Quick answer
Apply online at gov.uk/apply-national-insurance-number. You'll need your passport, your BRP card or eVisa share code, and a UK address to receive the letter. There's no fee and the form takes around 15 minutes to complete. Most students receive their number by post within 4–8 weeks. You can legally start work before it arrives — just give your employer your application reference number.
What is a National Insurance number?
A National Insurance (NI) number is a unique personal reference number that HMRC and the Department for Work and Pensions use to track your tax payments and National Insurance contributions. The format is always two letters, six digits, then one letter: AB 12 34 56 C.
You'll need it to:
- Pay the right tax when you work
- Build up a state pension record
- Access some government benefits
You don't need an NI number to open a UK bank account or to start a job, but your employer will need it once you have it so they can report your earnings to HMRC.
Do international students need to apply?
If you're going to work in the UK at any point, yes. Your Student visa allows you to work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during official university holidays. Most students with part-time or campus jobs will need an NI number.
If you're not planning to work during your studies, you can wait. There's no requirement to apply just because you've arrived.
What you need to apply
Before you start, gather:
- Your passport (any nationality you used to enter the UK)
- Immigration status document — your BRP card, or if you have an eVisa, a share code from your UKVI account
- A UK address — the NI number arrives by post, so you need somewhere to receive it
- A reason for applying — "I'm starting part-time work" is sufficient
You don't need a job offer before applying. Applying as soon as you have a UK address means your number will be ready when you need it.
How to apply (step by step)
- Go to gov.uk/apply-national-insurance-number.
- Sign in using your Government Gateway account, or create one (it takes about five minutes the first time).
- Complete the online form: personal details, immigration status, UK address, and why you need the number.
- Upload your identity document or enter your BRP details. If you have an eVisa, you'll need your share code.
- Submit. Note the reference number on-screen and keep it safe.
The form takes around 15–20 minutes. The application is free.
If the online form fails for your visa category, call the National Insurance helpline on 0800 141 2075 (free, Monday to Friday, 8am–6pm).
How long does it take?
After you submit, HMRC posts the NI number to your UK address. This normally takes 4–8 weeks, though it has stretched longer at peak arrival periods, particularly September, October, and January when new student cohorts arrive at once.
Check gov.uk/apply-national-insurance-number for any notice of current delays before you apply.
You can start work before your number arrives
You don't have to wait. UK law does not require an employee to have an NI number before starting work. Tell your employer you've applied, give them your reference number, and they can put you on payroll.
Until HMRC assigns the correct tax code to your wages, your employer may use an emergency tax code (1257L W1/M1). This is temporary — once your NI number is matched to your record, any overpaid tax is refunded automatically through the payroll system or at the end of the tax year.
After you receive it
Your NI number stays with you permanently. It doesn't expire and doesn't change even if you leave the UK and return years later.
Write it somewhere secure. You'll need it for jobs, P60s, Self Assessment tax returns, pension records, and sometimes visa extension applications.
You can always find it again by logging into your HMRC Personal Tax Account. If the letter never arrived, contact HMRC; an adviser can confirm your number.
For a step-by-step walkthrough inside the app, see the National Insurance guide on Luodi.
FAQ
Can I work without a National Insurance number?
Yes. You can legally start a job before your NI number arrives. Your employer cannot refuse to hire or pay you on this basis. Give them your application reference number and provide the full NI number once the letter arrives.
How long does an NI number application take?
Typically 4–8 weeks from submission. During busy arrival periods (September–October and January), processing can take longer. Apply as soon as you have a permanent UK address rather than waiting until you're about to start work.
Does my employer need my NI number on my first day?
No. You can start without one. Tell your employer you've applied and give them the reference number from your confirmation. They'll add the full NI number to their records once you receive it.
Do I need an NI number to open a UK bank account?
No. Banks including Monzo, Starling, and Barclays do not require one to open a current account. You typically need your passport and proof of UK address.
What if I already had an NI number from a previous time in the UK?
Your number stays the same indefinitely. Check an old payslip or P60, or log in to your HMRC Personal Tax Account. You don't need to apply again.
General information — not advice
This article provides general information about UK rules for international students. It is not financial, tax, legal, immigration or medical advice. Rules, fees and deadlines change — always confirm against the latest gov.uk guidance or speak to a qualified adviser before acting.
