National Insurance Number Question

Hi all,

I received my FLR(M) and BRP card after my 14-4 appointment and am on the job hunt.  I know at some point I'll have to get a National Insurance Number for tax purposes.  Is it best to call the number here:

https://www.gov.uk/apply-national-insurance-number

or use a service like this:

http://nationalinsuranceapplicationservice.co.uk/

How quickly will I need the NIN once I start working?

Although it's been a few years now, when I arrived in 2007 I called the number, and they gave me an appointment at a local Job Centre where I did the rest of the application. 

I got a number within a couple of weeks or so without any hassle, so I'd say just call the number on your first link.  There's no need to use a service.

You can work without a NI number.  Just tell them you've applied for it and you'll give it to them when you get it.  When I was in that situation, nobody seemed to be too worried about it.

My hubby called a Job Centre as well and they gave him an appointment for me. I went in with my passport and a letter for the house we were staying in and they issued me a temporary until my real one came in a month later.

I called and they sent me an application in the mail and I have to send a copy of my passport and visa and that's it.

Just call, it's really easy. They'll give you options for the closest Jobcentre Plus that can help you with your application. Last summer my appointment lasted 20 minutes or so but we had to drive about an hour to go to Notthingham as it was the closest location for me. No temporary NINo for this girl, I got the real one in the mail about 4-5 weeks later.