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Identity cards for foreign nationals

This section describes the identity card for foreign nationals and explains why we have introduced it. It also explains which categories of migrant need an identity card, and how they can get one.

What is the identity card for foreign nationals?

Picture of the front of a sample identity card for foreign nationals.The compulsory identity card for foreign nationals was introduced in November 2008, and is for migrants from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland.

The card is being rolled out by immigration application type, and is currently issued to a wide range of migrants and their dependants when they apply to extend their stay in the United Kingdom. We 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 United Kingdom 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.

Picture of the back of a sample identity card for foreign nationals.To obtain an identity card, a migrant must provide us with their biometrics (fingerprints and a photograph) - these are checked against existing records, and then stored on our systems and on the identity card's own secure electronic chip. Providing biometrics is a straightforward process - the Who needs an identity card for foreign nationals? page contains more information.

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 can find out more about these cards on the Directgov website.

Why have we introduced the card?

The identity card helps to combat illegal working and reduce illegal immigration. It enables holders to confirm their identity and their immigration status, and to access their entitlements more easily.

Employers and education providers have a legal duty to check whether potential workers and students have the legal right to work or study in the United Kingdom - otherwise they may face a civil penalty, a fine or even a prison sentence. The identity card makes it simpler for them to carry out these checks. More information for employers is available in the Preventing illegal working section of this website.

If the holder of an identity card for foreign nationals travels outside the United Kingdom during their time here, they must show the card together with their national passport at the port or airport when they leave the United Kingdom. They must also show their card and passport at any overseas port or airport before they start their return journey, and again when they re-enter this country, to prove that they are allowed to return here.