Frequently Asked Questions: Other issues (Lost passports/ Registering with the Police)
1. I have lost my passport/ Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)/ Identity Card for Foreign Nationals (ICFN)/ , what should I do?
Passport: If you have lost your passport or it has been stolen (in the UK), you must in the first instance report this to the Police and obtain a report or crime reference number.
You must then contact your embassy or high commission in London to find out what the requirements are to obtain a new passport.
If your passport contained your visa, you will need to apply to the UK Border Agency to request a Transfer of Conditions (TOC) . This currently costs £220 by postal application or £661 for a premium (in person) application. You must read the Transfer of Conditions Guide and complete the Transfer of Conditions (TOC) application form. Your new visa will be issued on a Biometrics Residence Permit (BRP). This will mean that you must make an appointment to provide your biometrics. If you have a premium appointment you will provide your biometrics at the same time as your application. If you make a postal application, you will be sent a letter asking you to make an appointment after you have submitted your application form.
As with all applications to the UK Border Agency, you must ensure that you meet all the requirements, provide the necessary documents, provide photographs in line with the UK Border Agency Photo Guidance, payment by postal order, send by special delivery if making a postal application and keeping a photocopy of your completed application and all documents.
If you are outside the UK and your passport has been lost or stolen and you plan to return to the UK to continue your studies at UEL, please email isa@uel.ac.uk for advice.
Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) / Identity Card for Foreign Nationals (ICFN): If you have lost your BRP/ ICFN, or it has been stolen (in the UK), you must report this to the UK Border Agency as soon as you discover this. Once you have reported the card as lost or stolen, it will be cancelled and you must apply for a new one within 3 months of reporting it as lost or stolen. Failure to do so could mean that your leave to remain in the UK could be curtailed and you could be fined
You can find information about how to report this on the UK Border Agency web site - Biometric Residence Permit Holders' Responsibilities
You can apply for a replacement card using the form BRP(RC) The cost of a replacement card application is £37 and can only be made by post.
You can find information about completing the form in the UKBA Guidance. You will see that the UKBA do not give guidance on how long it will take to receive your new card.
You can find more information about what to do if you lose your passport/ visa on the UKCISA webpages here.
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2. My Visa says that I have to register with the Police. What do I do?
Some international students are required to register with the police. If you have a student visa for more than 6 months and you are required to register with the police, it will be stamped on your visa that you must register with the police. You must do this within 7 days of arrival.
If you are required to register with the police, there is a £34 charge for the initial registration. You should take your passport, two passport sized photographs and fee. If you have a dependant who is also required to register with the police, they too must go in person for the initial registration.
Renewal of police registration, for example because you have extended your visa is free of charge.
You must notify the police of any change in address within 7 days. If any of the particulars detailed in your police registration certificate change (for example: immigration conditions, passport details, name, address, marital status or occupation) you must notify the police within 8 days.
If you live within the Greater London area, you should go to:
- The Overseas Visitors Records Office. Ground Floor, Brandon House, 180 Borough High Street, Borough, London. SE1 1LH (nearest underground station: Borough -Northern Line)
- Telephone number: 020 7230 1286
- There is also a recorded information line: 020 7230 1208
- The Overseas Visitors Records Office in Borough is normally open from 9.00 until 16.00 Monday to Friday.
- Students living outside the Greater London area should register with the local police force.
For more information on the Police Registration Certificate see the UKBA information here.
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