Identity Cards for Foreign Nationals

Identity Cards for Foreign Nationals make checking whether someone has the right to work simpler. They replace numerous other documents with a single recognisable and comprehensive proof of entitlement to live and work in the UK. They are a convenient, extremely secure and widely accepted way for any foreign national to prove their immigration status.

UK Borders Agency initially began issuing identity cards to foreign national students and spouses or partners from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) wishing to extend their leave in the UK in November 2008.  From March 2009 they rolled out to other categories, including students applying under Tier 4 of the PBS and people seeking to transfer their conditions of leave into a new passport. 

The process of applying for an Identity Card for Foreign Nationals requires applicants to enrol their biometrics (fingerprints and facial image) before UKBA make an immigration decision.  To improve customer service choice, from October, 17 Crown Post Offices will begin piloting biometric enrolment. This will be a walk-in service with no need to book an appointment.  Details will be made available on the UK Border Agency website as these sites come online.

UKBA have made it more convenient to book an appointment at one of their offices by launching a new online booking service. Details of this can be found on the UK Border Agency website.

The UK Border Agency also has mobile enrolment capability to enable those unable to travel for medical reasons to enroll their biometric features. They are exploring the use of mobile enrolment for those applicants who wish to pay for an exclusive service to have their biometrics enrolled at their home, place of work or study.  This would be a service that would be charged for over and above the cost of the immigration application fee. 

As of January 2010, UKBA are now accelerating roll-out of the card to other categories of migrant, starting with skilled workers who apply to extend their stay under Tier 2 of the points-based system. You can find out more on the Who needs an identity card for foreign nationals? page.

Under our current roll-out plans, by April 2011 any migrant extending their stay in the UK or coming here for more than six months will need to apply for an identity card for foreign nationals as part of their immigration application.

Further information

The Home Office’s Biometric Enrolment centre in Scotland is in Glasgow:

Festival Court, 200 Brand Street, Govan, Glasgow G51 1DH
Phone: 0870 606 7766

Find out more about national identity cards on the UK Border Agency website:

http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/managingborders/idcardsforforeignnationals/