What happens if I am late returning my BRP? Please help ASAP

Hi everyone,

Hope you are well. Asking on the behalf of someone.

It's been more than 5 days since the person got their citizenship certificate. A week. We weren't aware that it has to be returned within 5 working days, just checked today.

So today will be day 6 if taking into account the day the the certificate was received - last week Tuesday. So I'm thinking should we post it 1st class and let it be or do recorded which I was going to do in the first place but recorded will have a date of postage on it. 1st class they won't know when it was posted but there's a chance it could get lost?

Can someone please help asap. Bit worried re the fine.

Thank you

First of all don't overthink, we haven't had substantiated reports of members being fined for not or late returning ...

See this recent thread on the subject: british-citizenship/brp-return-after-na ... 40161.html

If applicable:
Have you used your BRP to support a British passport application for your child/children - the BRP is the only document that confirms child's claim to British citizenship.

You are free to return of course, but no need to explain yourself.

Thank you for the reassurance.

Yes we have a child but I am a British citizen since birth, my wife is from abroad and is the one who obtained citizenship. In this case I think it should be fine to send her brp back?

Please advise and thanks.

In that case shouldn’t be any issue with returning card.

Thank you!

Scary thing surrendering the brp is if for any reason my wife has to go abroad urgently she wouldn't be allowed back in, not until she's got her British passport.

KM0170 wrote: ↑

Wed Sep 27, 2023 8:21 pm

Thank you!

Scary thing surrendering the brp is if for any reason my wife has to go abroad urgently she wouldn't be allowed back in, not until she's got her British passport.

Be aware the passport application requires the original naturalisation certificate and original foreign passport are submitted. Processing is quite fast these days though the HMPO target is still stated as 10 weeks.
British passport applications timelines: british-citizenship/british-passport-ap ... l#p2130936

KM0170 wrote: ↑

Wed Sep 27, 2023 8:21 pm

Thank you!

Scary thing surrendering the brp is if for any reason my wife has to go abroad urgently she wouldn't be allowed back in, not until she's got her British passport.

If she did go out and had to return using the ILR BRP, it most likely would be seized and destroyed at the POE by immigration. So it is mandatory to get a BP regardless.

Thanks for your replies.

From my understanding we can't apply for a fast track passport as this will be her first passport. Is this correct?


Thanks again

Thank you!!!