Biometric resident permits - Tiers 1 and 5 of the points-based system
From 14 December 2010 people applying for further leave to remain in the UK under the Tier 1 or Tier 5 (Temporary Worker) categories of the points-based system will be required to provide their biometrics (fingerprints and photograph) as part of their application.
Providing biometrics helps to protect the identities of genuine applicants. If your application is successful you will be issued with a biometric residence permit. This is evidence of your permission to stay in the UK, and shows the conditions of your stay. It enables you to confirm your identity and your rights to work here, and to access public services.
If you make your application to extend your stay in the UK by post, UKBA Home Office will send you a letter after UKBA have received your application. You will be able to enrol your biometric information at one of 17 crown post offices using their walk-in service or at one of 11 Home Office biometric enrolment centres by appointment only.
If you want to make your application in person you can do this at one of our public enquiry offices or using the super premium service. You will enrol your biometric information at the same time as making your application.
Youdo need to apply for a biometric residence permit if you are currently in the UK and you want to extend your temporary permission to stay here in one of the following immigration categories:
- Tier 2 (General) of the points-based system
- Tier 2 (Intra company transfer) of the points-based system
- Tier 2 (Sportsperson) of the points-based system
- Tier 2 (Minister of religion) of the points-based system
- Tier 4 (General) of the points-based system, including postgraduate doctors and dentists
- Tier 4 (Child) of the points-based system
- representative of an overseas business
- domestic worker in a private household
- sole representative of an overseas firm
- UK ancestry
- academic visitor (if you are applying to extend your stay in the UK to more than six months)
- visitor for private medical treatment
- husband, wife, civil partner, unmarried partner or same-sex partner of a British citizen or a person who has settled in the UK
- dependant of a main applicant in a category that requires a biometric residence permit
Also, you must apply for a biometric residence permit if you useform TOC to request a transfer of your temporary permission to stay in the UK from an old passport or similar document.
Youdo not need to apply for a biometric residence permit if you are:
- a foreign national applying to extend your stay in an immigration category not listed above - instead you will receive a new vignette (sticker) in your passport; or
- a foreign national applying for permission to settle in the UK; or
- a national of a country in the European Economic Area (including the UK) or Switzerland.
However, if you have been facing difficulties to book up an appointment our team of immigration lawyers happy to assist.
