A Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) is a secure identity card which contains personal details and biometric information for those who have permission (a visa) to come to the UK for more than 6 months.

Those applying for a Skilled Worker visa for six months or more receive a 30 day vignette, which is used to enter the UK, and are instructed when and where to collect their Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) after they arrive in the UK.

If you are unable to travel within this 30 day period, you will need to apply for a new vignette.

The purpose of the BRP is to provide evidence your immigration status. You will not need to carry it at all times, but you will need to show it to demonstrate your entitlement to work or to access public services.

Information regarding collecting the BRP card is usually mentioned on the visa letter which is given at the time of the visa being issued.

The instructions are to usually collect from the local post office in the UK within the first 10 days of arrival. (During covid, once the mandatory quarantine periods have been completed then you should collect your BRP card.