- What is a National Insurance number
- Do I already have a National Insurance number?
- How do UK students get a National Insurance number?
- How do international students apply for a National Insurance number?
- What documents do I need to apply?
- Can I start work while waiting for my National Insurance number?
- How long will my National Insurance number take?
- Which address should I use?
What is a National Insurance number
A National Insurance number is used to make sure your National Insurance contributions and tax are recorded against your name. Your National Insurance number stays the same for life.
If you plan to work in the UK, check whether you already have a National Insurance number before applying for one.
Do I already have a National Insurance number?
If you have a biometric residence permit (BRP) or eVisa, you may already have a National Insurance number.
You can check:
- the back of your BRP
- your eVisa by logging into your UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account.
If you already have a National Insurance number, you do not need to apply for another one.
How do UK students get a National Insurance number?
If you are a UK resident aged 19 or under, you will normally be sent a National Insurance number in the three months before your 16th birthday if you live in the UK and your parent or guardian completed a Child Benefit claim form for you.
If you did not receive one, check whether you already have a National Insurance number or find out how to apply on GOV.UK.
How do international students apply for a National Insurance number?
If you do not already have a National Insurance number and plan to work in the UK, you can apply for a National Insurance number online.
You can apply if you:
- live in the UK
- have the right to work in the UK
- are working, looking for work or have an offer to start work.
You can only apply once you are in the UK.
What documents do I need to apply?
If you have them, get the following documents ready before you apply:
- a passport from any country
- a national identity card from an EU country, Norway, Liechtenstein or Switzerland.
You will need to prove your identity as part of your application. If you can, you will be asked to upload:
- a photo of yourself holding your passport
- photos of your other identity documents.
If you do not have these documents or cannot upload photos, you can still apply. You may need to attend an appointment, provide further information or send photocopies of your documents.
Can I start work while waiting for my National Insurance number?
Yes. You can start work before receiving your National Insurance number if you can prove that you have the right to work in the UK.
How long will my National Insurance number take?
It can take up to 4 weeks to receive your National Insurance number after you have proved your identity.
You can contact the National Insurance number application helpline if:
- you applied more than 4 weeks ago
- you have moved house since applying
- your personal details have changed since you applied.
If you have an application reference number, have it ready when you call. You can find this at the top of the confirmation email you received after applying.
Find National Insurance number application helpline details on GOV.UK.
Which address should I use?
Do not use the University's general address to receive your National Insurance number. Letters received at this address will be returned.
If you live on campus, use your University accommodation address.
Find out about sending and receiving post while living on campus.