Frontier Worker permit

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After you've applied

If you need to change something in your application after you’ve sent it contact UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).

You can ask to cancel your application by following the same process as cancelling a visa or citizenship application.

If your application is successful

You’ll be sent a decision notice saying your application has been approved.

If you applied using the ‘UK Immigration: ID check’ app, you’ll be issued a digital version of your permit.

If you do not use the smartphone app to apply, you’ll either be sent:

  • a physical version of the permit (if you applied inside the UK)
  • an email explaining how you can come to the UK and collect your permit (if you applied outside the UK)

Your permit will last for 5 years, or 2 years if you apply with ‘retained’ status.

When you’re working in the UK

You’ll usually have to pay tax on your UK income.

Check if you’ll need to pay social security contributions in the UK or in the country you live in.

You can change jobs or move from being employed to self-employed in the UK without needing to tell the Home Office.

You need to tell the Home Office if you stop working in the UK and do not meet one of the retained status criteria.

Reporting a problem with your physical permit

Your permit should arrive within 10 days of receiving the decision notice about your application. You should get an email with information about your permit being sent to you.

If your permit does not arrive, you should first contact the delivery service.

If you cannot resolve the issue with the delivery service, and it has been more than 10 days since you received your decision notice, you should contact the Home Office.

You’ll also need to tell the Home Office if:

  • you did not get an email from UKVI with your permit delivery information
  • your permit has a mistake on it (for example your name, date of birth or gender is wrong)
  • your permit gets lost, stolen or damaged

You can report your problem by phone. You’ll need:

  • your full name, date of birth and nationality
  • your Home Office reference number (this is in the email you got with your application decision)
  • an email address or UK postal address

You can get someone to report for you, for example a legal representative or employer. The phone number is different if someone is reporting on your behalf.

If you’re inside the UK
Telephone: 0300 123 7379
Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays), 8am to 8pm
Saturday and Sunday, 9:30am to 4:30pm
Find out about call charges

If you’re outside the UK
Telephone: +44 (0)203 080 0010
Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays), 8am to 8pm
Saturday and Sunday, 9:30am to 4:30pm
Find out about call charges

If you’re from an organisation helping others to apply
Telephone: 0300 790 0566
Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays), 9am to 5pm
Find out about call charges

If your application is unsuccessful

You’ll get a decision notice explaining why it was refused. It will explain if you have the right to either an: