UK Biometric Residence Permit (BRP): Photo Requirements and Application Process

About UK Biometric Residence Permits

A UK Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) is an official document that shows your immigration status and permission to stay in the UK. It contains your biometric information (fingerprints and photograph) and is issued to non-EEA nationals who have permission to stay in the UK for more than 6 months.

What is it used for?

• Proof of your right to stay, work, or study in the UK
• Travel in and out of the UK (with valid passport)
• Access to public services and benefits (where eligible)
• Opening bank accounts and financial services
• Employment verification and right to work checks
• Rental agreements and housing applications
• Identity verification for various services

Types of UK Immigration Status Leading to BRP

Work Visas:

• Skilled Worker visa: For skilled workers with job offers
• Global Talent visa: For leaders and potential leaders in specific fields
• Start-up and Innovator visas: For entrepreneurs
• Intra-company Transfer visa: For employees of multinational companies
• Seasonal Worker visa: For temporary agricultural work

Study Visas:

• Student visa: For full-time study at licensed institutions
• Child Student visa: For children aged 4-17
• Short-term Study visa: For courses up to 11 months

Family Visas:

• Family visa: For partners, children, and other family members
• Fiancé(e) visa: For those planning to marry a UK citizen/resident
• Parent visa: For parents of British children

Settlement and Other Routes:

• Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR): Permanent residence
• EU Settlement Scheme: For EU citizens and family members
• Ancestry visa: For Commonwealth citizens with UK ancestry
• Refugee status: For those granted asylum

How to Apply for a BRP

General Application Process:

Step 1: Visa Application

• Online Application: Apply for appropriate visa category online
• Supporting Documents: Provide required documentation
• Biometric Appointment: Attend appointment at visa application center
• Payment: Pay visa application fees

Step 2: Decision and Travel

• Visa Decision: Receive decision on visa application
• Travel to UK: Enter UK with visa vignette in passport
• Time Limit: Must collect BRP within 10 days of arrival

Step 3: BRP Collection

• Collection Point: Collect from designated Post Office or UKVI office
• Identification: Bring passport and collection letter
• Verification: Confirm details on BRP are correct

Required Documents (General):

1. Valid Passport: With at least 6 months validity
2. Visa Application Form: Completed online application
3. Passport Photos: Meeting UK specifications
4. Supporting Documents: Specific to visa category
5. Biometric Information: Fingerprints and photograph
6. English Language: Evidence of English proficiency (if required)
7. Financial Evidence: Proof of funds to support stay
8. Tuberculosis Test: If from high-risk country

Processing Times:

• Standard processing: 3-8 weeks (varies by visa type)
• Priority service: 5-10 working days (additional fee)
• Super priority service: 24 hours (additional fee, limited availability)
• Settlement applications: Up to 6 months

Fees (2024):

• Skilled Worker visa: £719-1,420 (depending on duration)
• Student visa: £363
• Family visa: £1,538
• Settlement application: £2,404
• Priority services: Additional £500-2,500
• Immigration Health Surcharge: £624 per year

Photo Requirements for UK BRP

Key Technical Specifications

• Size: 35 × 45 mm (printed) or minimum 600 × 750 pixels (digital)
• Face Height: 29–34 mm (measured from chin to crown)
• Background: Plain light-coloured (light grey or cream), uniform
• Quality: High resolution, sharp focus, colour, unaltered
• Recency: Taken within the last month

Composition Requirements

• Head Position: Centered, facing directly forward
• Eye Level: Eyes positioned in upper half of photo
• Shoulders: Both shoulders visible and level
• Expression: Neutral, mouth closed, eyes open and clearly visible
• Lighting: Even lighting without shadows or glare

UK Immigration Standards

• Background: Plain light-coloured background (not white)
• Glasses: Allowed if worn daily, no reflections, clear lenses only
• Contact Lenses: Coloured contacts not permitted
• Headwear: Only for religious or medical reasons, face must be fully visible
• Expression: Neutral expression with mouth closed
• Eyes: Both eyes must be open and clearly visible
• Natural Appearance: No digital alterations or heavy makeup

Biometric Compliance

• Facial recognition: Compatible with automated border systems
• Security integration: Suitable for BRP security features
• Digital processing: High-quality digital format required
• ICAO standards: Follows international civil aviation standards

