Regulation 13A F1
The Secretary of State may issue a biometric immigration document to a person who has applied in accordance with regulation 3A and has been granted entry clearance, which, by virtue of provision made under section 3A(3) of the Immigration Act 1971, has effect as leave to enter the United Kingdom.
The reference to the issue of a biometric immigration document in paragraph (1) includes allowing the person to view their biometric immigration document electronically.
Where an entry clearance is granted under paragraph (1) and the entry clearance officer issues a short term biometric entry clearance, the entry clearance officer must issue a written decision informing the applicant of the period of leave that their biometric immigration document will evidence and the process by which the applicant must obtain that document.
A successful applicant who travels to the United Kingdom must obtain their biometric immigration document within a period, and by a process, specified in the applicant’s written decision (issued under paragraph (2)).
A biometric immigration document issued under this regulation begins to have effect on the date of issue F4or if later, the date on which the entry clearance specified in an eVisa has effect.
A biometric immigration document issued under this regulation ceases to have effect on one of the dates specified in paragraph (6), whichever date occurs earliest.
The specified dates are—
the date that the person’s leave to enter or remain ceases to have effect, including where the leave is varied, cancelled or invalidated, or is to lapse;
in the case of a biometric F5card or biometric sticker which was issued to a person aged sixteen or over, the date after the expiry of ten years beginning with the date of issue;
in the case of a biometric F6card or biometric sticker which was issued to a person aged under sixteen, the date after the expiry of five years beginning with the date of issue; or
the expiry date printed on the F7biometric card or biometric sticker where issued to the person.
Where the person is issued with a biometric card or biometric sticker, the information contained on that card or sticker is to be read subject to the information on the person’s biometric immigration document.
In this regulation—
“entry clearance officer” means a person responsible for the grant or refusal of entry clearance; and
“short term biometric entry clearance” means an entry clearance document which—
is issued to a person who has made a successful application for a biometric immigration document from outside the United Kingdom, in order that the person may travel to the United Kingdom to obtain that biometric immigration document; and
has a period of validity ending before the expiry of the period of leave that the holder’s biometric immigration document will evidence.
Annotations
Textual amendments
- F1
Regs. 13A, 13B inserted (17.3.2015) by The Immigration (Biometric Registration) (Amendment) Regulations 2015 (S.I. 2015/433), regs. 1(1), 12
- F2
Reg. 13A(1) substituted (27.3.2025) by The Immigration (Biometric Information etc.) (Amendment) Regulations 2025 (S.I. 2025/382), regs. 1(2), 19(a)
- F3
Reg. 13A(1A) inserted (1.7.2021) by The Immigration (Collection, Use and Retention of Biometric Information and Related Amendments) Regulations 2021 (S.I. 2021/772), reg. 1(1), Sch. para. 3(5)(b)
- F4
Words in reg. 13A(4) inserted (27.3.2025) by The Immigration (Biometric Information etc.) (Amendment) Regulations 2025 (S.I. 2025/382), regs. 1(2), 19(b)
- F5
Words in reg. 13A(6)(b) substituted (1.7.2021) by The Immigration (Collection, Use and Retention of Biometric Information and Related Amendments) Regulations 2021 (S.I. 2021/772), reg. 1(1), Sch. para. 3(5)(c)(i)
- F6
Words in reg. 13A(6)(c) substituted (1.7.2021) by The Immigration (Collection, Use and Retention of Biometric Information and Related Amendments) Regulations 2021 (S.I. 2021/772), reg. 1(1), Sch. para. 3(5)(c)(i)
- F7
Words in reg. 13A(6)(d) substituted (1.7.2021) by The Immigration (Collection, Use and Retention of Biometric Information and Related Amendments) Regulations 2021 (S.I. 2021/772), reg. 1(1), Sch. para. 3(5)(c)(ii)
- F8
Reg. 13A(6A) inserted (1.7.2021) by The Immigration (Collection, Use and Retention of Biometric Information and Related Amendments) Regulations 2021 (S.I. 2021/772), reg. 1(1), Sch. para. 3(5)(d)