This guide is maintained as a current resource for July 2026 and covers only the laws of England and Wales. Information is for general guidance, not legal advice. Consult a qualified solicitor for advice specific to your situation.
Need to verify your immigration records? Follow this clear, step-by-step guide to using the official government digital portal and eVisa system to view your status and generate share codes.
Immigration status in the United Kingdom is increasingly managed through digital systems. Many visa holders, settled status applicants, and individuals granted permission to stay now access their immigration information online through a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account. This digital record is known as an eVisa and replaces most physical documents such as biometric residence permits in many cases.
Checking immigration status online allows individuals to confirm their right to live, work, study, and access services in the UK. It is also used by employers, landlords, and government bodies to verify legal status through share codes generated by the system.
What Online Immigration Status Means
The UK immigration system uses a digital record system where your status is stored electronically by the Home Office. This record includes:
- Your immigration permission (visa type or status)
- Start and end dates of permission
- Conditions attached to your stay (such as work restrictions)
- Identity details linked to your passport or travel document
This online record is commonly referred to as an eVisa and is accessed through the View and Prove service provided by UKVI.
It is not a downloadable document. Instead, it is an online record that can be viewed and shared securely using a unique code.
Who Can Check Their Immigration Status Online
You can usually access your immigration status online if you:
- Applied for a UK visa using the UKVI Identity Check app
- Have a UKVI account linked to your immigration permission
- Have status under the EU Settlement Scheme
- Hold certain types of visa permissions that are already digitised
Some individuals with older documents (such as certain legacy permits) may still rely on physical proof, but the system is moving toward full digital status management.
How to Check Your Immigration Status Online
Step 1: Access the UKVI account
To begin, you must sign in to your UKVI account via the official government service. This account is linked to your immigration application and identity documents.
You will typically need:
- Passport or identity document used in your application
- Date of birth
- Access to the email address or mobile number registered with UKVI
A verification code is usually sent during login.
Step 2: Use the “View and Prove” service
Once signed in, access the View and Prove your immigration status service. This is the main portal for checking your eVisa.
From here, you can:
- View your immigration status details
- Confirm your permission to stay in the UK
- Check your work, study, or access rights
- Generate a share code for third-party verification
This service is the official method used by employers and landlords to confirm immigration status.
Step 3: Generate a share code (if required)
If you need to prove your status to another organisation, you must generate a share code.
The process includes:
- Selecting the reason for sharing (work, rent, or other purposes)
- Reviewing the information that will be shared
- Creating a share code
The code:
- Is valid for 90 days
- Can be reused during its validity period
- Must be accompanied by your date of birth when checked by a third party
Each code is specific to the purpose selected, such as right to work or right to rent checks.
Step 4: Verify your details
Your online immigration record should be checked for accuracy. Common details to verify include:
- Name spelling and personal details
- Passport number
- Visa category and conditions
- Expiry dates
If details are incorrect, they must be corrected through UKVI channels before the record is relied upon for employment, housing, or travel purposes.
What Your Online Immigration Status Shows
The digital record typically displays:
- Immigration permission type (for example Skilled Worker visa, Student visa, or settled status)
- Duration of permission
- Conditions attached to your stay
- Rights such as working hours or restrictions
- Status of applications (in some cases)
Employers and landlords do not see your full immigration record. They only see information relevant to the purpose of the check.
Common Problems When Checking Immigration Status Online
1. Unable to access UKVI account
This may occur if:
- Login details are incorrect
- Email or phone number has changed
- Account setup is incomplete
2. “We cannot show your status” message
This can happen due to:
- System delays after a visa approval
- Data not yet updated in UKVI systems
- Identity mismatch between documents and account
3. Missing or outdated information
This may occur when:
- A new passport has not been linked
- Personal details have changed and not updated
- Previous documents remain attached to the account
Rights Linked to Digital Immigration Status
Your online immigration status is legally used to confirm:
- Right to work in the UK
- Right to rent property in England
- Access to certain public services
- Study eligibility
Employers and landlords must use the official online checking service rather than requesting physical documents in most cases.
Security and Data Protection
The system is designed so that:
- Only limited information is shared via share codes
- Codes expire after 90 days
- Access requires identity verification
- Personal data is stored in UK government systems
Users are responsible for keeping login details secure and ensuring contact information is up to date.
Practical Steps if Access Fails
If you cannot access your immigration status online, common actions include:
- Checking UKVI account login details
- Ensuring identity documents match account records
- Updating contact information
- Contacting the UKVI Resolution Centre for support
In some cases, alternative verification methods may be used temporarily while technical issues are resolved.
Key Takeaways
Checking your immigration status online in the UK is done through a UKVI account and the View and Prove service. This system allows individuals to view their eVisa, confirm their legal status, and generate share codes for employers, landlords, and other organisations. Access depends on having a correctly set up UKVI account and accurate identity records. While the system is widely used, technical delays and account issues can occur, and these are usually resolved through UKVI support channels.
