The biometric residence permit is main proof that the holder has the right to “stay, work or study” in the UK. It is one of the main requirements that the UK Spouse Visa, UK Fiancée Visa or UK Settlement Visa holder can use if he or she wants to open a bank account in the UK.
The UK government’s main purpose in requiring applicants for the UK Spouse Visa, UK Fiancée Visa and other UK Settlement Visa to obtain the Biometrics Residence Permit (BRP) is to help protect the identities of these legitimate and genuine applicants. Because showing the BRPs to the UK authorities will make it easier, simpler and faster for these people to prove their true immigration status in the UK.
The BRP contains the appropriate information which UK authorities need in order to determine the true identity of the BRP holder, such as the latter’s name, fingerprints, signature, photo, gender, nationality, date of validity, etc.
ECO-Friendly stresses that all UK Spouse Visa, UK Fiancée Visa and another UK Settlement Visa applicants as well as other UK Visa applicants from 6 years and above who plan to stay in the UK for more than six (6) months are required to have their biometrics taken at the time they apply for the visa at their country of origin, and the details and information obtained during the filing of the visa application shall be indicated in the Biometrics Residence Permit.
According to a UK government website, “…The holder is not required to carry their permit at all times, but they must show it at the border, together with their passport, when travelling outside of, and when returning to, the United Kingdom.”
“The same UK website states that, “Your biometric residence permit is evidence of your permission to stay in the United Kingdom, and shows the conditions of your stay. It enables you to confirm your identity and your rights to study and/or work here, and to access public services.
“You may have to show the permit to the immigration officer at the border when you leave the United Kingdom.
“You will also have to show it as well as your valid national passport or travel document before you begin your return journey, and again when you re-enter the United Kingdom.
“The permit proves that you are allowed to return to the United Kingdom, but it cannot be used instead of a passport or travel document,” the website states.
The UK Spouse Visa, UK Fiancée Visa or other UK Settlement Visa applicant shall receive information on how to obtain the Biometrics Residence Permit after the application is officially filed with the UK government.