Do I need to be a UK citizen?
No. You need the right to work in the UK, which the SIA checks against Home Office records.
SIA staff carry out the check, so there is no need to contact the Home Office yourself. If the check shows your right to work has run out, or that you are still waiting for it, the SIA asks you for evidence and cancels the application if nothing arrives within 21 days. Do not send a share code or a biometric residence permit unless the SIA asks for one.
›Useful links
SIA: Apply for an SIA licence (GOV.UK, updated 19 June 2026)
We checked this on 23 September 2026.