Immigration Corner: I need to replace my permit

Dear Mr Bassie,

I need to replace my British Resident Permit. What is the correct procedure?

- PD

 

Dear PD,

There are a few scenarios that could cause you to need to replace a British Resident Permit (BRP), and you have not been specific with respect to your need to replace your BRP.

I have opted to describe a few of the common reasons and the procedures to deal with them.

If a person is outside of the United Kingdom (UK), he or she will not be able to apply for a replacement BRP until he or she is back in the UK. Instead, that person must apply for a 'replacement BRP visa', which can be used once to re-enter the UK. A replacement BRP visa costs £72. A person must apply online for a replacement BRP visa in most countries and he or she must apply for a replacement BRP within one month of his or her return to the UK.

Another scenario might arise if a person had applied from inside the UK and the BRP did not arrive. In such circumstances, if a person has not received his or her BRP within 10 working days of the date on the decision letter, he or she should email BRPDelivery@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk and include the following in the email: the applicant's full name, date of birth and nationality; his or her passport number; his or her case reference number; a contact telephone number; his or her delivery address. If a person applied from outside of the UK and went to collect the BRP but it was not there, then that person will need to email BRPcollection@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk with the previously mentioned information and he or she should also include the post office that he or she attempted to collect it from.

If a person needs to report a lost, stolen or damaged BRP, that person should email BRPLost@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk immediately. The report must include his or her full name, date of birth and nationality; contact details; his or her passport number; his or her BRP reference number; his or her police case reference number; and when, where and how the loss or theft occurred. Please be aware that he or she must contact the police to report the loss or theft and get a police case reference number.

If a person's BRP is damaged, that person should report the damaged BRP to BRPError@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk and include the following in the email: full name, date of birth and nationality; contact details; passport number; BRP reference number and what damage there is. Please note that this information may also be sent by post to:

Freepost RRYX-GLYU-GXHZ

Returns Unit

PO Box 163

Bristol

BS20 1AB

Please note that a person must apply to replace his or her BRP once it has been reported lost, damaged or stolen.

If a person is in the UK, he or she must apply for a replacement BRP within three months if it was lost, stolen or damaged while in the UK; or within one month if that person is returning to the UK on a 'replacement BRP visa'.

A replacement BRP costs £45, and persons should be aware that they could be fined up to £1,000 and have the permission to stay removed if an application for a replacement is not made in time.

When making an application, a person should go online and read the guidelines on applying for a replacement BRP and apply using form BRP(RC). On completion, a person can either post it with the fee, the address on the form, or apply in person at a premium service centre. However, a person may only apply in this manner if he or she has leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain.

It should be noted that a person may also have to apply for a replacement BRP if his or her personal details have changed.

I hope this helps.

• John S. Bassie is a barrister/attorney-at-law who practises law in Jamaica. He is a justice of the peace, a Supreme Court-appointed mediator, a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, a chartered arbitrator and a member of the Immigration Law Practitioners Association (U.K.). Email:lawbassie@yahoo.com.