{"id":846855,"date":"2026-01-15T15:54:04","date_gmt":"2026-01-15T15:54:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.transfergo.com\/?p=846855"},"modified":"2026-01-15T15:54:30","modified_gmt":"2026-01-15T15:54:30","slug":"first-week-checklist-in-the-uk-brp-e-visa-ni-number-and-nhs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.transfergo.com\/gb\/first-week-checklist-in-the-uk-brp-e-visa-ni-number-and-nhs","title":{"rendered":"First week checklist in the UK: BRP, E-visa, NI number and NHS"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Your <strong>first 7 days in the UK<\/strong> set the foundation for everything that follows, from proving your immigration status to getting paid, registering with a GP and accessing the NHS.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This <strong>UK BRP, NI number and NHS guide<\/strong> walks you through the essentials step by step, so you can feel settled, compliant and confident from day one. Save it on your phone \u2014 you\u2019ll refer back to it more than once.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Quick first-week checklist<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Confirm your UK digital visa (eVisa) status<\/strong><br>Sign in to your Home Office account and save a screenshot or PDF of your status and share code.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Check whether you should receive a BRP card<\/strong><br>If yes, confirm the Post Office branch or delivery address and the ID you\u2019ll need to collect it.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Check or apply for your National Insurance (NI) number<\/strong><br>Track down an existing NI number or start an application if you don\u2019t have one yet.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Register with a GP<\/strong><br>Choose a local surgery so you can access NHS care when you need it.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Organise basic tax documents<\/strong><br>Keep contracts, payslips and tax letters together \u2014 it will make dealing with HMRC much easier later.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"table-of-contents\">Table of contents<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>How the UK digital visa system works (and what happened to BRPs)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>How to access and use your UK eVisa in your first week<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>How to check or apply for a National Insurance number<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>How to register with a GP and access the NHS<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>UK tax basics for migrants: how your NI number is used<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Practical tips to feel settled in your first week<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"how-the-digital-visa-uk-system-works-and-what-to-do-if-you-expected-a-brp-card\">How the UK digital visa system works (and what to do if you expected a BRP)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1408\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/www.transfergo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/1768484183293_5089.webp\" alt=\"How the digital visa UK system works and what to do if you expected a BRP card - uk brp ni number\" class=\"wp-image-846759\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.transfergo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/1768484183293_5089.webp 1408w, https:\/\/www.transfergo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/1768484183293_5089.webp?resize=300,164 300w, https:\/\/www.transfergo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/1768484183293_5089.webp?resize=768,419 768w, https:\/\/www.transfergo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/1768484183293_5089.webp?resize=1024,559 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1408px) 100vw, 1408px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The <strong>UK Home Office<\/strong> is moving away from physical BRP cards and towards a fully <strong>digital visa (eVisa)<\/strong> system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That can feel confusing, especially when you\u2019re also trying to sort your NI number, job paperwork and GP registration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What\u2019s changed<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Your immigration status now lives in an online <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/evisa\/view-evisa-get-share-code-prove-immigration-status\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/evisa\/view-evisa-get-share-code-prove-immigration-status\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\u201cview and prove\u201d<\/a><\/strong> account<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It\u2019s linked to your passport, not a plastic card<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Employers, landlords and universities check your status using a <strong>share code<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">If you expected a BRP card<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Check your visa decision letter carefully<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sign in to your UKVI account and confirm your status is visible<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If dates, visa type or permissions look wrong \u2014 contact the Home Office using the details in your decision email<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Not everyone receives a BRP anymore. Many new migrants have <strong>digital-only status<\/strong>, and that\u2019s completely normal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For a fuller overview of BRPs and digital status, see our guide on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.transfergo.com\/gb\/what-is-brp-in-uk-brp-full-form-in-uk-explained-guide\">what is BRP in UK<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"how-to-check-or-apply-for-your-uk-national-insurance-number-in-your-first-week\">How to access and use your UK eVisa in your first week<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Your <strong>UK eVisa<\/strong> is the official digital record of:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Your identity<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Your visa type<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>How long you can stay<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>What you\u2019re allowed to do (work, rent, study)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In your first week, make sure you:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Sign in to your UKVI account<\/strong> and link it to your passport<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Check your details carefully<\/strong> \u2014 name, dates and visa conditions<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Learn how to generate a share code<\/strong> for employers or landlords<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is now the main way you prove your right to live and work in the UK \u2014 so get comfortable using it early.