英国签证卡片 英国签证卡新规需知

Starting from 18 October 2021, the United Kingdom (UK) will implement new rules for Biometric Residence Permits (BRP) and Biometric Residence Cards (BRC). These changes affect all non-UK nationals who stay in the UK for more than six months, including those applying for work, study, and family visas.

What are Biometric Residence Permits (BRP) and Biometric Residence Cards (BRC)?

Biometric Residence Permits (BRP) and Biometric Residence Cards (BRC) are official identity documents issued by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) to non-UK nationals who are allowed to stay in the UK for more than six months. These cards give information about the holder's permission to stay in the UK, as well as their biometric information, such as fingerprints and a facial image.

What are the new rules for BRP and BRC?

The new rules for BRP and BRC are as follows:

BRP and BRC will be replaced by a new digital immigration status record called the UK Immigration Status (UKIS). UKIS will be accessible through a free online service, called the UK Immigration: ID Check, which will allow individuals to prove their right to work, study, and access public services in the UK.

From 18 October 2021, anyone who successfully applies for a visa or permission to stay in the UK for more than six months will not be issued with a physical BRP or BRC. Instead, they will be given a UKVI reference number and a date by which they must activate their UKIS.

Individuals who are already in possession of a valid BRP or BRC will still be able to use it until it expires. However, they will also be given a UKVI reference number and a date by which they must activate their UKIS.

What do individuals need to do?

To activate their UKIS, individuals will need to download the UK Immigration: ID Check app and scan their passport and face using their smartphone or tablet. They will then need to provide some basic personal information, such as their name, date of birth, and National Insurance number (if they have one).

Once their identity has been confirmed, individuals will be able to see their UKIS, along with details about their immigration status and their right to work, study, and access public services in the UK. They will also be able to share their UKIS with third parties, such as employers, landlords, and banks.

What are the benefits of UKIS?

UKIS offers several benefits over physical BRP and BRC, including:

Convenience: Individuals will no longer need to carry a physical BRP or BRC with them. They will be able to access their UKIS anytime and anywhere through the UK Immigration: ID Check app.

Security: UKIS is more secure than physical BRP and BRC, as it uses advanced encryption technology to protect personal information.

Flexibility: Individuals will be able to update their UKIS with new information, such as a change of address or marital status, without having to apply for a new physical card.

Conclusion

Overall, the new rules for BRP and BRC mark a positive step towards a more digital and streamlined immigration system in the UK. Although it may take some time for individuals and officials to adjust to the new system, the benefits of UKIS are likely to outweigh any initial inconvenience or confusion that may occur.