Biometric Residence Permit needed for Tier2 to Tier1 switch

[manish607]

Hi,

I came to UK in Sept 15 2010 on fresh Tier 2 ICT. I want to switch to Tier 1 and in the form for switching to Tier 1, I saw the requirment to enter the details for "Biometric Residence Permit". The form says that "Pleae note that the application to be valid and complete, the application's current Biometric Residence Permit must be provided, unless it is not available for one of the reasons specified on the application form". The reason are lost/stolen/expired/elsewhere in UK Border Agency.

I got my Biometrics registered in Bangalore VFS office but no BRP card or number was provided to me. My Visa was stamped on my passport as a sticker.

I checked online and got conflicting comments on BPR requirement for Tier1 and hence posting here.

1. Do I need to first apply for the BPR and only then should I apply for Tier 1 application?
2. If BPR is not required, should I leave the page as Blank or enter "Not Applicable" or some other comments to make sure my application is not rejected.
3. The form I am filling is version 09/10 and hence I am not sure if this is a new requirement or was present in earlier version also.

Please guide.

[geriatrix]

For the application to be valid and complete, the applicant must provide his/her original current passport or travel document unless it is not available for one of the reasons specified on the application form. If the applicant has a current grant of leave on a Biometric Residence Permit he/she must also provide their Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) for the application to be valid and complete. The applicant should also provide all previous passports and/or travel documents that he/she has used to travel to and remain in the United Kingdom.

regards