Introduction

Use the application registration card (ARC) to show that you are an asylum claimant, or the dependant of an asylum claimant. People who might check your asylum status include officials, employers, educators and health professionals.

About the ARC

The ARC is a credit card-sized plastic card issued by the Home Office to individuals who claim asylum. It certifies that you are an asylum claimant and can remain in the UK while your claim is pending.

The ARC contains information about your identity or claimed identity. It is not proof of identity.

The card gives details of your:

• nationality
• name and age, including whether the Home Office has disputed your age
• right to work in the UK

Who is eligible for an ARC

You are eligible if :

• you are an asylum applicant or the dependant of an asylum applicant, and
• your application is still pending

Read more about eligibility.

If you have not received your ARC within 3 working days of making your asylum claim, and you have a tracking number, which will have been sent to you by Royal Mail or UK Visas and Immigration’s ARC courier delivery team either by email or text message, please use:

Track and Trace - Track your Item - Royal Mail Group Ltd

If you have not received a tracking number please complete the ARC enquiry form with your current address, email and mobile telephone number. We will send your ARC when we have your correct address.

You must give the Home Office your current address to comply with the Immigration Rules.

If you have been refused asylum

If your claim was refused or withdrawn and you have made a further submission:

If your further submission is awaiting consideration

You are not eligible for an ARC, as you no longer have a pending asylum application.

If your further submission is accepted as a fresh claim and you are given a right of appeal

You are eligible for an ARC until your appeal rights have finalised. If you do not exercise your right of appeal, you are not eligible for an ARC.

If your further submission is not being considered under the fresh claim rules and your asylum claim has been reinstated

If your asylum application is reinstated and pending, you are eligible for an ARC.

In some situations, a further submission is not considered under fresh claims. See the sections ‘When to apply paragraph 353’ and ‘When paragraph 353 does not apply’ in Further submissions: caseworker guidance.

If your further submission is accepted as a fresh claim and you are given a right of appeal

You are eligible for an ARC until your appeal rights have finalised. If you do not exercise your right of appeal, you are not eligible for an ARC.

If your application is awaiting consideration

You are not eligible for an ARC, as you no longer have a pending asylum application.

If you are no longer entitled to an ARC, we will not be able to deal with or respond to your enquiry. See paragraph 359 of the immigration rules for more information.

Using the ARC

The ARC demonstrates that you are a current asylum claimant awaiting the outcome of your full asylum claim.

If you are no longer waiting for the outcome of your asylum application:

• stop using the ARC
• return it to your caseworking team

Claiming benefits

ARC is not related to Asylum Support Provision. If you are destitute and need support, contact Migrant Help.

Proving your right to work

Your right to work is shown in the Remarks section of your ARC.

If the information on the card is wrong, contact your Home Office asylum case working team.

If you do not receive a new or updated ARCwithin 5 days of being given the right to work, please contact the team that gave you the right to work.

Your employer must use the Employer Checking Service to check your right to work.

Access to the NHS and healthcare

You do not need an ARC to register with, or receive treatment from, a:

• doctor (GP)
• dentist
• optician

or for accident and emergency treatment.

If you have any difficulty registering or receiving treatment, contact:

• NHS local area team if you are in England

• Patient Advice and Support Services if you are in Scotland

• NHS Advice Direct if you are in Wales

• Health and Social Care Online if you are in Northern Ireland

Education

Your bail form will tell you if you can study while you are in the UK.

The ARC does not give you the right to study. However, a college or university may require you to have an ARC.

The Home Office cannot influence the decision of a college or university.

Banking

The ARC is not proof of identity, and you may need other forms of identity and address to open a bank account.

Read more about opening a bank account:

• Opening a bank account – Financial Conduct Authority
• Annex 4-II C and paragraph 5.3.108, Prevention of money laundering / combating terrorist financing

Problems with the ARC

Fill in the ARC enquiry form if:

• you have not received your ARC

• your ARC has been lost, stolen, seized or damaged

• your ARC has expired or will expire soon

• your personal information is wrong (name, nationality, date of birth)

• the work concession on the ARC is wrong

• the photograph on the ARC is wrong

If the problem affects other people in your family, fill in a form for each person.

For unaccompanied asylum-seeking children, email children@refugeecouncil.org.uk.

I have not received my ARC

If you are staying in a hotel or hostel, your ARC may be delivered to the front desk. Check with reception staff or the Home Office officials responsible for your accommodation before filling in the enquiry form.

My ARC information is incorrect

Incorrect details include:

• name
• date of birth
• place of birth
• gender
• nationality

If any of the above information is incorrect, please contact the Asylum Central Communication Hub directly via the email address asylumcentralcommunicationshub@homeoffice.gov.uk and detail the incorrect information.

Your caseworker must issue a new card if your age has been reassessed according to the Merton principles.

The photograph on the ARC is not of me

You may need a biometrics appointment to confirm your personal details.