Guidance on British Overseas Territories Citizen Registration (BOTC(F)) Updated for Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) Pro
Current rules
The guidance for registration as a British Overseas Territories citizen (BOTC(F)) for people born before July 2006 to unmarried fathers connected to a British overseas territory has been updated regarding the process for destroying a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP).
Overview
UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) has updated its guidance for registering as a British Overseas Territories Citizen (BOTC(F)) for those born before July 2006 to unmarried fathers. The update, effective 20 August 2026, specifically revises the process for the destruction of Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) upon successful registration. This administrative change applies to applicants in British overseas territories seeking BOTC(F) status.
Who is affected by the latest change
- People born outside an overseas territory before 1 July 2006 whose unmarried father was born, became a national, or registered in a British overseas territory before their birth
- People born inside an overseas territory between 1 January 1983 and 30 June 2006 (including these dates), whose unmarried father was born, became a national, or registered in a British overseas territory before their birth, or whose father was settled in an overseas territory before their birth
- People born before 1 July 2006 whose unmarried father became a British Overseas Territories citizen (BOTC) or settled after their birth, but who cannot use existing registration rules because their parents were not married
- People born on or after 1 July 2006 who did not become a British Overseas Territories citizen (BOTC) because their mother was married to someone other than their natural father
What changed in the latest version
Before
The old guidance for registering as a British Overseas Territories Citizen (BOTC(F)) included a process for Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs). This process is now no longer valid.
After
The guidance for registering as a British Overseas Territories Citizen (BOTC(F)) has been updated. It affects people born before July 2006. These people must have unmarried fathers connected to a British overseas territory. The update changes the process for destroying a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP).
This update matters for people who have successfully registered as a British Overseas Territories Citizen (BOTC). These people previously held a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP). They must now follow a new process for destroying their Biometric Residence Permit. Destroying a Biometric Residence Permit incorrectly could cause problems. It could also lead to someone using the document wrongly. It is important to understand and follow the new process. This finishes the administrative part of their citizenship application. It also prevents problems with their immigration status or identification documents. This change mainly affects the final steps of document management. It applies to new citizens who used to hold Biometric Residence Permits.
Explained simply
Imagine you've been living in a place and had a special ID card, like a school ID, showing you could be there. Now, you've qualified for a new, fancier status, like becoming a full citizen of that place. The government has just updated the rules for what you do with your old ID card once you get your new status. It's just a small change about how they handle the old card; it doesn't change how you qualify for the new status, but makes sure everyone knows what to do with the old ID once it's no longer needed.
Frequently asked
Version history
- v10Effective 20 Aug 2026EffectiveLow impactGuidance on British Overseas Territories Citizen Registration (BOTC(F)) Updated for Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) Process
UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) has updated its guidance. This guidance is for registering as a British Overseas Territories Citizen (BOTC(F)). This change started on 20 August 2026. The update changes how you must destroy a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP). The guidance applies to people born before July 2006. These people must have unmarried fathers connected to a British overseas territory. The guidance also applies to people born on or after 1 July 2006. These people did not become a British Overseas Territories Citizen because their mother was married to someone other than their natural father. This update changes how UKVI handles documents after people get citizenship.
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