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  1. Get help
  2. FAQs
  3. Application registration card (ARC)

Application registration card (ARC)

Migrant Help don’t provide assistance with ARC or identity related issues. If you are a person seeking asylum in the UK, and have no ARC, please look at the Home Office guidance.

This also gives a list of the teams who make decisions on cases. The charities and organisations which support people seeking asylum in the UK can help you understand what to do to update your address to get ARC delivered successfully, or if there is an error on you card.

What is an ARC card?

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ARC stands for Application Registration Card. You should receive this automatically when you claim asylum.

Visit the UK government website if you need to know:

  • who is eligible for an ARC card
  • how to ask for one
  • how to let the Home Office know if you change your address
  • how to track your ARC card
  • how to use your ARC card
  • what to do if you have any problems

Published: 2nd February, 2023

Updated: 24th August, 2023

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I have not received my ARC card

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If you have been told that your ARC card has been posted but you haven’t received it yet, you can track delivery.

Check with reception (if in a hotel) to see if your ARC has been received. If you have not received it after 3 working days of claiming asylum then you need to report it. You will need to complete a form for each person in your household that has not received a card.

Published: 2nd February, 2023

Updated: 24th August, 2023

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My ARC card has incorrect information on it

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If your card has the incorrect

  • Name
  • Date of Birth
  • Place of birth
  • Gender
  • Nationality
  • Permission to Work Status

Please complete the online form.

Published: 2nd February, 2023

Updated: 24th August, 2023

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My ARC card does not have the correct photograph on it

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Report this using this form on the UK Government website. Make sure you have your ARC reference and/or your delivery consignment number. See Using the ARC enquiry form for more details.

Published: 2nd February, 2023

Updated: 24th August, 2023

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My ARC card has been lost or stolen

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If your ARC is lost or stolen, you will need to report this.

Published: 2nd February, 2023

Updated: 25th September, 2023

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My ARC card has expired

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If your asylum claim is still outstanding you can request a replacement ARC

If your asylum claim has been fully determined and you have further submissions outstanding then you can check with the Home Office who will confirm if you are eligible for a new ARC Card.

Published: 2nd February, 2023

Updated: 25th September, 2023

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Using the ARC enquiry form

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When you are using the ARC enquiry form, you must include the following details:

  • Name
  • Full postal address. 
  • ARC reference number 
  • Correct mobile phone number
  • Correct email address
  • At least one reason for your enquiry, from the list provided. 

Your application may not be processed if you do not correctly complete the online application form.

Published: 2nd February, 2023

Updated: 24th August, 2023

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I am waiting for a reply from the Home Office to my question about an ARC card

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You should receive a reply within four weeks of submitting your question or complaint. However, the Home Office will not reply to you if you are not someone who is eligible for an ARC card.

Published: 2nd February, 2023

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