National Insurance Number Help

Hello,

I have my Residence Permit that states I am work permitted. I was just offered a job and upon reviewing my employment letter, it states I need a national insurance number to start on Monday.

I did call to make an appointment to apply for one but I can not get in for another 2 weeks (and I would have to miss at least half a day of work which I really don't want to so soon, I don't think that would make a very good impression). The gentleman on the phone also said that I didn't actually need a national insurance number but didn't state his reasoning. Is this because I am an immigrant and is my residence permit allowing me to work is good enough for my employer to accept?


Thank you all

The NI number is just used to make sure you are on the right tax code and are paying the correct amount of tax.

You can start working before you have the card, but it may mean that you are charged too much tax at first (you'll be on the emergency tax rate) and so you will need to get it changed when you get the card so you are on the right tax code (and you should be able to get a refund on any extra tax paid).

You'll just have to check with your company that they are happy for you to start working without your NI number.