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Checking identity cards for foreign nationals

This page describes the identity cards that we have been issuing to some categories of foreign nationals since November 2008, and explains how to check them.

For general information on the cards and why we have introduced them, see the Identity cards for foreign nationals pages.

These compulsory identity cards are currently being phased in for foreign nationals from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland. Our applicant category table, which you can download from the right side of this page, lists the categories of migrant who are currently required to have an identity card, and the categories who will need to apply for one when they apply to extend their stay in the United Kingdom from the start of 2010.

Other immigration applicants continue to receive a sticker (vignette) in their passport, and the two systems will run alongside each other for a few years until the identity cards have been fully phased in.

If you are licensed to sponsor skilled workers or students from outside the EEA or Switzerland under the points-based system, the identity cards will help you to check a migrant's right to work or study in the United Kingdom.

What's special about the card?

The card provides evidence of the holder's nationality, identity and status in the United Kingdom. It will help you to understand the migrant's entitlements, and their right to work or study here.

How to check the card

You are expected to look at the card carefully. It will show the holder's entitlement to work, study or access public funds. We have published useful information and guidance which describe how you can check a card to ensure it is valid. They will help you to recognise the card and become familiar with its design, and they provide information on the card's security features to help you make your checks.

Employers are not legally required to check documents, but we recommend that you do so for everyone you wish to employ. This will:

  • enable you to establish an excuse against having to pay a civil penalty if you are found to have employed someone who does not have the right to work in the United Kingdom;
  • show your recruitment process is open and transparent; and
  • ensure that your recruitment practices do not discriminate against anyone because of their race.

If you have a sponsor licence under the points-based system (as an employer and/or an education provider), a failure to keep records on the migrants you are sponsoring could affect your suitability to be a sponsor.

How does this change what I do?

The introduction of identity cardsfor foreign nationals does not require you to change the checks you usually make on a migrant's right to live and work or study in the United Kingdom. They are simply a more secure replacement for existing vignettes and other immigration status documents.

Other types of identity card

The identity card for foreign nationals is one of a family of three identity cards issued by the United Kingdom government. The others - the national identity card and the identification card - are issued by the Identity & Passport Service.

  • The national identity card is for British citizens. It proves that the person has a right to work in the United Kingdom, and can be used as a passport within the EEA and Switzerland.
  • The identification card is for citizens of the EEA or Switzerland who are living in the United Kingdom (and exceptionally for some British citizens). It is for identification purposes only, and cannot be used for travel or to confirm the holder's right to work here.

You should make sure that you recognise the physical differences between the three types of card, so that you can know which card you are being presented with by a potential worker. Remember that the identification card does not provide proof of the right to work in the United Kingdom.

The Business Link website contains more information about the appearance and security features of all three cards.

See also

Terms explained

  • Civil penalty

    A requirement to pay money that can be imposed for an offence without the need for a court conviction.

All glossary terms

Related documents

Internet links