What happens after I send my application form?

This page explains how we will consider your application under the Worker Registration Scheme and what we will send you if your application is successful.

Processing times

We aim to consider 70% of applications within two weeks of receiving them and 90% of applications within four weeks. If your application is incomplete, it may take longer, so you should make sure you send us all the information we require.

We are currently working outside these service standards and would ask you to be patient if your application takes longer than expected to process.

If you have sent us your passport with your application, you should not make any travel arrangements until you have received our decision on your application. We will return your passport as soon as possible, separately from your registration certificate, but you should allow up to two weeks.

Urgent return of passport

If you need your passport returned urgently we will only consider such requests in the event of:

• a bereavement;
• urgent medical treatment;
• urgent business travel; or
• students returning for university exams.

We regret that due to the volume of applications we receive, we are unable to consider requests for any other reason.

If your request falls into one of the categories listed above then you should download and fax the urgent passport return form (DOC 160K opens in new window) to us on 0114 207 5871 and we will then consider your request. You can download a PDF version of this form from the right side of this page.

Unfortunately, this does not guarantee that we will return your passport or ID card, but we will endeavour to deal with urgent requests sympathetically and as quickly as possible.

Successful applications

If you application is successful, we will send you:

• a registration card that includes your name, date of birth, nationality, photograph and a unique reference number. The card is valid for as long as you are registered on the scheme;
• a registration certificate, in the form of a letter. This authorises you to work for the employer named in your application. We will send a copy to your employer. The certificate expires on the date you stop working for that employer. If you are no longer working for that employer when we issue the certificate, the certificate is not valid.;
• your passport or national identity card.

You should keep your registration card and certificate in a safe place. We may not replace them if you lose them. If you do lose your registration card or certificate, you should contact us:

Phone: 0114 207 4074

Fax: 0114 207 5871

Unsuccessful or unnecessary applications

If your application is not successful or is unnecessary - for example, if you do not need to register under the scheme - we will send you a letter of refusal and your passport or national identity card. We will refund your full fee. We will send a copy of the refusal letter to your employer.