The biometric residence permit (BRP) is a residence permit which holds a migrant’s biographic details (name, date and place of birth) and biometric information (facial image and fingerprints), and shows their immigration status and entitlements while they remain in the UK.
The biometric residence permit is proof of the holder’s right to stay, work or study in the UK. It can also be used as a form of identification.
The holder is not required to carry their permit at all times, but they must show it at the border, together with their passport, when travelling outside of, and when returning to the UK. The card confirms the date the holder’s leave expires, whether they have the right to work in the UK and other restrictions placed on the right to stay.
Your biometric residence permit should be waiting for you at your nominated Post Office when or soon after you arrive in the UK. You must pick it up either before your 30 day vignette in your passport expires or within 10 days of arrival in the UK, whichever is later. Your decision letter will give details on how and where to collect your biometric residence permit. You must take your passport and decision letter with you. If you do not collect your biometric residence permit within the specified time frame you may be subject to a financial penalty or cancellation of your leave to enter the United Kingdom.
Further information on Biometric Residence Permits can be found here.