Incorrect, lost or stolen documents (BRP/visa/passport)

BRP card errors

If you have a mistake on your BRP you are obliged to notify the UKVI of this mistake so that they can issue you with a new card. Failure to do so could result in a significant fine of up to £1000.

The International@CampusLife team is able to help you request a correct card at no cost. In order to do this, they just need certain details and your permission to liaise with the UKVI on your behalf. 

Process stages

1)  Send the completed BRP mistakes: information and consent form, along with a copy of your BRP, to the International@CampusiIfe (ICL) team using the SUVisas@swansea.ac.uk email address. They then contact the UKVI to highlight the mistake.
2) The UKVI will look at your case, if a mistake has been made they will automatically cancel your current BRP and re-issue one with the correct details.
3) ICL will contact you (via your University email) to say that the UKVI have agreed to re-issue your new card.
4) When your new BRP arrives your new BRP will be at MyUniHub for you to collect and you will be notified you by email that it is waiting for you
5) You need to send your old BRP back to UKVI and could face a fine if you do not do so. The address for this is:
BRP returns, PO BOX 195, Bristol, BS20 1BT
(If you are sending back a BRP and you are outside the UK the address is: BRP returns, Home Office, Conference House, Conference Avenue, Portishead Office Park, Portishead, Bristol, BS20 7LZ).

You MUST follow the above process (paying special attention to number 1) to be able to access ICL assistance. 

Important notes

• If UKVI refuse to re-issue your BRP the ICL team will contact you direct by email for next steps
• Do not return your old BRP to the UKVI until your new one has been received
• We recommend that you get a VALIDATE ID card. This is a card issued by the UK government that you can carry with you to prove your identity instead of your passport/BRP. It reduces the risk of you losing either of those important (and hard to replace) documents. You can access one easily via ICL who will manage the process and liaise with the UK Government for you
• You cannot travel out of the UK until your new BRP is returned (process time approx.: 4-12 weeks)

eVisa error

Please send the completed BRP eVISA BRP mistakes: information and consent form  along with your evisa share code, to the International@CampusiIfe (ICL) team using the SUVisas@swansea.ac.uk email address. We will then advise you on the steps required to correct your eVisa. 

My Biometric Residence Card (BRP) has been lost or stolen in the UK

If your BRP was stolen you need to report it at Swansea Central Police Station. They may give you a Police Report Reference Number but do not worry if they do not.

You no longer have to replace your BRP if it is lost or stolen. This is because the UKVI has stopped issuing replacement BRP cards and all visa holders will need an eVisa instead. We have information and guidance about getting an eVisa on our eVisa website. 

If you have lost your BRP or it has been stolen there are still a few things you should still do. Please read all the information here and follow the instructions. 

What do I need to do?

1. Inform UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) about your lost BRP as soon as possible. You do this online by following the instructions here on the Gov.UK website. It will take you just a few minutes to complete. Important: if you fail to report a lost or stolen BRP you may be issued a Civil Penalty of up to £1,000 and be made to leave the UK.

2. If you haven't already done so, apply for an eVisa. eVisas will replace BRPs as a method of proving visa status. You may already have an eVisa if you recently applied for your current visa from inside the UK. If not, you will need to apply for an eVisa to replace your lost BRP card as soon as possible. 


What happens when I need to travel outside the UK?

An eVisa is an electronic record of your visa status.

International air, sea and rail companies as well as UKVI and UK Border Officers will be able to see your eVisa status automatically.

Once your eVisa has been issued, you must make sure any personal details are kept up to date and that your travel document (e.g. passport) is linked to it. Check your eVisa details are correct using the UKVI View and Prove immigration status portal and update any passport information or personal details using the Update your UKVI Account portal.   

The UKVI have provided a useful video about using eVisas to travel and we also have more information about applying for and updating eVisas on our eVisa website.

My Biometric Residence Card (BRP) has been lost or stolen while overseas

You no longer have to replace your BRP if it is lost or stolen. This is because the UKVI has stopped issuing replacement BRP cards and all visa holders will need an eVisa instead. We have information and guidance about getting an eVisa on our eVisa website. 

If you have lost your BRP or it as been stolen there are still a few things you should still do. Please read all the information here and follow the instructions. 

What do I need to do?

1. Inform UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) about your lost BRP as soon as possible. You do this online by following the instructions here on the Gov.UK website. It will take you just a few minutes to complete. Important: if you fail to report a lost or stolen BRP you may be issued a Civil Penalty of up to £1,000 and be made to leave the UK.

2. If you haven't already done so, apply for an eVisa. eVisas replace BRPs as a method of proving visa status. You may already have an eVisa if you recently applied for your current visa from inside the UK. If not, you will need to apply for an eVisa to replace your lost BRP card as soon as possible. 


How will I be able to travel back to the UK without a BRP?

An eVisa is an electronic record of your visa status.

International air, sea and rail companies as well as UKVI and UK Border Officers will be able to see your eVisa status automatically.

If you haven't already created your eVisa before your BRP was lost, you can use your passport and the unique application number (GWF number) for your most recent visa application (i.e. the application you made that led to your current visa being granted) to create your UKVI Account and evisa instead. 

Once your eVisa has been issued, you must make sure any personal details are kept up to date and that your travel document (e.g. passport) is linked to it. Check your eVisa details are correct using the UKVI View and Prove immigration status portal and generate a share code in case you need to show anyone your visa status.  You must update any passport information or personal details using the Update your UKVI Account portal.   

The UKVI have provided a useful video about using eVisas to travel and we also have more information about applying for and updating eVisas on our eVisa website.

Lost or Stolen passport

          In the UK

1. Report to the police and get a police report/ crime reference number
2. Apply for a new passport at your embassy. You can find details of your embassy in the UK on  Foreign & Commonwealth Office list
3. If the full length of your visa was in the form of a sticker in your passport, you need to apply to transfer your old visa to a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)
4. Apply for a transfer of conditions, using TOC form: You will be required to enrol your Biometrics as part of this application and will receive a BRP card once the application is successfully processed. The fee is £161
5. Update myunihub@swansea.ac.uk with new passport details.

Outside the UK

1. Report to the police and get a police report/ crime reference number
2. Apply for a new passport at your embassy. You can find details of your embassy in the UK on  Foreign & Commonwealth Office list
3. If the full length of your visa was in the form of a sticker in your passport, once you have your new passport, you need to apply for a vignette transfer to get a replacement visa printed inside your new passport. This costs £154.  If you have BRP card you do not need to do this
4. Update myunihub@swansea.ac.uk with new passport details.

You will need Police report, copy of visa/decision letter and evidence you are still studying at Swansea University (student statement from myunihub@swansea.ac.uk).

If you are overseas and starting a new course at Swansea University you will be issued with a 90 day 'vignette' visa printed inside your passport.

This will allow you to travel to the UK any time between the validity dates printed on the vignette. The vignette/Student Route visa is valid for a specific course and course dates at Swansea University.

If you decide to defer/delay the start date of your course, please speak to adviser at International@CampusLife who will be able to advise you about re-applying for a Student visa from overseas.