National Insurance Numberย (often called NIN or NINO) is similar to your Tax File Number in Australia, IRD in New Zealand or SIN number in Canada.
In the UK the NI number is also used as a form of identification by many departments including the free NHS healthcare system.
Everyone who works in the UK requires a National Insurance (NI) Number.
You can start work before your National Insurance number arrives if you can prove you can work in the UK. You should tell your employer that youโve applied for one, and give it to them when you have it.
To apply for a National Insurance number, youโll need to apply by phone.
If youโre moving to the UK
You may have a National Insurance (NI) number printed on the back of your biometric residence permit (BRP). You donโt need to apply for a National Insurance number if you already have one, or one is printed on your BRP.
You may have a National Insurance (NI) number printed on the back of your BRP. Not all BRPs have this โ it depends on factors like the date it was issued and your visa status.
If you donโt have a National Insurance number, you must apply. You can only apply for a National Insurance number once you are in the UK. You must have the right to work or study in the UK to get a National Insurance number.
When you phone, you will need to give the operator the following:
โข Your full name
โข Date of Birth
โข Date you arrived in the UK
โข Full UK address including postcode
โข UK contact number
National Insurance number interview
As part of the NIN application, youโll be required to attend an Evidence of Identity (EOI) interview at your closest job centre.
Date, time and location details for this interview will be given over the phone when youโre applying for your National Insurance number, youโll also be sent a letter in the post from Job Centre Plus, confirming your appointment details, within 3-5 days of the call. Youโll be given a reference number which youโll need to take to your appointment.
At the interview youโll be asked about your circumstances and why you need a National Insurance number.
Your appointment letter will also tell you which documents to bring to prove your identity.
If youโre travelling on an Australian or New Zealand Passport this will be:
โข Proof of address (signed tenancy agreement)
โข Proof of employment (signed employment contract), if youโve already started work.
โข Valid NZ or AUS passport
โข Residence permit (BRP card)
โขย Along with any documents youโve received from the home office
If your travelling on a British or EU passport this will be:
โข Proof of address (signed tenancy agreement)
โข Proof of employment (signed employment contract), if youโve started work
โข Your valid passport/s or national identity card/s
Youโll be told at the interview how long itโll take to receive your National Insurance number, this is usually 3-5 weeks dependent on processing times.