Biometric residence permits
Biometric residence permits are part of the National Identity Scheme to strengthen processes for tracking migrant activity and preventing illegal working in the UK.
Issued to foreign nationals, a biometric residence permit is a card which holds:
- your biographic details (name, date and place of birth)
- your 'biometric information' (fingerprints and digital facial image)
It also shows your immigration status and your entitlements while you are in the UK.
As part of recruitment practice in the NHS, verification of identity checks are used to determine that an individual is genuine and that they are rightfully using that identity. Biometric residence permits can support NHS organisations with employment checks.
FAQs
Who will be issued with biometric residence permits?
If you are from a country outside the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland and are applying to stay in the UK for more than six months, you must enrol your biometric information (fingerprints and digital facial image) with UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). If your application is successful you will be issued a biometric residence permit as evidence of your right to be in the UK.
Further information about biometric residence permits is available on the UKVI website.
How do individuals enrol their biometric information?
To apply for a biometric residence permit, you will be required to provide biometric information (fingerprints and digital facial image), which are checked against existing records and then stored on the UKVI system and on the microchip biometric card.
You can enrol your biometric information:
- by appointment at one of the UKVI's premium service centres or biometric enrolment centres
- at a number of post offices nationwide which offer a walk-in-service without the need to book an appointment.
Contact details of premium service centres, biometric enrolment centres and post offices, where you can enrol your biometric information, can be found on the UKVI website.