ARC Card

What is ARC?

ARC (Application Registration Card) — a document confirming your asylum seeker status. It arrives by post within 3 working days after screening.

If you live in a hotel or hostel — your ARC may be delivered to reception. Check with the staff.

If you haven't received it within 3 days and have no tracking number — fill in the ARC enquiry form.

What you can do with ARC

• Register with a GP
• Open a bank account (Lloyds, Halifax)
• Enrol in ESOL courses
• Apply for study scholarships
• Prove your right to rent through gov.uk/prove-right-to-rent

If your ARC hasn't arrived

Send an email to BOTH addresses at the same time:

• arcenquiries@homeoffice.gov.uk
• asylumoperationsstakeholderengagement@homeoffice.gov.uk

Include: HO Ref number, full name, date of birth, nationality, current address.

Or fill in the form at gov.uk/replace-application-registration-card

National Insurance Number (NI Number)

With ARC you can apply for an NI Number for work. The process:

• Call the application line
• Attend an interview at a Jobs & Benefits office
• Processing time: 4–8 weeks

Contacting the Home Office

Main email for all case-related queries:

asylumcentralcommunicationshub@homeoffice.gov.uk

Topics: LOA, change of address, screening copy, case documents, PIQ.