Transferring your immigration status to a biometric residence permit (BRP)

This page explains how you can ask us to transfer your multiple-entry visa or residence permit (known as a visa, 'leave to enter' or 'leave to remain') from an old passport or travel document to a biometric residence permit (BRP).

If your old passport contains a multiple-entry visa or residence permit, we can transfer your leave to a BRP.

You do not need to apply for a BRP. If you choose not to apply to have your leave transferred to a BRP, you should carry both your old and new passports when you travel to the UK - this will prove to our immigration officers that you have the right to be in the UK. If you cannot produce your visa or residence permit when you arrive at our border, you may not be allowed to enter the country.

It is your responsibility to ensure that your travel documents are up to date and valid. An immigration officer will decide whether to let you enter the country, based on the evidence you produce.

Applying from inside the UK

We cannot issue a BRP at passport control when you enter the UK. If you can prove that you are entitled to live here, the immigration officer at your port of entry will put a date stamp in your new passport. You must then make an application asking us to issue you with a BRP. You must be in the UK when you make this application.

• If the residence permit in your old passport says that you have permission to settle permanently in the UK (called 'indefinite leave to remain'), you must make a 'no time limit' (NTL) application using form NTL. You can download this form and a detailed guide from the right side of this page.
• If the residence permit in your old passport says that you have permission to be in the UK for a limited period (called 'limited leave to remain'), you must make a 'transfer of conditions' (TOC) application using form TOC. You can download this form and a detailed guide from the right side of this page. You will also need to apply for a compulsory biometric residence permit.

The pages on completing the NTL or TOC form and supporting documents contain more information about the application process. You should also read the detailed guide in full before you complete your form. We will not refund your application fee if we refuse your application or if you withdraw it.

Applying from outside the UK

You are unable to apply for a BRP from outside the United Kingdom.