Important Update
Please note that we do not have the capacity to respond to all of the BRP email enquiries that we are receiving. If your email is relating to the collection of your BRP card, please be assured that we will be in touch when we are in a position to issue this directly to you.
It is possible that you have received an email from the TNT Courier service confirming delivery of your BRP card to Queen’s University Belfast. This is just for your information. Once your BRP card has been received and processed by the ISS Compliance Team we will email you and invite you to book an appointment to come in and collect your BRP card.
Please note: we are currently receiving hundreds of BRP cards daily and it will take at least 7 days to process your card and send you an invitation to book an appointment.
What is a BRP?
BRP Information
What is a BRP?
A Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) is proof of the holder’s right to stay, work or study in the UK.
It can also be used as a form of identification e.g. to open a bank account in the UK.
What does a BRP look like?
An example BRP is shown below. It is credit card sized:
BRP Front
1. Holder's Digital Image
2. Holder’s Name
3. Visa Expiry Date
4. Place and Date of Issue of Visa
5. Type of Permit
6. Conditions of Stay & Sponsor Licence Number
7. BRP Number
8. Holder’s Signature
BRP Back
9. Biometric Chip
10. Holder’s gender
11. Holder’s date and place of birth
12. Holder’s Nationality
13. Further Conditions of Stay and may include Holder’s National Insurance Number
14. Machine readable zone (MRZ) – this allows information printed on the card to be read by machine
Who gets a BRP?
You will get a BRP if you:
- apply to come to the UK for longer than 6 months
- extend your visa to longer than 6 months
- apply to settle in the UK
- transfer your visa to a new passport
- apply for certain Home Office travel documents
You do not have to apply separately for a BRP. You will automatically get one if your visa or immigration application is approved, or you’re replacing an older document.
What options are available to me for BRP collection?
Queen's University, Belfast
To collect your BRP from Queen’s University, during your online visa application form please choose the ‘Alternative location’ option and enter the code 2HE572. Your dependants can also use this code in their application. We would highly recommend you choose Queen’s University Belfast as collection point if you are aged under 18.
Our Immigration Compliance Team will contact you by email once your BRP has been delivered to the International Support Office and advise you on how to book an appointment so you can collect your BRP. Collection of BRP cards is by appointment only so please do not come to the office without an appointment.
Please be aware that there is a significant delay on the Home Office site in production of BRP CARDs so your patience is appreciated, we will contact you to arrange collection as soon as your card has been received. You will not be penalised for not collecting your card within 10 days from the date of your arrival as it is out of your control.
To collect your BRP, you must have your passport, visa vignette, and also the decision letter issued by UKVI.
Please refer to your UKVI decision letter if you are unsure of your BRP collection location.
Please note we are unable to connect a Dependant BRP to the Main Applicant BRP. This means we will not be able to contact you about your dependants. When you book an appointment, please enter your dependants’ details in the relevant section of the booking form.
You must attend the appointment in person and arrive on time and you must bring your original passport and your UKVI decision letter.
Post Office
Alternatively, you can collect your BRP from the Post Office in Belfast on arrival.
To collect your BRP at the Bridge Street, Belfast City Post Office, select ‘Sponsor Address Postcode’ on the online visa application form and enter BT7 1NN. You will be provided options and you can select Bridge Street, Belfast City Post Office.
If you want to choose another Post Office location in the UK, you can enter your residential address and postcode.
Bridge Street, Belfast City Post Office Details:
Address: 12-16 Bridge Street, Belfast City, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 1LT.
For further details including opening hours, accessibility details and map please see the Post Office website.
Alternatively, you can contact Bridge Street Post office on 0345 611 2970.
How do I get my BRP?
Entry Clearance BRPs
Queen's University Belfast
Our Immigration Compliance Team will contact you by email once your BRP has been delivered to the International Support Office and advise you on how to book an appointment so you can collect your BRP. Collection of BRP cards is by appointment only so please do not come to the office without an appointment.
Please be aware that there is a significant delay on the Home Office site in production of BRP CARDs so your patience is appreciated, we will contact you to arrange collection as soon as your card has been received. You will not be penalised for not collecting your card within 10 days from the date of your arrival as it is out of your control.
Before you book your appointment, please complete your Immigration Documents Check (it is a part of your registration online) and upload all necessary documents. Please click on the below button for more information on what documents should be uploaded. This includes but is not limited to copy of your passport, UKVI decision letter, vignette with an entry stamp confirming the date of your arrival in the UK, and a boarding pass. If there is any documents missing from this check, our Immigration Compliance Team will contact you directly.
Documents Required for Immigration Document Check
COVID-19 Self-Isolation
During the current pandemic you may be required to self-isolate upon arriving in the UK. You must complete your self-isolation period before collecting your BRP from either the Post Office or Queen’s University. You will not be penalised for not collecting your BRP if self-isolation is the cause for your delay.
Please see the current UK government travel restrictions for information on who is required to self-isolate.
Post Office Collection
If you selected to collect your BRP from the Post Office, you must complete any required quarantine period first and subsequently visit the selected Post Office to collect your BRP.
Please refer to your visa decision letter for details of the Post Office you selected.
We understand you may be anxious about receiving a fine due to collecting your BRP late. Please do not worry, we have been assured that any student quarantining will not be adversely affected regarding the date they collect their BRP.
Queen's University Staff BRPs
Staff and academic visitors will need to collect their BRP at the Post Office.
If you did not select the Post Office option during your visa application, and instead you entered the QUB Alternative Collection Location code – please contact us at isscompliance@qub.ac.uk for assistance.
Leave to Remain BRPs
If you applied for your visa in the UK, our International Student Support team will likely have assisted you in making your Leave to Remain visa application and requested that you indicate for your BRP to be delivered to your UK address.
As soon as you receive your BRP, please email a clear copy of the front and back of it to isscompliance@qub.ac.uk.
Replacement BRPs
All replacement BRPs should be delivered to the BRP holder at their UK address.
If you lose your BRP while you are travelling inside the UK or outside the UK the following information should help you identify the next steps that you need to take.
As soon as you receive your BRP, please email a clear copy of the front and back of it to isscompliance@qub.ac.uk.
Error Corrected BRPs
All error corrected BRPs should be delivered to the BRP holder at their UK address.
Please contact us if you have found your BRP to have an error and we will report assist you by reporting it on your behalf. We will request the corrected BRP be delivered to you directly at your UK address.
As soon as you receive your BRP, please email a clear copy of the front and back of it to isscompliance@qub.ac.uk.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Should I carry my BRP at all times?
You are not required to carry your permit at all times, but you must show it at the border, together with your passport, when travelling outside of, and when returning to, the UK. It is expensive and inconvenient to replace it, therefore we recommend you keep it safe with your passport.
- My Entry Clearance vignette (sticker in passport) or decision letter has an error. What should I do?
If your entry clearance vignette has a validity period of 90 days instead of 30 days, this is correct and does not need changed. The validity period has been extended to 90 days due to current travel disruptions.
If there are any other errors, please report them immediately by contacting your Visa Application Centre.
- My Entry Clearance vignette (sticker in passport) will expire before I arrive in the UK for the first time - what should I do?
If your entry clearance vignette has been issued with the correct validity but your travel plans have changed, you will need to apply for a replacement entry clearance vignette. Our colleagues at immigration@qub.ac.uk can advise on this if you have any questions.
If the entry permit has been issued with an incorrect validity, you will be able to get this corrected. Please see further details here.
- Why does my visa decision letter instructs me to collect my BRP from the Post Office and not the University?
This means you did not select the alternative location on your visa application form by using the University ACL code. You will need to collect your visa from the Post Office. Your visa decision letter will confirm the Post Office branch where you chose to collect your BRP. You can find information on the location on the Post Office website here.