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to check or apply for your National Insurance number<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You may already have an NI number if you:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Worked or studied in the UK before<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Received a BRP in the past<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Were issued one automatically with your visa<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can often find it:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>On the back of an old BRP<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Inside your UKVI account<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>On previous payslips or HMRC letters<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">If you need to apply<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Apply <strong>online only<\/strong> (there are no paper forms)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Make sure your passport, eVisa details and UK address match exactly<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Upload clear, well-lit photos of your documents<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You <strong>do not need an NI number to start work<\/strong>. Your employer can pay you as long as you can prove your right to work \u2014 you simply give them your NI number once it arrives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The official GOV.UK guidance explains who can get a National Insurance number, when you actually need one, and how it links to your biometric residence permit (BRP) or online immigration status. As set out in the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/apply-national-insurance-number\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">GOV.UK article on applying for a National Insurance number<\/a>, if you have a BRP or a UKVI eVisa account, you might already have an NI number. You can usually find it on the back of your BRP or by signing in to your UKVI eVisa account.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"how-to-access-and-use-your-uk-evisa-in-your-first-week\">How to register with a GP and access the NHS<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Your UK eVisa is a digital record of your identity and immigration status on the Home Office Registering with a GP is one of the fastest ways to feel properly settled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 1: Find a GP surgery<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Use the official <a href=\"http:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"http:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>NHS<\/strong> website<\/a> to find a local GP near your home. Check:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Whether they\u2019re accepting new patients<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Opening hours and appointment options<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 2: Prepare what you can<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Most GP surgeries ask for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Your passport<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Proof of immigration status (your eVisa is fine)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Proof of address (if you have it)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You <strong>can still register without full documents or a fixed address<\/strong> \u2014 ask the reception team what they can accept.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 3: Register and book care<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Once registered, you can:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Book GP appointments<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Access NHS prescriptions<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Get referrals if needed<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Many practices now offer phone or online appointments \u2014 ideal while you\u2019re still settling in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"how-to-apply-for-a-national-insurance-number-in-the-uk-and-avoid-common-delays\">UK tax basics for migrants: how your NI number is used<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1408\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/www.transfergo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/1768484237139_1522.webp\" alt=\"How to apply national insurance number in the UK and avoid common delays - uk brp ni number\" class=\"wp-image-846795\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.transfergo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/1768484237139_1522.webp 1408w, https:\/\/www.transfergo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/1768484237139_1522.webp?resize=300,164 300w, https:\/\/www.transfergo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/1768484237139_1522.webp?resize=768,419 768w, https:\/\/www.transfergo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/1768484237139_1522.webp?resize=1024,559 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1408px) 100vw, 1408px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Your NI number connects your work, tax and pension records across the UK system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What it\u2019s used for<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/government\/organisations\/hm-revenue-customs\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/government\/organisations\/hm-revenue-customs\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">HMRC<\/a><\/strong> uses it to track your Income Tax and National Insurance<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Employers use it for payroll<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It counts towards your State Pension and some benefits<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">First-job checks<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Check your payslip shows your NI number and tax code<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Share your NI number with every new employer<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If your tax code looks wrong, ask HMRC to review it<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Catching mistakes early saves months of back-and-forth later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Practical tips for your first week in Britain<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Once the admin is underway, these small steps make everyday life much easier:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Get a local SIM<\/strong> \u2014 essential for banking, transport apps and verification codes<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Set up contactless payments<\/strong> \u2014 buses, trains and shops all use tap-to-pay<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Download local transport apps<\/strong> (e.g. Transport for London)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Open a UK-friendly bank account<\/strong> to get paid in pounds<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Save key numbers<\/strong>:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>999 \u2014 emergencies<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>111 \u2014 non-emergency NHS advice<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\">\n{\n  \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n  \"@type\": \"Article\",\n  \"headline\": \"uk brp ni number guide to NHS and settling in UK\",\n  \"description\": \"New to the UK? 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