national insurance number

[diligaff]

Hello, I have just found this forum where hopefully can have answer to my problem. I have a friend who has been living and working in UK for nearly 2 years without national insurance number. Actually he has any temporary number, but still ??? I told him how important to have this document if he works. He is working through an a foreign agency who didn't arrange anything for that people who are registered there. My question is if I call the HMR office to make an appointment for him the first question would be how long has he been here in England than tell for 2 years probably will be problem, so what should do what would be the best solution to avoid the problems.
Thank you in advance.
Best Regards
Diligaff

[JRG]

The HMRC website shows the procedure for obtaining a N.I. number if one has not been allocated automatically. From the home page select 'National Insurance' under the 'individuals and employees' menu. Then select 'Applying for a N.I. number' under the 'Introduction' heading. Next select 'When you will need to apply for a National Insurance number', and this will explain that a N.I. number is required to claim benefits, and to work. It also shows the procedure to follow to obtain one, and may involve an 'Evidence of Identity' interview.