- Can I change where to collect my BRP?
Change from Post Office to Queen’s University (or vice-versa)
Unfortunately, this change cannot be made. If this will cause you exceptional problems, please contact us at isscompliance@qub.ac.uk.Change of Post Office Branch
You can choose to pick up your BRP from a different Post Office branch. You’ll need to arrange this at the branch and pay a fee. Check that the Post Office branch you want to use offers a ‘BRP collection service’.Change from another University to Queen’s University
If you accidentally chose for your BRP to be delivered to the wrong university during your visa application, please contact us at isscompliance@qub.ac.uk to let us know. Unfortunately, your BRP will still be delivered to the other university. Therefore you will need to contact them to request that they return your BRP to the Home Office. Following that, we can request your BRP is delivered to you directly after we have completed the relevant checks with you.
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How do I collect my dependants’ visas?
From Queen’s University
If you are coming to the UK with your dependants, you will be able to receive their BRPs with your card if you have chosen the Queen’s University collection location. Your dependants must enter the same Queen’s University Alternative Collection Location code (2HE572) during their online visa application.From the Post Office
If you are collecting your dependants’ BRPs at the Post Office you will need to present all their passports and decision letters.You must be nominated to collect a child’s (under 18 years old) BRP, even if you’re the child’s parent. The Home Office will tell you within 5 working days if you’re approved to collect the child’s BRP. You do not need to be nominated if you’re also collecting your own BRP and you are named on your child’s vignette sticker.
- I have lost my visa decision letter, and I don’t know which Post Office to collect my BRP
The majority of Queen’s University students will have selected to collect their BRP from the Bridge Street, Belfast City Post Office, as this is the closest option for any Belfast postcode entered during the visa application process.
If you wish to receive confirmation of which Post Office you selected, you should complete the following online form.
- I have had a problem collecting my BRP
If you have experienced a problem in collecting your BRP for example;
- You have lost your passport or travel document, or could not prove your identity
- Your BRP was not there (and it is after the estimated collection date on your visa decision letter)
- Your vignette (sticker) in your passport is not linked to your family
- Someone attempted to collect your BRP on your behalf, but were unable to
- You are under 18 and attempted collection without being accompanied by a responsible adult
You should complete the following online form. The Home Office will email you within 5 working days to tell you what to do next. It’ll take longer if you do not give an email address.
- I cannot collect my BRP from the Post Office, what should I do?
You can nominate someone else to collect your BRP if you have a serious illness or disability that prevents you from collecting it.
The person you nominate must have one of the following:
- a passport
- an EU national identity card
- a BRP
You can get someone to make the nomination for you, for example a legal representative, charity, employer, college or university.
Please contact us at isscompliance@qub.ac.uk if this applies to you.
You’ll be told within 5 working days if the person you nominate is approved to collect your BRP.
If you change your mind, you can still collect your BRP yourself or you can nominate a different person. You do not need to cancel the original nomination.
- What do I do if my passport or BRP has been lost or stolen?
If you lose your passport and/or BRP card while you are travelling either inside the UK or outside the UK, the following information should help you identify the next steps that you need to take.
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I have received my BRP and it has an error, what do I do?
Entry Clearance BRP Error
Any errors should be reported as soon as possible, please contact us at isscompliance@qub.ac.uk and we will assist you in reporting the error.Any corrected BRP will be posted to your home address in the UK, therefore as soon as you receive your BRP, please email us a clear copy of the front and back of it to isscompliance@qub.ac.uk.
Leave to Remain BRP Error
If your Leave to Remain BRP has an error, please contact us immediately at isscompliance@qub.ac.uk. It is very important to let us know immediately as some errors e.g. mistakes in the length or conditions of your visa require an administrative review. This must be applied for within 14 days of getting the decision. International Student Support will assist you in making any administrative review application required.Any corrected BRP will be posted to your home address in the UK, therefore as soon as you receive your BRP, please email us a clear copy of the front and back of it to isscompliance@qub.ac.uk.
