‌

Step 2: Apply for a single use BRP to re-enter the UK

You cannot apply for a replacement BRP visa from outside the UK. You must apply for a single entry visa and then apply for a replacement BRP card from the UK. You can only use the single entry visa once, which will allow you to return to the UK. The single entry visa will be valid for one month to allow you sufficient time to travel to the UK.

Please note you will need your Passport or emergency travel document to apply for a single entry visa. If this has been lost or stolen you will need to first contact your Embassy in the country you are in to get a replacement before applying for the single entry visa.

In most countries you apply online through the UKVI website

1. Choose the country you are applying from;

2. Apply online;

3. Choose the option for ‘Replacement Biometric Residence Permit BRP) visa’;

4. At the end of your application form in the additional information section state that you are a student studying at University of Manchester and applying for a single entry visa because your Student/Tier 4 BRP visa was lost or stolen. You can include your CAS number here as well as your BRP card number so they can access your immigration record.

5. Complete the application and follow the instructions on how to apply. The application costs £154.

You should include the following documents:

• Passport or emergency travel document (if this has been lost or stolen you will need to first contact your embassy to get a replacement before applying for the single entry visa);
• Evidence that you have immigration permission to be in the country you are applying from e.g. Schengen visa;
• Police Report and translation if it is not in English;
• Confirmation of Attendance letter (you can request this by completing the enquiry centre form here Student Services Centre);
• Copy of current BRP card

You do not need to provide a new CAS number or new financial documents.

You will need to book and attend an appointment at a visa application centre in the country you are in. This process can vary in different countries. In some countries they may offer a priority service, which will be quicker but cost more. If you use the visa priority service you should receive a decision on your application within 3 - 5 working days.

It may take several weeks to get your single entry visa if you don't use a priority visa service. 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. 

You may prefer to travel to your home country and apply for a single entry visa from there. It can take several weeks to get a single entry visa and it may be safer and cheaper for you to travel home and apply once you are back with your family. 

The single entry 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 single entry visa to travel back to the UK and then apply for a full Replacement BRP Card as detailed on the next page.

Important! You must contact your School or supervisor to inform them that you are overseas and waiting for a visa to return to the UK. Your absence from your studies can have a serious impact on your course. If you miss too much of your course whilst waiting for your new visa, you may have to apply for an interruption (break) in your course and re-start at a later date, such as the next semester or academic year.

You should not attempt to travel back to UK without applying for a single entry visa as you will not be permitted to board your flight and you will be refused entry to the UK if you cannot provide valid immigration permission (visa).