It was a hassle getting my wife a NI number, as the DSS have no brains in N Wales.
However, unless you are going to work, or claiming benefit then you don't need one.
If you start work, the company will arrange for you to receive NI.
If you need to claim benefit, you can not do so until your are granted leave to remain indefinitely, and have been in the country 2 years+, otherwise forget it. Then it is just a case of applying for the relevant benefit, and the social will them interview you and grant you a NI. It's a friendly interview just to ensure you are who you say you are, nothing sinister.
