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Worker Registration Scheme

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Workers

This page gives information to workers who wish to register to work in the United Kingdom under the Worker Registration Scheme. For details of who is required to register, see Who must register?

When should I register?

You should apply to register with the Worker Registration Scheme as soon as you start a new job in the United Kingdom. You should not apply until you have started work.

If you do not apply within one month of starting a job, your employment will be unlawful after that date. It will then be unlawful until you are issued with a registration certificate and you may have to stop working. Any time you spend working here unlawfully will not count towards your 12-month qualifying period to become exempt from registration.

How do I apply to register?

You need to complete application form WRS, which you can download from the right side of this page. You should also read the guidance that is included at the end of the application form. The application form is in English, but there are nine different versions of the form so that you can download one that has guidance notes in your own language.

For general guidance on the application form, see Completing application form WRS.

The fee for registration is £90, and you will be issued with a registration card and certificate. We cannot start the registration process until we have your full payment. We will refund your fee if we refuse your application or you withdraw it. The application form gives details of how you can pay the fee.

The fee is for the registration card, so you will not have to pay another fee if you change employer within your 12-month qualifying period and apply for a new registration certificate.

If you have more than one job at the same time, you will need a registration certificate for each employer you are working for. You can apply for these on one application form by copying the page for employer's details and completing it for each employer. See What happens after I send my application form? for more information about your registration card and registration certificates.

If you are working for an employment agency, but change jobs while working for the same agency, you will not need to apply for a new registration certificate unless there is a break of more than one week between jobs.


If your employer or another representative is sending the application to us together with a number of other applications, he/she must send us £90 for each applicant who is not exempt. This can be done with a single payment to cover up to 25 applications by completing the WRS multiple payment form, which you can download from the right side of this page. Each applicant must still complete a WRS application form.

For information on how long your application will take, and what we will do, see What happens after I send my application form?

If you do not wish to download application form WRS or the WRS multiple payment form, we will send you copies if you contact us:

Phone: 0117 344 1471 (this number is only for application forms, not for enquiries about the scheme).

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Do I have to pay tax and National Insurance?

    You have to pay tax and National Insurance contributions (NIC) when your United Kingdom income reaches a certain level. This is arranged through your employer and usually taken from your salary.

    If you have worked in the United Kingdom before and are concerned about your tax and NIC position for earlier periods, you can contact HM Revenue & Customs on 0845 915 4515.

  • What should I do if I change jobs?

    If you change jobs, you must apply again for a registration certificate under the Worker Registration Scheme authorising you to carry out the work for your new employer.

    You should again use the application form WRS but you do not have to pay a fee or send your passport or national ID card on these occasions. You must however quote the reference number on your registration card and provide details of your new employer.

    We will then issue you with a new certificate naming your new employer and a copy to your new employer. You should keep the new certificate as well as your original certificate and photo registration card.

  • How much should I be paid?

    Most people who work in the United Kingdom have a right to be paid at least the national minimum wage. If you don't know how much you should be paid under this law, or you think that your pay is less than the national minimum wage, you can call the National Minimum Wage helpline on 0845 600 0678 or find information on the HM Revenue & Customs website.

  • Do I have to have a National Insurance number?

    Yes, you will need a National Insurance number to give to your employer to make sure any National Insurance contributions are correctly recorded. If you do not already have a number, you should contact your nearest Department for Work and Pensions office if you are in England, Scotland or Wales. If you are in Northern Ireland you should contact the Department for Social Development. Your employer may help you do this, though applying for a National Insurance number is your responsibility.

    If you have worked in the United Kingdom before, such as on a work permit, a sectors based scheme permit, under the highly skilled migrant programme or on a seasonal agricultural workers scheme work card, you should already have a National Insurance number.

  • Am I entitled to holidays?

    All workers in the United Kingdom are entitled to take paid holidays. How much will depend on how many hours you work and how long you have been working for your employer. For information on your holiday entitlement visit the Directgov website or call ACAS on 0845 747 4747.

  • How many hours can I work?

    For most jobs in the United Kingdom there is a legal limit on the average hours you are permitted to work. You also have a right to rest breaks during your working day. To check if your job is covered and that your employer is meeting these conditions visit the Directgov website or call ACAS on 0845 747 4747.

  • What if I am worried about my health and safety at work?

    Your employer and the person who controls your workplace have a duty to protect your health, safety and welfare. They must control any risks from your work that may cause injury or ill health. You also have a responsibility to identify and notify your employers of any issues you think may affect any workers health or safety

    Your employer has to give you information about any risks to your health and safety and instruct and train you where necessary.

    If you are worried about your health and safety in your workplace, first tell your supervisor, manager, safety representative or trade union representative if you have one.

    If you are still not happy, you can contact the Health and Safety Executive information line on 0845 345 0055 who will treat all calls in strictest confidence and can arrange for someone to speak to you in your own language if you wish.

  • How should I pay?

    You can pay by United Kingdom cheque, United Kingdom postal order or by credit or debit card. It can take up to five days for some payments to clear. Cheques should be made payable to 'Home Office'.

Application forms

Worker Registration Scheme

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