(BRP) which is a Biometric Residence Permit used to show your right to work and study in the UK. Even now that the UK is moving to digital eVisas, many students still rely on the BRP details that were issued with their visa.
So if you are wondering What to do if BRP card is lost in UK, you must act quickly and follow the correct steps.
Quick overview of your next steps
Situation | Main action | Extra notes |
Lost BRP card UK student in the UK | Report it online to the Home Office, then set up or update your UKVI eVisa | You may also report it to the police |
Lost BRP card outside the UK | Report it online, then apply for a single entry “replacement BRP visa” | Lets you enter the UK once only |
Need to travel soon | Check your eVisa and passport details are linked correctly | Get advice from your university or consultant |
Step by step: What to do if BRP card is lost in UK
If you are still inside the UK, follow this order.
1. Report the loss online to the Home Office
Go to the official UK government service to report your BRP lost or stolen.
You will usually need:
- Your full name and date of birth
- Passport details
- BRP number if you have a photo or copy
- A short explanation of when and where it was lost.
After you submit the form, your old BRP is cancelled. If you later find the card, you must destroy it and must not use it.
2. Teach the police in case stolen
Just in case you feel that it has been stolen, go to the local police station and demand them to issue a crime reference number. Many universities strongly advise this, and it can help if the Home Office asks for proof of theft.
3. Move to eVisa instead of trying to Replace BRP card UK student visa
Due to the switch to eVisas, many students can no longer simply Replace BRP card UK student visa with a new plastic card. In most cases you will now:
- Create or sign in to your UKVI account
- Link your current passport
- Access your eVisa to prove your status online
Official guidance and UKCISA both explain that replacement BRP cards are being phased out, and you must use your eVisa instead.
This online account becomes your main proof of immigration status, so it is now the core of the BRP replacement process for students.
Lost BRP card outside the UK – what changes
If you have a Lost BRP card outside the UK, the steps are slightly different.
1. Report to local police
- Visit a local police station
- Ask for a report or reference number
- Keep the document and a scan or photo of it
This can help when you apply for a visa to re enter the UK.
2. Report the BRP loss online to the Home Office
Use the same online service, selecting that you are outside the UK.
3. Apply for a single entry “replacement BRP visa”
You usually cannot get a new BRP card while outside the UK. Instead, you may need a special single entry visa often called a “replacement BRP visa” that lets you enter the UK once. As of current guidance, it normally costs around £154.
This is a key part of the BRP replacement process for students who have a Lost BRP card outside the UK and need to travel back to campus.
Final thoughts
A Lost BRP card UK student situation is serious, but it does not have to end your study plans. The key is to:
- Report the loss quickly
- Keep all proof such as police reports and emails
- Move to your eVisa and UKVI account as your main status proof
- Get professional advice when things feel unclear
If you want one to one support with your case, Studyleads Consultants is ready to guide you through each step so you can focus again on your studies, not your documents.