Common Photo Rejection Reasons

Technical Issues

• Incorrect dimensions: Not meeting 35×45 mm or 600×750 pixel requirements
• Poor resolution: Pixelated or low-quality images
• Wrong background: White background or coloured/patterned backgrounds
• File problems: Corrupted or incompatible digital files

Composition Problems

• Face size: Height outside 29-34 mm range
• Positioning: Head not centered or tilted
• Background: Shadows, patterns, or incorrect colour
• Lighting: Uneven lighting, shadows on face or background

Appearance Issues

• Expression: Smiling, frowning, or inappropriate expression
• Eyes: Closed, looking away, or obscured by hair/glasses
• Glasses: Reflections, tinted lenses, or heavy frames
• Hair: Covering eyes or significant portion of face

Quality Problems

• Sharpness: Blurry or out-of-focus images
• Exposure: Over or under-exposed photographs
• Colour: Poor colour reproduction or saturation
• Age: Photos older than one month

Tips for Perfect BRP Photos

Professional Photography

• Immigration photo specialists: Use photographers experienced with UK requirements
• Equipment: Ensure proper lighting and background setup
• Verification: Confirm exact dimensions and specifications
• Multiple copies: Get several copies for applications

DIY Photography Guidelines

1. Camera Setup: High-resolution camera positioned at eye level
2. Lighting: Natural daylight or professional lighting setup
3. Background: Plain light grey or cream wall (not white)
4. Distance: Maintain proper distance for correct face size
5. Expression: Practice neutral, serious expression
6. Clothing: Dark colours for contrast with light background

Quality Assurance

• Measure dimensions: Verify exact 35×45 mm size
• Check face height: Ensure 29-34 mm measurement
• Review quality: Sharp focus and proper exposure
• Print quality: Use high-quality photo paper
• Recent photos: Ensure taken within one month

BRP Renewal and Replacement

When to Renew:

• Before expiration: Apply 3-6 months before BRP expires
• Continued eligibility: Must still meet visa requirements
• Changed circumstances: Report significant changes
• Settlement eligibility: May apply for indefinite leave to remain

Renewal Requirements:

• Current BRP: Original biometric residence permit
• New photos: Meeting current specifications
• Updated documentation: Recent financial and employment records
• English language: May need to demonstrate proficiency
• Life in UK test: Required for some settlement applications

Replacement for Lost/Stolen BRP:

• Report immediately: Report loss/theft to police and UKVI
• Replacement application: Apply online for BRP replacement
• Fees: £154 replacement fee
• Temporary documents: May be issued for urgent travel

Path to Settlement

Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR):

• Continuous residence: Usually 5 years (varies by visa type)
• English language: Demonstrate proficiency
• Life in UK test: Pass knowledge of life test
• Clean record: No serious criminal convictions
• Financial independence: Meet financial requirements

Benefits of Settlement:

• No time limit: Can stay in UK indefinitely
• Work freedom: No restrictions on employment
• Public funds: Access to benefits and services
• Path to citizenship: Eligible to apply for British citizenship
• Family rights: Bring family members to UK

Special Circumstances

EU Settlement Scheme:

• Deadline: Applications closed for most applicants
• Status types: Settled or pre-settled status
• Digital status: No physical document issued
• Family members: Different rules for family

Asylum Seekers:

• Application process: Different procedures apply
• Support services: Access to accommodation and support
• Work restrictions: Limited right to work initially
• Family reunion: Special rules for family members

Students:

• Work rights: Limited hours during term time
• Course changes: Must report to UKVI
• Graduation: Options to switch to work visas
• Dependants: Rules for family members

BRP Collection and Verification

Collection Process:

• Collection letter: Receive letter with collection details
• Time limit: Must collect within 10 days of UK arrival
• Identification: Bring passport and collection letter
• Verification: Check all details are correct

Collection Points:

• Post Offices: Most common collection points
• UKVI offices: Some applications collected from offices
• Designated locations: Specific to your application

After Collection:

• Check details: Verify all information is correct
• Report errors: Contact UKVI immediately if errors found
• Keep safe: Store BRP securely
• Carry when travelling: Required for re-entry to UK

Need perfect photos for your UK BRP application? Our AI-powered tool ensures your photos meet all official UK Immigration requirements for quick approval.