If your passport is lost or stolen, you will need to report the loss to the police in the country where the loss or theft occurred and make an application for a replacement passport. Contact your country's Embassy or High Commission in the country where you are now for information on how to do this. You may need to wait some time before you have your new passport.
If you have lost your passport and you also need to replace a valid vignette (if, for example, you have a vignette that covers the full duration of your studies), please see our "Lost Vignette" instructions below to apply for a replacement.
If your biometric residence permit or other immigration document is still valid but is now damaged, you should follow the below steps:
*If you damaged your own BRP by mistake, then ignore step 1 and go to step 2 only.
Step 1: Report the damaged BRP to the police, if the damage is a result of someone else tampering with it.
If your BRP document has been damaged as a result of someone tampering with it, you must report this incident to the police. You must also obtain a police report and a crime reference number, if possible.
Step 2: You must report your damaged biometrics residence permit (BRP) to the UKVI.
You must use the 'Report a problem with your BRP online'. You will need to confirm the reason as 'faulty or damaged BRP card" by ticking this box on the list given and entering brief details of how it was damaged.
You'll need to have the following when completing this online 'Report a problem with your BRP online' form:
The Home Office will email you to tell you what to do next. You'll usually get a response within 5 working days. It'll take longer if you do not give an email address.
If you have lost your BRP in the UK, you should follow these steps:
Step 1: Report the loss of the BRP to the police
You must report the loss of your BRP card to the police. You may report this online depending on the Police service area as lost.
Step 2: Report the loss of the BRP to UKVI
You will also need to report the loss of your BRP card to UKVI using the form below.
Step 3: Apply for a replacement BRP card
You will need to apply for a replacement BRP card within 3 months of the loss, or you may receive a fine of up to £1,000.
You must apply online. The cost of the application is £19.
When you pay for your application online you will need to upload your documents and to book an appointment at a UKVCAS centre to enrol your biometrics (fingerprints).
UKVCAS offer two types of appointments:
Non chargeable
These are released into the booking system at 09:00, 28 days in advance. Non chargeable appointments are mainly available from 10:00 Monday to Friday.
Chargeable
Available at all Service Points, these are released into the booking system at midnight.
BRP replacement applications are normally processed within 8 weeks. The new BRP will be delivered to the correspondence address you specify in the application. If you wish to have your BRP delivered to the University of Edinburgh, please enter the following address: Student Immigration Service, Old College, South Bridge, Edinburgh EH8 9YL.
You should not book any travel until when you have received your new BRP card. If you need to travel due to a genuine emergency, please contact us for advice.
Step 4: Provide a copy of your new BRP to the University
You will need to book an appointment to visit us in Old College. You should ensure that you have the following with you:
If your BRP is valid for less than 3 months, you do not have to get a replacement.
We can help you check your BRP Replacement application.
If you choose to leave the UK whilst you have a pending application, this will be classed as being automatically withdrawn by the date of your departure from the UK. You will need to follow the guidance below for 'BRP lost outside the UK' once you are outside the UK.
You should get advice from our team on your options with full guidance if you need to leave due to an emergency.
If you have lost your BRP outside of the UK, you should follow these steps:
Step 1: Report the loss of the BRP to the police
You must report the loss of your BRP card to the local police. You will normally be given a report or crime reference number.
Step 2: Report the loss of the BRP to UKVI
You will also need to report the loss of your BRP card to UKVI using the form below.
Step 3: Apply for a "Replacement BRP Visa" to request for a single entry to the UK
You will need to select the country you are applying from (this is where you will submit your biometrics, or fingerprints).
For category of application, select 'A replacement biometric residence permit (BRP) visa'.
You do not need to provide a CAS or evidence of funds or qualifications etc. (unless requested by UKVI to show no change of circumstances). However, you should submit:
The application will cost £154, and will can take up to 3-4 weeks to be processed. Most countries may offer priority services at an extra cost. Make sure that you have somewhere safe to stay and that you have access to money. If your bank card has been stolen you should contact your bank and arrange financial support for yourself while abroad.
Your "Replacement BRP Visa" will be valid for one month from the date of issue and it will be a vignette (sticker) in your passport. You must use your "Replacement BRP Visa" single-entry to travel back to the UK whilst it is valid.
You should not attempt to travel back to UK without applying for a "Replacement BRP Visa" as you may not be permitted to board your flight and you may be refused entry to the UK, if you cannot provide valid immigration permission evidence.
Step 4: Apply for a new BRP when you return to the UK
You will need to submit a BRP Replacement application within a month of returning to the UK (or you may receive a fine of up to £1,000)
You must do this within 3 months of reporting it lost or stolen unless you have a good reason, for example you were unable to return to the UK in that time.
You must apply online. The cost of the application is £19.
You can use the below form to get a biometric residence permit (BRP) if you are in the UK.
When you pay for your application online you will need to upload your documents and to book an appointment at a UKVCAS centre to enrol your biometrics (fingerprints).
UKVCAS offer two types of appointments:
Non chargeable
These are released into the booking system at 09:00, 28 days in advance. Non chargeable appointments are mainly available from 10:00 Monday to Friday.
Chargeable
Available at all Service Points, these are released into the booking system at midnight.
BRP replacement applications are normally processed within 4-8 weeks.
The new BRP will be delivered to the correspondence address you specify in the application. If you wish to have your BRP delivered to the University of Edinburgh, please enter the following address: Student Immigration Service, Old College, South Bridge, Edinburgh EH8 9YL.
You should not book any travel until when you have received your new BRP card. If you need to travel due to a genuine emergency, please contact us for advice.
Step 5: Provide a copy of your BRP to the University
You will need to book an appointment to visit us in Old College. You should ensure that you have the following with you: