1. Origin of the Biometric Information Card
In 2007, the UK Border Act introduced 'legislative authority', allowing the immigration authorities to issue Biometric Immigration Documents (BID). Currently, BID consists of two parts: the Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) and the Short Stay Permit (SSP).
Since 2008, all visa applicants within the UK (non-European Economic Area residents and those staying for more than 6 months) are issued a BRP card, and their biometric information is included as part of the visa application. Starting from March 18, 2015, applicants applying for an extension of stay for less than 6 months in the UK are required to provide biometric information and obtain an SSP (Short Stay Permit).
2. Why Apply for BRP and SSP
The BRP and SSP are highly secure, independent polycarbonate cards that include the holder's personal information, such as name, nationality, date of birth, place of birth, as well as biometric data like fingerprints and facial images. The biometric card also indicates whether the holder is permitted to work in the UK and whether they are eligible for benefits.
For the immigration authorities, it allows immigration officers to effectively control illegal immigration into the UK; strengthen border management; and assist employers, landlords, or public service providers (e.g., DWP or NHS) in verifying whether employees, tenants, or benefit recipients have legal status and are entitled to UK benefits.
For cardholders, the following conveniences are provided:
· They can securely and quickly provide personal identification and residency status at any time and place.
· Previously, with paper visas, when an old passport expired and a new one was issued, the holder had to carry both passports due to the visa being in the old passport, causing inconvenience. Now, entry and exit only require carrying the biometric information card and the latest passport, greatly enhancing convenience for the holder.
· According to UK law, stores have the right to request customers to present identification to prove they are over 21 years old; otherwise, they cannot sell alcoholic beverages. Thus, customers with an information card do not need to carry their passport, only keeping the information card in their wallet, further reducing the risk of losing their passport.
· When traveling within the UK, the information card functions as an ID, allowing the holder to present it for purchases and to board any transport requiring identity verification, such as airplanes.
3. Biometric Information Card for Overseas Applicants
Starting from April 15, 2015, applicants applying for visas for more than 6 months from outside the UK will still receive a paper visa; however, the new visa policy stipulates that once the visa is granted, the applicant will receive a confirmation letter and a temporary visa allowing a 30-day stay in the UK. Upon arrival in the UK, they must collect the "BID (Biometric Identity Document)" from a designated post office within 10 days. Failure to collect the card within the time limit will result in a fine or the risk of visa cancellation. Of course, arrangements can be made to collect the biometric information card from other post offices, but this will incur additional costs and delay the collection of the biometric information card.
Ms. Lucy Lu, Chief Counsel of the Yingde Group, reminds visa applicants to pay attention to the following points regarding this change:
· The affected groups include those applying for TIER 4 student visas, work visas, TIER 1 (Entrepreneur Immigration), TIER 1 (Investor Immigration), or applicants reuniting with family. If you are applying for a visitor visa to the UK for vacation, short business visits, or short study programs, you do not need a biometric information card.
· When the applicant receives the temporary visa page, its validity is only 30 days, and the applicant must travel to the UK within this period. If they cannot travel or change their itinerary within 30 days after receiving the temporary visa page, they will need to apply for a replacement of that visa page.
· If the holder of the biometric card is under 18 years old and cannot go to the post office to collect it, their parents or guardians can collect it on their behalf.
· If the holder is unwell and cannot go to the post office to collect it, they can authorize a third party to collect it, but necessary medical proof must be provided.
