Hello,
I just wanted to share my experience changing my EEA RC (extended family member) to the EU Settlement Scheme BRC (BRCE).
I initially applied online back in April 2020. I used the link below:
https://visas-immigration.service.gov.u ... nt-service
However I was not able to book a biometric appointment due to Covid. I received an email in July with the following:
"
You currently have a pending application for replacement of a BRC which was lost, stolen or damaged but due to COVID-19 restrictions you have not been able to enrol your biometrics.
To progress your application we have exceptionally taken steps to reuse biometrics you provided previously. This will avoid the need for you to attend a biometric enrolment centre.
Before we can decide your application you now need to provide further information
Proving your identity
Reply to this email (do not send us a new email) providing us with:
EITHER
a scan or photograph of the biodata page of your passport. This is the page which shows your photograph, your full name, date of birth and nationality.
OR
a passport style photograph of yourself, showing your head and shoulders, and type into the email your full name, date of birth and nationality"
I replied to this email in September with a scan of my passport and then I received another email to confirm my application:
"
Thank you for your application to exchange your biometric residence card (BRC) issued under the EEA Regulations for a biometric residence card that reflects the leave you have been granted under the EU Settlement Scheme.
Please note that a BRC issued under EEA Regulations provides you with an exemption from the requirement to obtain a visa to travel to another Member State of the European Union. A BRC issued under the EU Settlement Scheme does not, and if you choose to exchange your current BRC for a BRC issued under the EU Settlement Scheme, you will be required to apply for a Schengen visa to travel to another EU Member State. You only need to apply to replace your biometric residence card issued under the EEA Regulations when it expires and then only if you intend to travel outside the United Kingdom, as you can rely upon your digital status to prove your right to stay, work or study in the United Kingdom.
Can you please confirm that you are therefore content to proceed with your application? We are unable to proceed with your application until you have confirmed if you are content to proceed.
Please confirm how you wish to proceed urgently".
I confirmed my application and received a reply the following day, informing me that I would receive my new card within 10 working days. I received the card in that timeframe.
Then I updated my identity document online as well. As some of you have mentioned, my current pre-settled status was attached to my previous EEA RC so I proceeded to update my identity card online. I know some people have sent their new card to the offices in Liverpool but I did mine online and within one day I received a response. I used the following link:
https://www.gov.uk/update-uk-visas-immi ... nt-details
Good luck!