National Insurance number

Not entirely sure where to post this but here goes.

I went down to my local job centre and tried to apply for a NI number. Of course they couldn’t and gave me a number to call. So I called the number and they said I needed to go into Aberdeen (hour bus ride away) and then said I didn’t need a NI number. I was super confused and said well what about work? They said they suggest not applying for a NI number until after you’re employees because I would be rejected.


So my question is what do I do??? If I don’t apply am I okay until I get work? It seems like most things I apply for (like doctor or driver license) they ask for the number so how is this only for work purposes??


So confused.


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You need to call the number again and get them to send you the application form in the post.

I don't know why they told you that you didn't need one and to wait to be employed because you should only need to show that you are looking for work in order to get one... and also, some people apply for an NIN for other reasons than working.

While you can start working without an NI Number (you'll just get taxed at a higher rate until you get one), most employers ask for it during the application process, so it's better to get one before you get a job.

Normally, if you have been issued your visa outside the UK, you should not need to attend an in-person interview (which is basically just them filling out the form for you)... but it has been a bit hit and miss lately and some people have had an interview, even though they have a spousal visa.

However, keep trying, because you did the right thing by phoning.

See here for applying for a NIN, which does need to be done by phone:
https://www.gov.uk/apply-national-insurance-number

You can work up to 3 months without an NI number, but if you're planning to look for work immediately I would call back and ask. It seems like they are making changes to the system. When I got here in December I just called, they mailed me forms, I mailed them back and it only took a couple weeks!

I wonder why there we are seeing so much resistance now when people ask for one? It used to be so easy.

I had a similar issue but just told them when I called that I already had a job offer and my employer required my number ASAP. I don’t have an offer but knew they were getting tight about them. They are super nice in Aberdeen! Was an hour bus ride for me but just went to trinity centre and union square and killed some time before my appointment time 

You can work up to 3 months without an NI number, but if you're planning to look for work immediately I would call back and ask. It seems like they are making changes to the system. When I got here in December I just called, they mailed me forms, I mailed them back and it only took a couple weeks!

They wouldn’t send me an app. They make an EOI (evidence of identity) appointment to verify who you are. They filled out the form at the job centre for me. Weird how it’s chsnged.

I had a similar issue but just told them when I called that I already had a job offer and my employer required my number ASAP. I don’t have an offer but knew they were getting tight about them. They are super nice in Aberdeen! Was an hour bus ride for me but just went to trinity centre and union square and killed some time before my appointment time 

Any issues with the Aberdeen centre as far as needing proof of employment? I am going to make an appointment tomorrow based on what you’ve said but I just don’t want to waste my time traveling there to be rejected.


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Any issues with the Aberdeen centre as far as needing proof of employment? I am going to make an appointment tomorrow based on what you’ve said but I just don’t want to waste my time traveling there to be rejected.


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Nope. They asked if I was job seeking (I am) and that’s it. They literally don’t care if you have a job or not. Just something they ask.

Earliest appointment I got was the following week. They’ll mail you a letter with the appointment location and time but I figured out where it was ahead of time.

Nope. They asked if I was job seeking (I am) and that’s it. They literally don’t care if you have a job or not. Just something they ask.

Earliest appointment I got was the following week. They’ll mail you a letter with the appointment location and time but I figured out where it was ahead of time.

Great thanks!


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Great thanks!


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No problem! If you do take the bus, I got off at union square and walked across by the train station to the trinity centre. Going through trinity centr, then you can walk down about a block and turn left onto the road the job centre is on. Not a long walk at all 👍🏻

Also, you will need your passport, brp, and council tax BILL with your name on it. I originally had a letter from the council and that didn’t work so it had to be a bill.

Also, you will need your passport, brp, and council tax BILL with your name on it. I originally had a letter from the council and that didn’t work so it had to be a bill.

Oh I don’t have any mail or bills with my address yet as we are living with friends. Do you suggest I wait until we are in our own flat?


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Oh I don’t have any mail or bills with my address yet as we are living with friends. Do you suggest I wait until we are in our own flat?


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Do you have any utility bills in your name? Bank statement? All I had at the moment was council tax and most everywhere uses that for address proof

Nothing yet. We are still flat viewing and I just got out on my husbands bank statements so no statements yet.


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Nothing yet. We are still flat viewing and I just got out on my husbands bank statements so no statements yet.


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If you still have your US account you may be able to update the address. I requested a statement via customer service after updating my address so it only took a week!