What is an Application Registration Card (ARC)?
The Application Registration Card (ARC) is an official document issued by the Home Office to certain foreign nationals in the UK who are in the process of claiming asylum or have pending immigration applications. The ARC serves as evidence of your identity, your current immigration status, and – importantly – your right to work or study in the UK while your application is being considered.
The primary purpose of the ARC is to provide a secure and recognisable way for individuals to prove their eligibility to live and work in the UK temporarily. Employers and other authorities can use the ARC to check your legal right to work, which is a requirement under the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006. The card contains your photograph, personal details, and a unique reference number, along with information about any restrictions on your right to work or access public funds.
The ARC was introduced in 2002 as part of efforts to streamline the asylum process and prevent fraud. It replaced earlier paper-based documents, offering a more robust and tamper-resistant form of identification. Today, the ARC remains a key part of the Home Office’s system for managing asylum and certain immigration cases. Holding an ARC does not automatically grant you indefinite leave to remain or permanent residency; it is a temporary document that reflects your status while your application is processed.
If you do not have a passport or other standard travel documents, the ARC can be essential for proving your right to work in the UK. For more information on alternative ways to demonstrate your work rights, see our guide on how to prove your right to work without a passport.
For the most up-to-date and detailed information on the ARC, including eligibility criteria and how to apply, visit the official Application registration card (ARC) – GOV.UK resource.
Who Needs to Apply for an ARC?
If you are a foreign national in the UK and have made an asylum claim or certain types of immigration applications, you may be required or advised to apply for an Application Registration Card (ARC). The ARC serves as official proof that you have an ongoing application with the Home Office and can be vital for demonstrating your right to work or access services while your case is being considered.
Who Must Apply for an ARC?
You typically need to apply for an ARC if:
- You have claimed asylum in the UK and your application is still under consideration.
- You are awaiting a decision on a further submission related to asylum or humanitarian protection.
- You are a dependant of someone who has made an asylum claim, and you are included in their application.
The requirement to hold an ARC is set out in the Immigration (Provision of Physical Data) Regulations 2006 and subsequent Home Office guidance. If you fall into any of these categories, the Home Office will usually arrange for you to register your biometric information (fingerprints and photograph) and issue you with an ARC.
When is an ARC Essential for Work Eligibility?
For many asylum seekers, the ARC is not just an identity card – it can also be essential for proving your right to work in the UK. While most asylum seekers are not allowed to work, there are exceptions. If you have been waiting more than 12 months for a decision on your initial asylum claim and the delay is not your fault, you may be granted permission to work in certain shortage occupations. In these cases, your ARC will be updated to indicate your work eligibility, which employers are required to check before offering you employment.
Without an ARC, it can be very difficult to prove your immigration status or right to work, as most employers are required by law to check official documents before hiring foreign nationals.
How ARC Holders Differ from Visa or Permit Holders
It’s important to understand that holding an ARC is not the same as holding a visa, residence permit, or biometric residence permit (BRP). An ARC shows that you have an ongoing application with the Home Office, but it does not grant you permanent status or the same rights as those with settled or pre-settled status, work visas, or student visas. For example:
- Visa or permit holders (such as Skilled Worker visa holders or BRP holders) generally have clear, pre-defined rights to live and work in the UK.
- ARC holders have limited rights, often restricted to waiting for a decision on their claim, with work rights only in specific circumstances.
If you are unsure whether you need an ARC or how it affects your right to work, you can find official guidance and contact details for further help on the UK Visas and Immigration – GOV.UK website.
In summary, an ARC is essential for most asylum seekers and some other applicants to prove their identity and, in some cases, their right to work while their application is processed. It is distinct from other immigration documents and comes with its own set of rules and limitations.
How to Apply for an Application Registration Card
How to Apply for an Application Registration Card
Applying for an Application Registration Card (ARC) is an important step for asylum seekers in the UK, as it serves as proof of your application and can help you access essential services, including the right to work in certain circumstances. Below, you’ll find a clear, step-by-step guide to the application process, what you’ll need, and practical tips to help ensure your application goes smoothly.
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for an ARC
- Make Your Asylum Claim
You cannot apply for an ARC directly. Instead, you will be issued an ARC after you have made an asylum claim with the Home Office. This usually takes place at your initial screening interview. - Attend Your Screening Interview
During your screening interview, you’ll be asked questions about your identity, background, and reasons for seeking asylum. The information you provide will be used to process your ARC. - Provide Biometric Information
You will be required to give your fingerprints and have your photograph taken. These biometrics are used to create your ARC and confirm your identity. - Wait for Confirmation and Card Issuance
Once your information has been processed, the Home Office will produce your ARC. You do not need to submit a separate application form for the ARC itself.
Documents and Information Required
To ensure your ARC is processed without delay, you will need to provide:
- Valid identification documents (if available), such as a passport, national ID card, or birth certificate.
- Proof of your current address in the UK.
- Evidence supporting your asylum claim (where possible).
- Details of any dependants included in your application.
If you do not have certain documents, explain this during your screening interview. The Home Office understands that asylum seekers may not always be able to provide full documentation.
Submitting Your Information
All required information and documents are submitted directly to the Home Office during your screening interview. If you are asked to provide additional documents after your interview, make sure to send them as soon as possible to the address provided by the Home Office.
For the latest guidance and to check what you need to bring, visit the official Application registration card (ARC) – GOV.UK page.
