Address and Local Services in the UK
There is no city registration in the UK. Here is what to sign up for after you move in: a GP surgery, Council Tax, a National Insurance number and the address in your UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account.
Registration in the UK
The UK has no city or police registration for students. You prove your status with your eVisa, and you sign up for local services yourself.
Your university must tell UKVI if you do not arrive, stop studying or break your visa rules.
There is no city registration with a deadline. Update your UKVI account and your university when your address changes.
Your university
Keep your address and phone number up to date.
UKVI account
Update your home address, postal address, phone number and email.
GP surgery
Tell your surgery directly if your address changes.
- Local council: For Council Tax, and to register to vote.
- Your bank: So your cards and letters reach you.
Your First Weeks, Step by Step
Do these in your first weeks in the UK.
Move in and show you can rent
In England, give your landlord a share code from your UKVI account, or your original immigration documents.
Give your university your address
Keep your contact details up to date with your university. It supports your visa, so it is called your sponsor.
Update your UKVI account
Add your UK home address to your UKVI account.
Register with a GP surgery
Find a surgery near your home. Most let you register online. You are usually registered within 5 days.
Sort out Council Tax
If everyone in your home is a full-time student, apply for an exemption if you get a bill.
Apply for a National Insurance number
Only if you plan to work. Apply online once you are in the UK.
| Institution | Deadline | Method | Consequences of Missing |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Insurance number | Up to 4 weeks to arrive | Online, with a photo of you holding your passport | You can start work before it arrives. See the NI number question for the rule. |
| GP surgery (England) | Usually within 5 days of the surgery getting your form | Online or a paper form at the surgery | It may take longer at some surgeries. |
| Share code | Each code lasts 90 days | Get a code from your UKVI account | Get a new code when you need one. |
Qogent Tip
Papers You Will Use
Have these ready when you sign up for local services.
- A share code from your UKVI account
- Or your original immigration documents
- Your passport
- A photo of yourself holding your passport
- Proof that you are a full-time student, from your university
Important Notes:
- You need your postcode to find a GP surgery near you
- You need your postcode to find your local council
Good to Know
Rules that differ by where you live or who you live with.
Update your address in your UKVI account and with your university. If you rent privately in England, the landlord checks that you are allowed to rent.
Your household gets a Council Tax bill, but it may still qualify for a discount.
India and Pakistan are Commonwealth countries, so you can register to vote if you have permission to stay. You will be asked for your NI number, but you can register without one.
Your university tells UKVI
Keep your UKVI account correct
Address and Local Services FAQs
What to sign up for when you move into your UK home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Myth: I must register with the police or the city.
Reality: There is no city or police registration for students. Your eVisa is your proof of status.
Myth: Every student pays Council Tax.
Reality: A home where everyone is a full-time student does not pay it in England and Wales.
Myth: I cannot start work without an NI number.
Reality: You can start work before your NI number arrives, if you can show you are allowed to work.
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