AIBU to get so worked up over a National insurance number?

[Kiera66]

I recently started working in the Uk and I applied for a NI number through my employer. This was over 6 weeks ago.

I was told that since I have applied through my employer I wouldn't be called for an interview. After weeks of waiting, I finally got a letter from jobcentre plus. I assumed that it would have my NI number on it, but it is an invitation letter for an interview.

Is this a bad thing? Do I need to worry? If they call you for an interview, does that mean that there is an issue with the application? I have no idea how this whole process works, but I'm quite overwhelmed by it. :(

I sort of assumed that getting an NI number was a given, but the letter states that they will "decide whether to give me a NI number". This terrifies me and I've now imagined all sorts of scenarios in my head where I am refused the NI number.

Could someone explain the reasons why somebody's NI number application would be refused?

I have no criminal record and I have permission to live and work in the UK. Do they check for other things as well? Is it like a check for defaults (credit check)?

I know I'm getting very worked up about this but this job means so much to me and I don't want anything to jeopardise it.

[Kiera66]

If anyone could explain the whole process to me and perhaps give me tips for this interview, I'd appreciate it. Thanks!

[coffeeinbed]

No.
Unless you born here you have to do the interview.

[NurseyWursey]

I don't think you have anything to worry about, surely you didn't expect just to be given a NI number without any interview or anything?

[Kiera66]

Actually most of my colleagues are international workers and none of them were called for an interview. That's really why I got a bit concerned. I even know some international students who weren't called for the interview.

[coffeeinbed]

Really?
That's strange.

[Goblinchild]

It's nothing to worry about if you have permission to live and work in the UK and the documentation to prove it. It's just another one of the many and varied hoops to jump through that life is littered with.
Please don't worry, go to the interview, be honest and bring all the paperwork you can.

[Kiera66]

I know nothing about the process so I only expected what I was told to expect. And since I was told not to expect the interview, I was surprised to see an invitation for one.

It seems that I must have been mislead!

[Kiera66]

Do I need a letter from my employer or will my employment contract suffice?

[Goblinchild]

Are they from EC member countries and you not?
Could be that they interview every unlucky 100th applicant?
Different qualifications, ages, linked to having a family here or not?
Seriously, if you can't think of a reason, there probably isn't one.

[Goblinchild]

email them, ask them what paperwork the want you to bring.
I'm surprised they haven't said, but bureaucrats like to hang onto their powers and frighten the lesser people.

[Kiera66]

They've sent some sort of generic list of paperwork to bring with this invitation letter, but it really doesn't ask for specifics. It just says "proof of employment" which could be any number of documents.

[Kiera66]

Goblinchild- do you mean EU member countries? yes, some are and some aren't. Some are from Asia and they still weren't called for the interview.
It's very random.

[MarlenaGru]

Both my parents arrived together. My DF got called for an interview and my DM didn't. DF has a British passport. DM does not. no idea why.

[Kiera66]

HUh? Ok, this is making less and less sense.

I'm just worried I might be rejected for a NIN. Does anyone know common reasons for rejection?

[Goblinchild]

Breathe.
Make yourself a hot chocolate.
You are not in a Kafka novel.

[Kiera66]

LOL. OK :)

I'm so overwhelmed these days because everything is so new.

[SleepRefugee]

I was called for an interview in 2002 despite having applied through my employer and being from an EU member country. It was a bit of a hassle but took about 5 minutes and no big deal. No need to worry.

[Goblinchild]

My children are hoop-jumping at the moment.
DD panics and worries about everything and always assumes the worst. Hot chocolate and hot water bottles are helping her stay sane if not calm.

[JassyRadlett]

I was called for an interview in 2005. As others have said, zero hassle. You will be fine - it sounds random but honestly it's not scary at all.

[HarveySchlumpfenburger]

I was called for an interview too. As were several of my friends. As a PP said it took about 5mins. They checked my ID and that was about it. I think you are probably worrying about nothing.

[Kiera66]

Ok, that's very reassuring :) Thank you.

[Kiera66]

What exactly do they ask/check in the interview? I've already filled the application form in with everything they wanted to know.

[WidowWadman]

I darkly remember an interview a few weeks after I applied. Was nothing major, just where I was from, why I was here, how long did I intend to stay etc. Don't worry, it's just process.

Also had a nice surprise at the end of the tax year as I got a tax rebate, because until I had the NI number I was on an emergency tax code. Not knowing how the system works here at the time, that was as unexpected as it was welcome.

[Daisyjane12]

www.gov.uk/apply-national-insurance-number

[Kiera66]

Thank you for the link, but I've already been through the website.