Processing Times and Receiving Your ARC
In most cases, you should receive your ARC within a few weeks of your screening interview. The card will usually be sent to the address you provided, or you may be asked to collect it in person. If there are delays, contact your caseworker or the Home Office for an update.
Tips to Avoid Common Mistakes
- Double-check your details: Make sure all information given during your screening interview is accurate and matches your documents.
- Bring all available documents: Even if you are missing some paperwork, bring whatever you have to support your identity and asylum claim.
- Keep your address updated: Inform the Home Office immediately if you move, so your ARC is sent to the correct place.
- Respond promptly to requests: If the Home Office asks for more information or documents, provide them as quickly as possible to avoid delays.
Applying for an ARC is similar in some ways to other official UK processes, such as providing identification for rental applications. Understanding the importance of accurate documentation and prompt communication can help you navigate both systems more confidently.
If you have questions about your right to work or other immigration matters, consult the Home Office or a qualified legal adviser for up-to-date advice.
Why Having an ARC is Important
Having an Application Registration Card (ARC) is crucial for many people navigating the UK’s immigration and employment systems. The ARC serves as official proof that you have applied for asylum or certain types of immigration status, and – importantly – it indicates whether you have permission to work while your application is being processed.
Proof of Your Right to Work
For those awaiting a decision on their asylum or immigration application, the ARC is often the primary document used to prove your right to work in the UK. Employers are legally required to check that all employees have the appropriate permission before starting work. The ARC contains key information, such as your photograph, personal details, and a clear statement about your right to work. This allows employers to quickly and confidently verify your eligibility, helping you avoid delays or misunderstandings during the hiring process. For a deeper look at the documents and checks involved, see Proving Your Right to Work in the UK.
Employer Verification and Legal Requirements
Employers must carry out right to work checks in line with UK law. If you present an ARC, the employer will typically use the details on the card to confirm your status through the Home Office online checking service. This protects both you and your employer from legal risks. Hiring someone without the correct permission can result in significant fines or penalties for employers, as set out in the Immigration (Employment of Adults Subject to Immigration Control) (Maximum Penalty) (Amendment) Order 2024. For you as an employee, not having a valid ARC when required can mean losing out on job opportunities or even facing removal from employment.
Consequences of Not Having or Carrying an ARC
If you are required to have an ARC and do not carry it, you may struggle to prove your right to work, open a bank account, or access certain public services. Employers are unlikely to offer you a job without seeing valid documentation. In some cases, being unable to show your ARC could also lead to difficulties with immigration authorities. If you have lost your ARC or are waiting for a replacement, there are alternative ways to prove your right to work – especially if you have also lost your passport. For guidance on these situations, see Lost Passport? Verifying Your UK Work Rights.
Relationship to Other Immigration Documents
While the ARC is a vital document for many asylum seekers and some other applicants, it is not the only way to prove your status in the UK. Other documents – such as biometric residence permits, visas, or settled status confirmation – may also serve as proof of your right to work. However, if you have been issued an ARC, it is generally the document you will need to show for employment and related checks until your immigration application is resolved.
In summary, having and carrying your ARC is essential for protecting your rights and ensuring you can access work and services while your immigration status is being decided. It also helps employers meet their legal obligations and avoid serious penalties.
Related Topics and Further Information
Understanding the Application Registration Card (ARC) is just one part of navigating the UK’s complex immigration and work eligibility system. If you want to explore how the ARC fits within the wider legal landscape, it’s helpful to consider related topics and resources that provide a broader context and practical guidance.
The ARC is primarily used to confirm your identity and immigration status while your asylum claim or certain other applications are pending. It plays a crucial role in proving your right to work in the UK under specific circumstances, as outlined in the Immigration (Restrictions on Employment) Order 2007 and the Home Office guidance on preventing illegal working. However, your right to work may depend on your specific immigration status and the conditions of your application.
For a comprehensive overview of how the ARC relates to other types of work eligibility and immigration permissions, you can visit the main page on Work Eligibility and Visas. This resource covers the full range of ways individuals can prove their right to work, including different visas and permits.
Employers and employees alike may need to understand the process for Checking a Worker’s Right to Work in the UK. This includes details on the documents employers should check, how to verify ARC cards, and the legal responsibilities involved. If you are in the process of applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), you might need to provide proof of your employment status. Guidance on Getting an Employer Letter for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) can help you understand what information is required and how to request it.
Some individuals may be eligible to apply for a "No Time Limit" endorsement, which confirms their right to live and work in the UK without restrictions. If this applies to you, see the section on No Time Limit Applications for UK Work Rights for more information on eligibility and the application process.
Beyond individual applications, employers and HR professionals can benefit from broader guidance on compliance and best practices. The Managing Employees resource offers additional insights into employment law, right to work checks, and other legal considerations that may affect your situation.
It’s also important to recognize that immigration rights can intersect with family circumstances. If you are considering joining a partner or spouse in the UK, or want to understand your rights as a spouse, see the UK Spouse Visa: Your Rights, Rules and Application Guide for detailed information on eligibility, application steps, and work rights under this visa category.
Finally, UK immigration laws and policies are subject to change. To stay informed about the latest updates and official guidance, refer to the Updates – Immigration Rules – Guidance – GOV.UK page. This government resource provides authoritative information on current rules, policy changes, and guidance documents relevant to the ARC and related immigration matters.
By exploring these related topics and official resources, you can gain a clearer understanding of your rights, responsibilities, and the steps you need to take – whether you are applying for an ARC, managing employees, or seeking to secure your right to work in the UK.
