Hello

Has anyone's Partner applied for one of these? Mine hasn't and I am wondering if she should have?

Thanks

DE

The ID card for Foreign Natuionals is now called a " biometric residence permit". It is essentially the same thing as the leave to remain stamp in a passport. Not all categories of residents in the UK require the permit. Below is an extract from the UKBA website which describes what the permit is :

"Depending on your immigration category, you may need to apply for a biometric residence permit if you apply for permission to extend your stay in the UK. The categories who must currently apply for a permit if they want to extend their stay are listed at the bottom of this page.

You cannot apply for a biometric residence permit unless you are applying to extend your stay in one of the categories listed at the bottom of this page.

When you apply to extend your stay in the UK, the application form will tell you whether you must also apply for a biometric residence permit. You will use this form to apply to extend your stay and to apply for a biometric residence permit. You will also need to enrol your biometric information (fingerprints and facial photograph) with us."

One of the categories which requires the permit is :

"husband, wife, civil partner, unmarried partner or same-sex partner of a British citizen or a person who has settled in the UK"

And this is what the permit does for you :

"Your biometric residence permit is evidence of your permission to stay in the UK, and shows the conditions of your stay. It enables you to confirm your identity and your rights to study and/or work here, and to access public services.

You must show the permit to your employer or approved education provider before you start to work or study.

You must take your permit with you if you go abroad while you have permission to stay in the UK. You may need to show the permit to an immigration officer at the border when you leave the UK. You will also need to show it as well as your valid national passport or travel document before you begin your return journey, and again when you re-enter the UK. The permit proves that you are allowed to return to the UK, but it cannot be used instead of a passport or travel document."

As I said initially, it is essentially what your wife already has in her passport

Thanks for the excellent response.