What should I do if I lose my passport or BRP while in the UK?

Losing your passport or Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) in the UK is a stressful situation, but there are clear steps to follow:

If you lose your BRP (Biometric Residence Permit):
1. Report it to the police — get a crime reference number
2. Apply for a replacement BRP online through gov.uk (you have 3 months from the date you notice it is lost/stolen)
3. Fee: £56 for replacement
4. Processing: 5–10 working days
5. If your leave has not changed, you do not need to re-prove your status, just replace the BRP

If you lose your passport (but have a BRP):
- Your BRP still shows your immigration status
- Apply for a replacement passport at your country's embassy or high commission in London
- Most embassies can issue an emergency travel document within a few days
- When travelling with a new passport and existing BRP — carry both, along with any previous documents showing your visa history

If you lose both passport and BRP:
1. Report to police immediately (crime reference number)
2. Contact your country's embassy for an emergency passport
3. Apply to UKVI for a BRP replacement once you have a valid passport
4. Do not attempt international travel until you have valid travel documents

While waiting for replacement documents:
- Contact your university's international student office — they can provide a letter confirming your student status
- You may be able to use alternative evidence of leave (GWF reference, email confirmations from UKVI) for some purposes

Staying in the UK: You are not at risk of immediate immigration action if you are reporting a genuine loss and following up. However, do not travel internationally without valid documents.