Ancestry visa - Lost BRP and left UK - how to obtain replacement

[kiwi45]

I am looking for some visa advice in regards to my UK ancestry visa. I’m in a unique situation where I have been issued a valid ancestry visa which expires in 2021 but I no longer have the physical biometric resident permit card. I lived in the UK until late 2017 when I moved back to New Zealand (I planned to NZ for a year which is nearly over before moving back to the UK). Unfortunately I physically lost my biometric resident permit right before I left to move back to NZ and didn’t have enough time to apply for a new one (the application takes up to 10 weeks) although I did report the card lost or stolen. Given that I didn’t apply for a replacement before I left and you can’t apply from outside the UK I am worried there is no way to obtain a replacement card before coming back.

I know you are not meant to travel outside the UK without a card if you intend on coming back and there is apparently a £1000 fine for not applying for a replacement within 3 months of losing the card so I am worried there is no way to gain re-entry under the ancestry visa. Everywhere I search online has no help for my situation and any visa experts I contact have no idea what to do in my situation.

If anyone has been in a similar situation or knows someone who has that can give any guidance as to how to obtain a replacement before I try to move back to the UK that would be much appreciated.

[CR001]

You could try apply for a single entry replacement visa, costs £154. Not sure if your absence will be an issue though.

https://www.gov.uk/biometric-residence- ... en-damaged

You’re outside the UK

You should report your lost or stolen BRP outside the UK.

You can’t apply for a replacement BRP outside the UK. Instead, you’ll need to get a ‘replacement BRP visa’, which lets you re-enter the UK once only. It costs £154.

Apply for a ‘replacement BRP visa’ online.

If you return to the UK, you must apply for a replacement BRP within 1 month of your return.

[kiwi45]

Thanks. I think that's the best bet although every time I contact anyone from the home office or try and get any help from experts they all say they have no idea what to do in my situation.

I was thinking the other option is to just apply for a whole new ancestry visa. Although I don't know if I am eligible for one while my current one is technically still valid. Does anyone have any idea if that's a feasible solution?

[CR001]

You can reapply for a new 5 year Ancestry visa, especially as you have already been absent for more than 180 days, your current visa won't lead to ILR as you have a break in your continuous residence.