Work Rights13 August 2026 · 7 min read

How to Get a National Insurance Number as an International Student in the UK (2026)

You need a National Insurance number (NI number) to work legally in the UK, pay tax, and access certain benefits. The good news: you can apply entirely online, and it only takes about 20 minutes. Here is exactly what to do.

Application time

~20 min

100% online

Waiting time

2–4 weeks

Arrives by post

Cost

Free

Never pay anyone

What is a National Insurance number?

A National Insurance number (NIN or NI number) is a unique personal reference number used by the UK government to track your tax and National Insurance contributions. The format is always two letters, six numbers, and one letter — for example: AB 12 34 56 C.

Once issued, it stays with you for life — even if you leave the UK and come back years later.

💡Your NI number is different from your UTR (Unique Taxpayer Reference). UTR is only needed if you become self-employed or set up a company. As a student working part-time, you only need the NI number.

Do I need one as an international student?

Yes — if you want to work in the UK, even part-time. You need it to:

Work for any employer in the UK (full-time, part-time, or casual)

Ensure your tax and National Insurance contributions are recorded correctly

Claim a tax refund if you overpay (common for students who work only part of the year)

Access some government services and benefits

Open a premium bank account (some banks ask for it, though most don't require it upfront)

As a Student visa holder, you are typically allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during holidays. Your NI number is how HMRC tracks that.

When should I apply?

Apply as soon as you arrive in the UK — even before you have a job. The sooner you apply, the sooner you receive it.

You must have the right to work in the UK before applying

HMRC will check your immigration status. As a Student visa holder, you must have entered the UK and your eVisa must be active. Apply after your arrival date — not before.

How to apply — step by step

Since 2022, all NI number applications are done online. No more phone calls, no appointments.

Go to the official HMRC application page

Visit gov.uk/apply-national-insurance-number. This is the only official page. Do not use any third-party service or pay anyone to apply for you — the application is completely free.

Create or sign in to your Government Gateway account

You will need a Government Gateway account. If you do not have one, you can create it during the application — it takes about 5 minutes. You will need a valid email address and your passport or identity document.

Answer questions about your right to work

HMRC will ask about your visa type, when you arrived in the UK, and why you need a NI number. Select "I want to work" or "I have been offered a job." Both answers are valid for students.

Verify your identity

You will be asked to verify your identity using your biometric passport or BRP card (if you have one). If you have an eVisa, use your passport — HMRC can verify your right to work digitally via the Home Office database.

Submit and save your confirmation number

After submission, you will receive a reference number by email. Save this — your employer will need it if you start work before your NI number arrives.

Wait for your letter

Your NI number will arrive by post to your UK address within 2 to 4 weeks. Make sure you have a reliable UK address registered with HMRC — typically your university accommodation or private rental address.

💡If you move address after applying, update it immediately on your Government Gateway account so the letter reaches you. Letters are not always forwarded.

What you need to apply

Valid passport — used for identity verification

Email address — for your Government Gateway account

UK address — where the letter will be posted

Active eVisa / Student visa — you must already be in the UK

Phone number — for identity verification (UK or international)

You do not need a job offer to apply. You do not need a bank statement. You do not need your CAS number. Just the items above.

Can I start work before I receive my NI number?

Yes — and this is something many students get wrong. You do not need to wait for your NI number to start working. You can start immediately as long as:

You have submitted your NI number application and have the confirmation reference

Your employer has completed a right-to-work check using your eVisa share code

You tell your employer you have applied and are waiting for the number

Your employer must keep a record that you have applied. Once your number arrives, give it to HR or your manager so they can update your payroll record.

Your employer may initially put you on an emergency tax code (1257L W1 or M1). Once your NI number is recorded in HMRC's system, your tax code usually corrects itself. If you overpay tax, you can claim a refund through HMRC at the end of the tax year.

Common mistakes to avoid

Paying for your application. There are websites that charge £50–£100 to "get you a NI number." They are scams. The application is free on gov.uk.

Applying before arriving in the UK. HMRC will reject your application if you have not entered the country yet.

Giving the wrong UK address. If the letter goes to a wrong address (e.g., your parents' address abroad), you will have to restart the process.

Not telling your employer you have applied. If you start work without telling them you are waiting, they may panic and create payroll issues. Just show them your confirmation email.

Working more than 20 hours per week during term time. Your NI number tracks your employer contributions. Working over your visa limit can affect your visa status — your employer is legally required to report your hours.

Before you start work

You also need a UK bank account

Your employer will need a UK bank account to pay your salary. Monzo opens in under 10 minutes with just your passport — no UK address required at sign-up.

Open Monzo — free Try Wise instead

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to get a NI number?+

Typically 2 to 4 weeks after submitting your online application. The letter arrives by second-class post. If you have not received it after 4 weeks, contact HMRC on 0300 200 3500.

Can I check the status of my application?+

Not online — there is no tracking system. If 4 weeks have passed, call HMRC on 0300 200 3500 (available Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm). Have your reference number from the application confirmation email ready.

I already have a NI number from a previous visit to the UK — do I need to apply again?+

No. Your NI number is permanent. Even if you left the UK for several years, your original number is still valid. Check old documents or contact HMRC to retrieve it.

Can I give a temporary address (like university halls) for the application?+

Yes — this is actually recommended. Make sure you will still be at that address when the letter arrives (typically 2–4 weeks after submission). If you are moving, update your address on your Government Gateway account immediately.

Do I need a NI number to open a bank account?+

Most digital banks (Monzo, Wise, Revolut, Starling) do not require a NI number to open an account — just your passport. Traditional high street banks sometimes ask for it but most now accept passports and a Student visa as sufficient.

Will my NI number appear on my payslip?+

Yes. Once your employer has recorded it in their payroll system, it will appear on your payslip. This is a useful way to verify it has been registered correctly.

Related guides

UK Arrival Checklist for International Students (2026)

Everything to do in your first week — eVisa, bank account, NHS, NI number and more.

How to Open a UK Bank Account as an International Student

Compare Monzo, Wise, Revolut and Starling — open in 10 minutes with just your passport.

Best SIM Card for International Students in the UK

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