ARC Card (Application Registration Card)
ARC is your main document while you wait for a decision on your asylum claim. A plastic card issued by the Home Office. Arrives in 3 working days, valid for 2 years, completely free. Use it to register with a GP, open a bank account, and join English classes.
Lost, damaged or need to correct your ARC?
do this firstFill in the official ARC enquiry form on gov.uk. Free. No solicitor needed.
When to use this form:
- Lost / stolen / damaged ARC. Request a replacement.
- Wrong details on the card — name is misspelled, date of birth is incorrect, wrong nationality.
- Card shows "No Work", but your Bail grants Work Permitted.
Attach your Bail document at the end of the form. Select reason for replacement: "incorrect work condition".
- Changed name — first send your deed poll to AHRO by email (ahrocentralcommunicationshub@contactus.homeoffice.gov.uk), then order a new ARC through the form.
You will need: HO Reference (or UAN / port reference), name, date of birth, address. Full guide to AHRO email — our AHRO guide.
What is an ARC card
ARC is a plastic card. Everyone who claims asylum in the UK gets one. It is your main document while you wait for your decision.
What is on the card:
- Your name and photo
- Your nationality
- Expiry date (2 years)
- Right to work (yes / no)
What you can do with ARC
Register with a GP (doctor)
Free. Any GP surgery must accept you. ARC is enough to register.
Open a bank account
Monzo, HSBC, Metro Bank accept ARC. Suits Me works without a passport. You need a home address.
English courses (ESOL)
Free English classes for asylum seekers. Sign up through a local college or Migrant Help.
Section 95 support
Housing and money on a card (£49.18/week). ARC is needed to apply through Migrant Help.
Work — if endorsed
Only if your card says you can work. Without the endorsement you cannot work.
What you cannot do with ARC
- Cannot use as IDshops and post offices do not have to accept ARC as proof of identity
- Cannot work by defaultyou can only work if your card has a work endorsement
- Cannot travelARC is NOT a travel document, you cannot leave the UK with it
- Cannot get a driving licenceasylum seekers cannot apply for a UK driving licence
Lost or stolen — what to do
- 1. Report to the police (if stolen)Get a crime reference number. You will need it to replace your card.
- 2. Fill in the ARC enquiry form on gov.ukGo to gov.uk/government/publications/application-registration-card-arc-enquiry. Enter your HO Reference, name and date of birth.
- 3. Call Migrant HelpPhone: 0808 8010 503 (free). They can help you contact the Home Office.
ARC, BRP and eVisa — what is the difference
| ARC | BRP | eVisa | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who gets it | Asylum seekers | Status holders | Status holders |
| Format | Plastic card | Plastic card | Digital (online) |
| Valid | 2 years | Expired Dec 2024 | Active |
| Biometric | No | Yes | No |
Bail 201 — what is it
Bail 201 is a letter for people on immigration bail. Some people get it instead of an ARC or together with an ARC.
What is in it:
- Your reference number (case number)
- Bail conditions (rules you must follow)
- Date issued and how long it is valid
Practical tips
- Always carry your ARC.You may need it at any time.
- Take a photo of both sidesand save it on your phone and in the cloud.
- Never give your ARC to anyone.Nobody has the right to take your card from you.
- Check details straight away.If there is a mistake, email arcenquiries@homeoffice.gov.uk immediately.
- If you change address,tell the Home Office so they can update your records.
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
What is an ARC card?
ARC (Application Registration Card) is a plastic card for people who claimed asylum. It has your name, photo, nationality, expiry date and work status. It is NOT an ID document and NOT biometric.
When will I get my ARC?
Within 3 working days after your asylum claim is registered. It comes by post to your address. If you live in a hotel, ask at reception.
Can I work with an ARC?
Only if your card has a work endorsement printed on it. Without this, you cannot work. If you waited more than 12 months for a decision, you can apply for permission to work.
Can I travel with an ARC?
No. ARC is NOT a travel document. You cannot leave the UK with it. You need a Travel Document for trips abroad.
What if there is a mistake on my ARC?
Report it straight away! Email arcenquiries@homeoffice.gov.uk with your HO Reference, full name, date of birth and what the mistake is.
Do I need ARC after getting status?
No. After getting refugee status you will get an eVisa. ARC is no longer needed. BRP cards stopped working in December 2024.
Important: StartNewLife UK is a referral directory, not an immigration advice service within the meaning of the UK Immigration and Asylum Act 1999, s.84. This page is general information and navigation, not individual legal advice. All lawyers in the database are regulated by the SRA, IAA or BSB — verify their status on the public registers before instructing. For individual advice on your case, contact an SRA solicitor or IAA adviser directly.