Help with the ARC Card
The Application Registration Card (ARC) is a credit card-sized plastic card issued by the Home Office to individuals who claim asylum. The ARC demonstrates that you are a current asylum claimant awaiting the outcome of your full asylum claim. This page explains when you do and don't need an ARC, and what to do if you have any problems.
What information does the ARC card contain?
It contains information about the holder’s identity or claimed identity, although it is not evidence of identity. This includes details of their nationality, as well as age and whether their age has been disputed by the Home Office pending the outcome of a Merton age assessment. The ARC certifies that its holder is an asylum claimant, and as such will be allowed to remain in the United Kingdom while their asylum claim is still pending. Furthermore, it also confirms whether the claimant has permission to work at the time of issue.
For further information about the ARC card, see gov.uk
What is the ARC card for?
The ARC is issued in order to:
- confirm that the person has made a claim for international protection in the United Kingdom or is a dependant of an applicant
- provide easier access to services, for example a general practitioner (doctor) may ask to see evidence of status when an asylum claimant (or an asylum dependant) registers with them, although it is not mandatory for an asylum seeker to present ARC to register with NHS services
- indicate to a prospective employer whether the holder is permitted to take employment, in accordance with the Home Office’s permission to work policy
- present to Home Office officials or police officers, for example at a reporting event, to demonstrate who they are.
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 ARC within 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.
When is an ARC card not needed?
Claiming benefits
ARC is not related to Asylum Support Provision. If you are destitute and need support, contact Migrant Help.
Access to the NHS and healthcare
A doctor may ask for evidence of your asylum status when you register with them. You can use the ARC card to provide this evidence, so it may make it easier for you to register. However, 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
Banking
The ARC is not proof of identity, and you may need other forms of identity, such as a passport, to open a bank account. You can request your passport if the Home Office is holding it and you need it to prove your identity.
ARC card problems?
I have an entitlement to work, but have no ARC
Please report this using the ARC enquiry form.
My ARC has been lost, stolen, seized or damaged
Use the ARC enquiry form to report a lost, stolen seized or damaged ARC. When we get in touch we may ask for some personal details to help identify you. You must provide the ARC reference so we can deal with your request.
My ARC has expired or will expire soon
Contact your Home Office casework team for a replacement.
If your asylum claim has been refused and your appeal has been decided, you will not receive a replacement ARC and the Home Office will not reply to you.
If you have made a further submission, contact the further submissions team, who will decide if you are entitled to an ARC.
Last updated 15 May 2025