A Biometric Immigration Document (BID) is the primary “document” that proves the holder’s biometric and biographical information, immigration status, any terms of stay, and eligibility for public funding. It can also confirm the holder’s national insurance number (for those on Worker Paths) and eligibility for NHS treatment. A BID is issued to the individual depending on the immigration route and nationality of the holder. It is issued as
- a physical document (referred to as a “biometric residence permit“)
- electronically as an E-Visa.
Biometric residence permit
Table of Contents
A biometric residence permit (BRP) can be used to verify your identity, right to study, and right to any public services or benefits you are eligible for. However, your BRP cannot be used to confirm your right to work or rent. You must either establish your right to work or rent online. A BRP will be issued to you if:
- You apply to stay in the UK for more than six months
- You apply to extend your visa for more than 6 months
- You apply to settle in the UK
- You apply for specific Home Office travel documents
- You want to transfer your visa to a new passport
What are the information on your BRP
Your BRP will include the following information :
- Your name, date of birth, and place of birth
- Your fingerprints and a photograph of your face (this is your biometric information)
- Your accessibility to public funding, such as benefits and health care, depending on your immigration status and any conditions of your stay
- A National Insurance (NI) number may be printed on the back of your BRP. This is not available on all BRPs, it is dependent on factors such as the date it was granted and your visa status.
Note that you will need to apply for a National insurance number if
- there is not one on your BRP
- you do not have one
- you intend to work, claim benefits, apply for a student loan, or pay Class 3 voluntary National Insurance contributions
How to get your BRP if you applied outside the UK
If you applied for your immigration status (such as a visa) from outside the UK, you must obtain your BRP once you arrive in the UK. Typically, you must do this before the vignette sticker in your travel document expires or within 10 days of landing in the UK. To get it you have to check your decision letter. It will instruct you to obtain your BRP from either a named Post Office branch or your sponsor.
Biometric Immigration Document E-visa (BID E-visa)
A biometric Immigration Document (BID) E-visa is a type of electronic visa that is granted to foreign nationals. An E-Visa allows you to enter a nation and remain for a set time. All of your personal information will be saved electronically on an E-Visa. The visa granting authority will email you a copy of your visa to your registered email address. E-Visas are typically provided for short-term stays in the UK.
Application process for a Biometric Immigration Document E-visa
Applying for an E-Visa is a simple and smooth process. You do not need to physically attend the embassy for an interview to obtain an e-Visa. The only need is that you have a passport that is valid for at least 6 months from the date of application. You can apply for an E-Visa by going to the official website of the UK. You will receive an email address verification message after submitting the online application form. Then you have to make the required payment. The e-Visa will be electronically emailed to your verified email address once you have verified your email address. The information on an E-Visa can not be modified after it has been granted. Therefore, it is critical that you thoroughly fill out the application information.
BID E-visa eligibility
- An applicant’s passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of visa application.
- The passport should have at least two blank pages for the Immigration Officer to stamp.
- Candidates must have return tickets ready after staying at a destination for a predetermined amount of time.
- Children and newborns must have their own E-Visas and passports.
Biometric Immigration Document E-visa documentation requirements
- A passport that is valid for at least 6 months.
- Passport-size photographs.
