, incorrect fee payment, missing required supporting documents, and photographs that do not meet official specifications. Carefully review the instructions and checklist before submitting.

When will BRP Replacement Application be processed and what is the workflow?

Processing timing for BRP Replacement Application varies depending on the filing category, processing location, and current application volume. Standard processing can range from a few weeks to several months. Before submitting, check the official UKVI processing times tool for the most current estimates. After filing, monitor your case status and consider whether expedited options are available.

Important

VisaMind provides informational guidance only and is not a government agency. This is not legal advice. Requirements can change and eligibility depends on your specific facts. If your case is complex or high-stakes, consult a licensed immigration attorney.

Next steps

Requirements vary by nationality, purpose, timeline, and case details. Use Find My Visa to get a personalized checklist with official sources and deadlines.

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