Lana Oconnell
International students in the UK above the age of 16 can work up to 20 hours a week during term time. To work in the UK and pay National Insurance, international students must apply for a National Insurance number online and prove their identity. It can take up to four weeks to receive a National Insurance number after proving your identity, and you may need to attend an in-person appointment.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who needs a National Insurance Number | Anyone who wants to undertake paid employment in the UK |
| Who will automatically get a National Insurance Number | Anyone over 16 years old |
| When to apply | Once in the UK |
| Application requirements | Looking for work or having a job offer |
| Documents required | Identity proof |
| Application process | Online application on the Gov.UK website |
| Time taken | Up to 4 weeks after proving identity |
| Contact for help | 0800 141 2079 (Monday to Friday, 8.00 am to 5.00 pm) |
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What You'll Learn
Application requirements
To apply for a National Insurance number as an international student, you must be in the UK and actively looking for work or have a job offer. You can start working without a National Insurance number, but you will need one to avoid paying emergency tax.
The application process can be completed online via the Gov.UK website. You will need to provide various documents to support your application, although the specific requirements are not outlined on the Gov.UK website. If you do not have the required documents, you may need to attend an appointment to prove your identity, and you may need to take a photo of your identity documents and upload them.
It is important to note that if you have a BRP (Biometric Residence Permit) or eVisa, you may already have a National Insurance number. Additionally, if your parent or guardian filled in a Child Benefit claim form for you, you may have a National Insurance number. You can check this by contacting HMRC.
After submitting your application, it can take up to four weeks to receive your National Insurance number, although some sources state that it can take up to 16 weeks. If you have any queries during the application process, you can call the National Insurance number application helpline on 0800 141 2079, Monday to Friday, between 8 am and 5 pm.
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Proving your identity
To get a National Insurance number, you must apply online on the Gov.UK website. You will need to provide documents to prove your identity, and you may need to take a photo of your identity documents and upload them to your online application. If you do not have these documents, you may need to attend an appointment to prove your identity.
It is not clear exactly which documents are required to prove your identity, but it is likely that a passport or other photo ID will be needed. It may also be necessary to provide proof of address, such as a utility bill or bank statement. If you are an international student, you may also need to provide proof of your student status, such as a letter of acceptance from your university or college.
It is important to note that you can only apply for a National Insurance number once you are in the UK, and you must be looking for work or have an offer of employment to apply. You can start working without a National Insurance number, but you will need one to avoid paying emergency tax.
After you have applied and proven your identity, it can take up to four weeks to receive your National Insurance number, although some sources state that it could take up to 16 weeks. If you have an application reference number, you should have this ready when you call to check the status of your application.
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How to apply
To apply for a National Insurance Number as an international student, you must be in the UK and either be looking for work or have an offer for a job. You can start work without a National Insurance number, but you will need one to avoid paying emergency tax.
You can apply for a National Insurance number online on the Gov.UK website. You will need to provide documents to prove your identity. If you do not have these documents, you may need to attend an appointment to prove your identity. You may need to take a photo of your identity documents and upload them to your online application. If you have a BRP or eVisa, you may already have a National Insurance number.
After you apply, it can take up to 4 weeks to get your National Insurance number after you have proven your identity. However, it can sometimes take up to 16 weeks. If you have an application reference number, have it ready when you call. You will find it at the top of the confirmation email sent to you after you applied.
If you need help with your National Insurance number application, you can call 0800 141 2079 from Monday to Friday, 8.00 am to 5.00 pm.
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How long it takes
The process of obtaining a National Insurance number as an international student in the UK can vary in terms of timing, but official sources indicate that it typically takes up to four weeks to receive your National Insurance number after submitting your application and providing proof of your identity.
After applying, you will receive an email with your application reference number and instructions on any additional steps required, such as providing further proof of your identity. It is important to follow these instructions promptly to ensure the process moves forward without delay.
The time it takes can be influenced by various factors, including the accuracy and completeness of your application, as well as the volume of applications being processed at the time. It is recommended to apply as early as possible to account for any potential delays and ensure you receive your National Insurance number in a timely manner.
While the process typically takes up to four weeks, there may be instances where it could take longer. For example, if additional documentation or information is required, or if there are complexities in your specific situation, the process may extend beyond the typical timeframe.
To expedite the process, it is advisable to gather all the necessary documents and information before initiating your application. This includes proof of your identity, such as a passport or birth certificate, and any other relevant documentation that may be required. Additionally, ensuring that your application is complete and accurate can help prevent delays.
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What to do if you didn't receive a National Insurance number before your 16th birthday
You are normally sent a National Insurance number in the three months before your 16th birthday. If you did not receive yours, you may want to first check if you already have one—you may have one if your parent or guardian filled in a Child Benefit claim form for you. If you have a BRP or eVisa, you might also already have a National Insurance number.
If you do not have a National Insurance number, you must apply for one if you plan to work. You can only apply when you are in the UK, and it can take up to four weeks to get your National Insurance number. You can apply online if your parent or guardian did not fill in a Child Benefit claim form for you. If you have an application reference number, have it ready when you call. You will find it at the top of the confirmation email sent to you after you applied.
If you are unsure whether you have a National Insurance number or not, you can try to find out by opening a government gateway account, which contains all your tax and NI information. To open one, you will need to provide passport identification. Once you have a government gateway account, you can ring the helpline to have your National Insurance number sent out to you by post.
If you are applying for a provisional driving licence, you can do so without a National Insurance number, but the process may take longer.
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Frequently asked questions
No, you do not need a National Insurance number to start an application for benefits or a student loan. If you need one to get your benefit or student loan paid, you will be contacted and told how to get one.
You can apply for a National Insurance number online. You will need to prove your identity when you apply.
It can take up to 4 weeks to get your National Insurance number after you have proved your identity.
No, you can start work without one if you can prove you have the right to work in the UK. However, you will need a National Insurance number before you can start paying National Insurance contributions.
You may need to provide documents such as a BRP or eVisa to prove your identity. You will be told how to take photos of these documents during the application process.
