After Receiving Status

eVisa is your digital immigration status. From 2025, eVisa replaces the physical BRP.

How to get it:

• Go to gov.uk/get-access-evisa
• Create a UKVI account (email + password)
• Link your details — name, date of birth, document number

Why you need it:

• To prove your right to work
• To rent a property (right to rent check)
• To open a bank account
• To claim benefits

Do this on day one after receiving status.

After receiving status, your ASPEN card will stop working. You need a full bank account.

Suitable banks:

• Halifax — refugee-friendly, open in branch
• Lloyds — accept eVisa and BRP
• Monzo — online, fast
• Starling — online, convenient app

What you need:

• eVisa or BRP
• Proof of address (letter from hotel, GP or council)

More about banks →

Universal Credit is the main benefit for people on low income or out of work. Apply on the very first day.

How to apply:

• Go to gov.uk/universal-credit
• Fill in the online application
• Book an appointment at Job Centre Plus

What you need:

• NI Number (National Insurance)
• Bank account
• Home address

5-week wait — the first payment will only arrive after 5 weeks. If you have no money, request an advance payment, which will be deducted from future payments.

More about benefits →

You have 42 days from receiving status to find housing. After that, you will be removed from asylum accommodation (hotel).

What to do:

• Apply for council housing (homelessness duty) — the council is obliged to help
• If you have no money and nowhere to live — the council must provide temporary accommodation (Homelessness Reduction Act 2017)
• Consider private renting — you'll need a bank account, deposit, and right to rent check

Important: don't wait until the last day. Apply for homelessness duty as early as possible — the queue is long.

More about housing →

With refugee status you have the full right to work — no restrictions on position or level.

What you need:

• NI Number — sent automatically by HMRC (see below)
• eVisa — your employer will check your status online
• CV (resume) — prepare or update one

Where to find work:

• Job Centre Plus — book via Universal Credit
• Indeed, Reed, LinkedIn — online job boards
• Recruitment agencies — especially for warehouse, construction, cleaning

More about work →

If you moved after receiving status, register with a new GP (family doctor) at your new address.

• Registration is free
• No documents required — a GP cannot refuse you
• Find your nearest GP at nhs.uk/find-a-gp

If you have chronic conditions or take medication, re-registering is important to continue your treatment.

More about GP →

National Insurance Number is needed for work and claiming benefits.

How to get it:

• HMRC automatically sends the NI Number by post after you receive status
• Usually arrives within 4-8 weeks
• You can check at gov.uk/national-insurance-number

If it hasn't arrived after 8 weeks:

• Call 0800 141 2075 (free)
• Monday to Friday, 8:00am-6:00pm

You need your NI Number for Universal Credit, for work, and for your pension.