Find out what you need to do if your BRP or passport is lost, stolen or damaged, either inside the UK or elsewhere in the world.
It can be expensive and take a long time to replace your BRP or passport if they’re lost, stolen or damaged.
You don't need to have them with you all the time and it's better to keep them safe at home. For everyday identification purposes, you can get a Citizencard. You should also take a photo of your passport and visa.
Report your lost, stolen or damaged visa or BRP
What to do if you're in the UK
- Report your BRP or visa as lost, stolen or damaged to UKVI immediately and apply for a replacement.
- Report the theft/loss to the police and obtain a police report, if applicable.
- Remember to tell the Immigration Compliance team too. Email immigrationcompliance@arts.ac.uk.
- Contact the Student Advice Service as soon as possible for guidance on what to do next at UAL.
- Follow the guidance from the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA).
If your BRP is lost, stolen or damaged within the UK and you leave before you have applied for a replacement, you won’t be allowed to re-enter the UK. Follow the same process as though your BRP card were lost, stolen or damaged outside the UK.
What to do if you're outside the UK
If your BRP is lost, damaged or stolen outside the UK, you won’t be allowed to enter/re-enter the UK until you have a single entry visa.
- Apply for a single entry visa to replace a BRP.
- Tell your College or Institute you’re waiting to receive this.
- Remember to tell the Immigration Compliance team too. Email immigrationcompliance@arts.ac.uk.
If you don’t have a BRP and your visa is a sticker in your passport (a vignette) which is lost or stolen, you won’t be allowed to enter/re-enter the UK.
- You’ll need to apply for a new passport and then apply for a 'vignette transfer' before returning.
- Tell your College or Institute you’re waiting to receive this.
- Remember to tell the Immigration Compliance team too. Email immigrationcompliance@arts.ac.uk.
What happens if you can't attend your course
If you can’t enter the UK because of a lost, stolen or damaged BRP or visa, it may not be possible for you to meet your course attendance and engagement responsibilities while you’re away. You may miss too much of your course and need to take time out.
- Contact the Student Advice Service as soon as possible for guidance on what to do next at UAL.