ARC Card (Application Registration Card)

Q: 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.

Updated: 13 April 2026

In short

ARC is a plastic card for people who claimed asylum. It arrives in 3 working days. Valid for 2 years. Free. You can use it to register with a doctor, open a bank account, join English courses. Always carry it with you.

3 days

To arrive

by post

2 years

Valid for

then renewed

Free

Cost

no charge

Always

Carry it

and keep a copy

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)

Important: ARC is NOT proof of identity. It is NOT biometric. Shops and banks do not have to accept it as ID.

What you can do with ARC

🏥

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 ID — shops and post offices do not have to accept ARC as proof of identity

✕ Cannot work by default — you can only work if your card has a work endorsement

✕ Cannot travel — ARC is NOT a travel document, you cannot leave the UK with it

✕ Cannot get a driving licence — asylum seekers cannot apply for a UK driving licence

Lost or stolen — what to do

Report to the police (if stolen)

Get a crime reference number. You will need it to replace your card.

Fill in the ARC enquiry form on gov.uk

Go to gov.uk/replace-application-registration-card. Enter your HO Reference, name and date of birth.

Call Migrant Help

Phone: 0808 8010 503 (free). They can help you contact the Home Office.

Tip: Take a photo of both sides of your ARC and save it on your phone and in the cloud.

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

Important: Bail 201 does not fully replace an ARC. Ask the Home Office when you will receive your ARC card.

Practical tips

✓ Always carry your ARC. You may need it at any time.

✓ Take a photo of both sides and 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 [email protected] immediately.

✓ If you change address, tell the Home Office so they can update your records.

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 [email protected] 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.

Sources: gov.uk · Claim asylum UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI)gov.uk · Asylum support UK Home Office Updated 24 Apr 2026

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