If your BRP expires on 31 December 2024
If your BRP expires on 31 December 2024, but you have leave to stay for longer, you do not need to do anything and your immigration status will not be affected. UKVI will update their information on how you can update your BRP in early 2024. - I have a new passport – do I need a new BRP?
There is no need to apply to replace your BRP if you obtain a new passport, unless you will have a different nationality (see Report change of circumstances).
Notify the UKVI of your new passport details using form MCC.
Please email isscompliance@qub.ac.uk a copy of your new passport biographical page as we are required to always have your current passport on record.
- What if I need to see a GP before I have received my BRP?
If you require emergency medical attention then this should be provided without the need to provide a BRP. You should receive your BRP within good time to register and book a non-urgent GP appointment. The University Health Centre at Queen’s website is available here.
Flying Directly to Dublin
Some students may choose to travel to Belfast via Dublin in the Republic of Ireland. Please note that you will need to ensure that you have valid immigration permission to travel to the Republic of Ireland. You will need to retain evidence of the date you entered Northern Ireland where possible and we will need to retain a copy of this for our records. You can find further information on immigration permission for the Republic of Ireland here - http://inis.gov.ie/. Unfortunately we are unable to provide advice on applying for visas for the Republic of Ireland. Further information is also available here - https://www.ukcisa.org.uk/Information--Advice/Visas-and-Immigration/Arriving-via-Ireland.
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Can I fly directly into Dublin and then travel onwards by public transport or by rented car to Belfast?
If you have applied in your home country for a Student visa or short-term student visa/entry clearance before travelling, you can arrive directly into Dublin.
Your UK visa/entry clearance will not be date stamped on entry to the UK, but this is fine. You must ensure you enter the UK (Northern Ireland) within the validity of your UK visa Entry Clearance vignette.
Please retain the following documents as you will need to present them to us when completing your immigration document check and for any BRP distribution:
- Flight booking confirmation
- Flight boarding pass
- Proof of your journey from ROI to UK (NI), for example:
- Bus ticket
- Train ticket
- Car rental booking confirmation
- Can I fly directly into Dublin and then travel onwards with a friend/family member in a personal car to Belfast?
If you have applied in your home country for a Student visa or short-term student visa/entry clearance before travelling, you can arrive directly into Dublin.
Your UK visa/entry clearance will not be date stamped on entry to the UK, but this is fine. You must ensure you enter the UK (Northern Ireland) within the validity of your UK visa Entry Clearance vignette.
Please retain the following documents as you will need to present them to us when completing your immigration document check and for any BRP distribution:
- Flight booking confirmation
- Flight boarding pass
- Any proof of your journey from Dublin to Belfast, for example
- a toll receipt showing the date you travelled to Northern Ireland (UK) - If you are residing at Queen’s accommodation, your check-in confirmation
We are required to verify that you entered the UK (NI) within the validity of your UK visa entry clearance vignette. As you will have travelled by personal car, we understand that you may not have proof of your journey from ROI to NI (UK). Therefore we need to be able to verify the date you entered NI (UK) by other means.
If you are residing at Queen’s accommodation we will accept your check in confirmation date as the date you entered NI (UK). If you are not residing at Queen’s accommodation, we will work with you to establish a way we can verify you are in the UK, we will also make a note of the date you tell us that you travelled from ROI to NI. Examples of verification that we may use are location sharing on Skype or via iPhone, or phoning the NI home telephone number of the address you are residing at whilst on a Skype call.
Please be aware that if we are unable to verify you are in the UK by any means, we may ask you to complete any required quarantine period first, and subsequently visit us in person. Following this we will be able to arrange for your BRP to be delivered to you directly at your UK address.
Visas & Immigration
V&I Webpage
International Student Support
ISS Webpage