As an international medical graduate (IMG) moving to the UK, getting your National Insurance (NI) number is imperative, amongst other crucial documents. In this blog, we will tell you more about what a National Insurance number is, how you can apply for one and how Remedium can help you with all your essential relocation documents.
What is National Insurance in the UK?
National Insurance (NI) is a fixed tax payable on your total income earnings as a contribution to the National Insurance Fund, which pays for various benefits. However, upon reaching the state pension age (between 65-68), whether you have a job or you don’t, you are not liable to pay any more contributions towards NI.
What is a National Insurance number?
Your National Insurance (NI) number consists of six numbers, two letters, and a final letter unique to you throughout your life. The UK law requires you to apply for your NI number if you are working in the UK or intend to work. You must be 16 years old or above and a Great Britain or Northern Ireland resident to procure a National Insurance number. You will only be able to apply for your NI number once you have arrived in the UK.
Who can apply for a National Insurance number?
You can apply for a National Insurance number if you:
– Live in the UK
– Have the right to work in the UK
– Are working, looking for work, or have been offered a job in the UK
You can commence working before you receive your National Insurance number if you can prove you have the right to work in the UK. Your National Insurance number remains the same for your entire life.
How can you get a National Insurance (NI) number?
You can apply for a National Insurance number online.
Once your application is completed, you will receive a confirmation of your NI number. It can take up to 4 weeks to get your National Insurance number.
You can reach out to their helpline if:
– There has been a change in your personal details since you applied
– You applied more than 4 weeks ago
If you have an application reference number, make sure you have it ready when you call customer service. You’ll find it at the top of the confirmation email you were sent after you applied.
How can Remedium help you?
When we place doctors into roles within the NHS, we provide support at every step of the process. As part of our recruitment and onboarding service, Remedium can assist you with setting up your National Insurance number.
We understand that the process of relocating can be daunting. We have supported thousands of doctors like you to make the move before. In addition to the tailored support, we can help you apply for your visa, secure flights and accommodation, set up a bank account, and much more. All our services are completely free for doctors.
Please get in touch if you’re looking for a new role within the NHS.
You can take a look at our live vacancies here.
Or you can register your CV here. We look forward to hearing from you.
