BRP Renewal Fee: Everything You Need to Know for 2024

Table of Contents

1. What is a BRP?

A Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) is an official document issued by the UK government to non-citizens, confirming their immigration status, right to work, or study in the UK. The BRP includes biometric information such as fingerprints and a photo, along with the individual’s visa status and conditions of stay. It is typically issued to individuals staying in the UK for longer than six months.

BRPs are usually valid for the duration of the visa but may require renewal if they expire, get lost, stolen, or damaged. One of the most important aspects of this process is understanding the BRP renewal fee and the steps involved in applying for renewal.

2. Why Do You Need to Renew a BRP?

Renewing your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) is essential if the permit is due to expire or if any personal information on the card changes (such as your name or nationality). Failing to renew a BRP on time can lead to penalties, including fines, or even difficulties proving your right to stay, work, or study in the UK.

Common reasons for BRP renewal include:

Expiry: Your BRP is about to expire and needs renewal to reflect your continued immigration status.
Lost, stolen, or damaged BRP: If your BRP is lost, stolen, or damaged, you must apply for a replacement.
Changes in personal information: If your name, nationality, or other details have changed, a new BRP will be needed.

Understanding the renewal process and the associated BRP renewal fee will help you avoid delays and potential legal issues.

3. BRP Renewal Fee for 2024

The BRP renewal fee can vary based on the circumstances of the application, such as whether it is a standard renewal due to expiration, or a replacement for a lost or stolen BRP. The current fees for 2024 are:

Standard BRP renewal fee: £56.
Lost or stolen BRP replacement: £56.
Expedited service: For faster processing, you can opt for priority service at an additional cost, which can be around £800 or more.

These fees are subject to change, so applicants should always check the UK government website for the most up-to-date information before applying.

4. When Should You Renew Your BRP?

It is crucial to start the BRP renewal process before your permit expires. The UK government advises applying for renewal about three months before the expiry date or as soon as possible if the BRP is lost, stolen, or damaged.

Key points to remember:

Application timing: Do not wait until the BRP has expired. Submit your application at least 30 days before the expiry date to avoid potential legal issues or penalties.
Penalties for late renewal: If your BRP has expired and you have not applied for renewal, you may face fines of up to £1,000 and could encounter difficulties proving your immigration status.

Early renewal helps ensure that you maintain your legal status in the UK without disruption.

5. How to Pay the BRP Renewal Fee

Paying the BRP renewal fee is a straightforward process and is completed online when submitting your renewal application.

Here’s how the process works:

Complete the online application: Visit the UK government website and fill out the application form to renew your BRP.
Pay the renewal fee: The fee is paid online during the application process. Accepted methods include debit/credit cards or other online payment systems.
Choose service level: If you need faster processing, you can opt for priority service, but this comes with a significantly higher cost.

Make sure to keep your payment confirmation as part of your application record.

6. BRP Renewal Application Process: Step-by-Step

Renewing your Biometric Residence Permit involves a detailed application process. Here is a step-by-step guide to ensure a smooth renewal:

Start your application online: Visit the UK government’s official site and begin the BRP renewal application.
Provide biometric data: As part of the renewal process, you will need to provide your biometric information, including fingerprints and a photograph. This can be done at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) center.
Submit supporting documents: Depending on your circumstances, you may need to provide additional documents, such as proof of identity or immigration status.
Pay the BRP renewal fee: Complete the fee payment online. Remember, the standard fee is £56, but priority processing costs significantly more.
Await a decision: After submitting your application and attending the biometric appointment, you will need to wait for a decision. Standard processing times can take several weeks, while priority services may deliver results within 5 working days.

By following this process and paying the required BRP renewal fee, you can ensure your permit is renewed without any issues.

7. What Happens if You Don’t Renew Your BRP on Time?

Failing to renew your BRP before its expiration can result in several issues, including:

Fines: The UK government may impose a fine of up to £1,000 if you fail to renew your BRP on time.
Problems proving your immigration status: An expired BRP may cause difficulties when trying to prove your right to work, study, or access public services in the UK.
Travel restrictions: Traveling with an expired BRP can lead to problems re-entering the UK after international trips.

To avoid these penalties, make sure to apply for renewal before your BRP expires and pay the necessary BRP renewal fee.

8. BRP Renewal for Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Cards

If your BRP has been lost, stolen, or damaged, you must apply for a replacement as soon as possible. The replacement process is very similar to the renewal process, and the BRP replacement fee is also £56.

Steps to follow:

Report the lost or stolen BRP: Inform the Home Office immediately using the UK government’s online tool.
Submit an application for replacement: Follow the same process as a standard BRP renewal, providing proof of identity and paying the renewal fee.
Attend a biometric appointment: Just like with a renewal, you will need to provide updated biometric information at a UKVCAS center.

It is important to act quickly, as traveling or working with a lost or stolen BRP without a replacement can result in penalties.

9. BRP Priority Service and Expedited Processing

For those who need their BRP renewed urgently, the UK government offers a priority service for an additional fee. While the standard BRP renewal fee is £56, using the priority service can cost around £800 or more. This service is designed to expedite the processing time, with decisions typically made within five working days.

When to consider priority service:

If you need to travel abroad soon and require a renewed BRP for re-entry.
If your employer requires proof of your immigration status for an upcoming deadline.
If your BRP is set to expire imminently and you want to avoid any legal issues.

Choosing priority service is more expensive, but it can provide peace of mind in urgent situations.

10. Common Mistakes to Avoid When Renewing Your BRP

Renewing your Biometric Residence Permit is a crucial task, and applicants often make mistakes that can delay their application or result in penalties. Here are some common errors to avoid:

Applying too late: Start the renewal process well in advance of your BRP’s expiry date to avoid any legal issues or fines.
Incorrect documents: Ensure that all required documents are complete and accurate before submitting your application.
Failure to attend biometric appointment: Skipping your biometric appointment can cause significant delays, as the Home Office cannot process your renewal without this information.
Not paying the correct fee: Double-check the fee you need to pay, especially if opting for priority service.

Avoiding these mistakes ensures a smoother process when renewing your BRP.

Conclusion

Renewing your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) on time is essential to maintaining your legal status in the UK. The standard BRP renewal fee is £56, but applicants can opt for priority service at a much higher cost if they need faster processing. Whether your BRP is expiring, lost, or damaged, understanding the renewal process and associated fees will help you stay compliant with UK immigration laws. Make sure to apply for renewal well before your BRP expires to avoid penalties and legal complications.