What is a UK BRP: With the UK Government Cancelling BRP, Do Students Still Need to Apply

For any foreign national residing in the UK, having a BRP is a necessity. However, the UK government has recently announced plans to abolish the BRP system. What impact will this have on students preparing to study in the UK next year? Don't worry, Cyclopes will start from scratch to introduce what a UK BRP is, and whether it's still necessary to apply for a BRP upon arriving in the UK before the cancellation date takes effect, to obtain proof of residency in the host country.

The BRP, or Biometric Residence Permit, known in Hong Kong as the Biometric Residency Card, is an identity document issued by the UK government to non-European Economic Area (EEA) citizens. The BRP card contains the holder's biometric information (including photo and fingerprints), hence the name. It also includes the holder's name, place of birth, date of birth, and detailed information about their UK residence rights, including the type of residency permitted, its validity, work permissions (including maximum working hours), medical benefits rights, and more.

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Students planning to study in the UK might immediately wonder when and how to apply for a BRP. In reality, the BRP does not require a separate application. Successful applicants for a student residence visa will be able to collect their BRP after arriving in the UK.

During the visa application, applicants can choose to collect their BRP from a post office or another collection location (Alternative Collection Location, ACL). After receiving university admission, students can research the locations of post offices and ACLs to make an informed decision.

While the BRP is akin to an identity card for students in the UK, they do not need to carry it everywhere. The UK government does not mandate BRP holders to have the card on their person at all times. However, if students need to enter or leave the UK, they must remember to carry their BRP, as students are not tourists and cannot enter or exit the UK with just a passport. The UK customs can refuse entry or exit to those unable to present their BRP. Therefore, if students plan to return to Hong Kong for holidays, in addition to their passport and Hong Kong ID card, they should also remember to bring their BRP card.

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The UK government recently announced plans to gradually phase out BRP, shifting to an electronic method for residency proof, effective from January 1, 2025. Students studying in the UK in the future will no longer need to carry a physical BRP card; their student status and residency permission can be proven online.

Following the UK government's announcement of this new policy, students enrolling in UK universities may wonder if they still need to collect and possess a BRP upon arrival in the UK. As per the current information, students heading to the UK should continue to follow the existing regulations and collect their BRP and present it when entering or exiting the UK. Specific details and timetables for the new policy will be announced by the UK government as the implementation date approaches.

Students should now understand what a UK BRP is, that it doesn't require a separate application, and that it will soon be cancelled. As professional UK study consultants, Cyclopes constantly monitors the latest developments in regulations relevant to UK international students, sharing updates promptly. If you are planning to study in the UK and have any questions, feel free to consult our team. We will tailor the most suitable study plan for you.