A Guide to Getting a National Insurance Number as an International Student

If you’ve travelled overseas and plan on studying in the UK, you might be confused about what a National Insurance number is, if you need one, and how to get one.

Luckily, we've put together this handy guide on everything you need to know about National Insurance numbers as an international student – read on to find out more!  

What international students need to know about National Insurance numbers

What is a National Insurance number? 

A National Insurance number (NI number for short) is a unique combination of numbers and letters that proves you’re legally allowed to work in the UK. 

HM Revenue & Customs uses it to ensure you’ve paid the correct amount of tax, and employers use it to calculate your tax and National Insurance contributions. UK residents are usually sent their NI number three months before their 16th birthday. 

You only need a National Insurance number if you plan on working while you're in the UK. So, if you’re not planning on getting a part-time job, you can breathe a sigh of relief as this isn’t something you need to worry about.

If you’re planning on getting a job while studying, the good news is that getting an NI number is a fairly simple process. Plus, it doesn’t cost a thing!   

Should you want to work while studying, you can check out this blog, make sure you check out our blog post ‘How Many Hours Can You Work as an International Student?’. There are strict rules about how many hours you can work as an international student, and you don’t want to risk breaking them.  

Do international students have a National Insurance number? 

You might already have been given an NI number if you’re an international student with a biometric residence permit (BRP); it should be printed on the back of your BRP.

However, if you don't have a BRP (or you do, but it doesn’t have your NI number on), you’ll need to apply for one if you plan on getting a part-time job.  

How to apply for a National Insurance number as an international student 

To obtain an NI number, you need to be looking for a part-time job or have already started work in the UK. You might need to prove this when applying.  

If you’ve already got a job, you can start before your NI arrives, but you’ll need to prove you have the right to work in the UK. 

You can only apply when you’re in the UK, and it should take less than four weeks to get your NI number. However, it can take up to 16 weeks in some circumstances. 

1. Apply online  

The easiest way to apply for your NI number is through the gov.uk website. You’ll need to provide the following information: 

• Full name
• Date of birth
• Address (including postcode)
• Date of arrival in the UK
• Current employment status

You’ll also have to prove your identity when applying, so make sure you have the below documents ready (if you have them): 

• Passport from any country
• Biometric residence permit (BRP)
• National identity card from an EU country, Norway, Liechtenstein or Switzerland

During the application process, you’ll have to fill in information from these documents and take pictures of them and yourself to prove your identity.  

If you’re unable to take photos or you don’t have any of the required documents, your application might take longer. You might have to send photocopies of your documents or attend an in-person interview with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) at your local Jobcentre Plus.  

2. NI number helpline 

You can no longer apply for your NI number over the phone. However, you can still call the NI helpline if you require assistance or are struggling with your online application.  

If you’re in England, Scotland and Wales, you can call National Insurance number application helpline on 0800 141 2079, and it’s open Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm. 

Search for student accommodation that's perfect for international students 

Although applying for an NI number is a simple process, it’s not as fun as looking for your perfect uni house… 

That's where we come in. Here at UniHomes, we want to make things as simple as possible for students, which is why we work with letting agents all over the UK to bring you a wide range of bills-inclusive student accommodation.

Whether you're after a shared house or private halls, we can help you find the student property that's perfect for you – click here to find student accommodation in your new uni city today.