Non-UK citizens and documents for DBS Checks

When applying for a DBS check, applicants are always asked for specific documents to confirm their identity. The required documents and combinations vary and there are various combinations of documents which can be presented depending on your individual situation. One of the groups which often struggles with getting the right combination of documents are people who are in the UK legally, and have the right to work here, but who are not British citizens.

Combinations of Documents for Non-UK Citizens

The DBS outlines three “Routes” for document submission, which list the different combinations of documents, with Route 1 being the preferred option. If you do not have a British passport, then Route 1 is the only option open to you in order to prove your identity. The combinations of documents might also be different if you are applying for a voluntary, unpaid position. In these cases, the organisation you are thinking of working with will provide exact advice.

Primary Documents for Paid Working Non-UK Nationals

The most important document which any non-UK national will be asked for is called a primary document. There is a full list of all the accepted primary documents on the DBS website, but the most commonly used documents are:

• An Irish passport, or one from a country in the European Economic Area.
• A current biometric Home Office document showing you have indefinite leave to remain in the UK.
• A passport from any other country in the world showing a Home Office endorsement with leave to remain.
• Other Home Office official immigration documents with the same information.

Immigration is complex and employers may not have seen all the different types of documents before. Employers also face increasingly heavy fines for hiring illegal workers, so if you are relying on a foreign passport or other immigration documents to get a job, the employer will want to do careful checks. Do not take this personally; they will be carrying out similar checks on all other non-UK workers and asking UK citizens to supply their passports too.

Additional Documents for Verifying Your Identity

DBS checks require more than one identity document, along with something to prove your UK address. Again, there are lots of different documents which you can provide including:

• Driving licence photocard issued anywhere in the world.
• A UK marriage or civil partnership certificate.
• A bank statement issued by a UK bank, showing your address.
• Credit card statement.
• P45 or P60 from a previous employer.
• Benefit statement.
• Utility bill for gas, electricity, water etc issued in the last three months. Mobile phone bills do not count in this section.

Finding the Right Combination of Documents

If you are finding it difficult to come up with the right combination of documents for a DBS application, then your employer should be able to offer advice as they have more than likely had a similar situation before. Alternatively, speak to the DBS using their helpline as they might be able to suggest a different combination of documents which might be suitable for you.