This article will explain about what is needed when working in the UK including what a National Insurance Number is and what you need to do to get one.
What is a National Insurance (NI) number?
If you're looking for work or starting work, and you have the right to work in the UK you will need a National Insurance number. This applies to all students of all nationalities. UK students would have received a National Insurance number at the age of 16 years.
Your National Insurance number is unique to you and it makes sure that any National Insurance contributions and Income Tax that you pay are properly recorded against your name. Employers require you to have your National Insurance number when you start working for them as they will use your NI number as your payroll number.;;If you are an international student or an EU student on a visa, you should apply for one as soon as you decide to look for part-time work.
This article therefore applies to non UK students but if you are a UK student and don't know your number, you can also use this information.
For more information, see UKCISA: Employers, income tax and National Insurance
How do I get a National Insurance number?
To apply for an National Insurance number as a non UK student, you must have the right to work in the UK with:
- settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement scheme or
- a visa or a biometric residence permit (BRP)
More information about applying for a National Insurance number is available on the UK Government website and the UKCISA website
When can I start work?
If you're looking for work or starting work, and you have the right to work in the UK you will need a National Insurance (NI) number.
Your National Insurance number is unique to you and it makes sure that any National Insurance contributions and Income Tax that you pay are properly recorded against your name.
Employers require you to have your National Insurance number when you start working for them as they will use your NI number as your payroll number.
You can start work before your National Insurance number arrives if you can and for more information on how to prove your right to work to an employer. When you have received your National Insurance number, let your employer know as soon as you have received it. Keep your National Insurance number safe but it will be detailed on your pay slips.
Work restrictions (hours) and evidence of studies
If you are a non UK student studying on a Tier 4 or Student Route visa, there will be restrictions on the hours you can work in the UK whilst studying and this will be detailed on your biometric residence permit (BRP) card. For more information on your working restrictions and the importance of ensuring that your working hours comply, see this article on Working hours guidance
Income Tax
Income Tax is a tax you pay on your income. When you start work you may pay tax immediately because your personal tax allowance (the amount of income you can earn before you pay tax) is spread evenly over the tax year. You will pay tax on earnings from full or part-time work, including bonuses and tips. For more information on taxable income please visit www.hmrc.gov.uk/students.
There is a range of information on paying income tax, the tax rates, working in more than one job and how to claim a refund at the end of the tax year, visit: Students: Getting your tax right;and there is also a section for international students.
Most students working part-time will be employed under the Pay As You Earn (PAYE) system. Your employer uses this to take any income tax and national insurance contributions before they pay your wages and your tax code tells your employer how much to deduct.
International students studying on a Tier 4 or Student Route visa must be paid under the PAYE system due to their visa working restrictions. For more information for Tier 4 or Student route visa students working in the UK and the types of work that you can and can not undertake, visit the UKCISAwebsite
How do I look for part-time work?
The Careers and Employability Service has a dedicated team of friendly, experienced advisers on hand to talk to you. You can find out more about the support available from the Careers and Employability Service, access a wide range of information and advice and find out how to contact us by visiting our website at www.port.ac.uk/careers