For those who hold settlement or limited permission to remain in the UK, proving your immigration status is a necessary part of daily life. When securing a new job, renting a home or returning to the UK after travelling elsewhere, you will be expected to prove your immigration status. This guide will help you understand the different types of immigration status, how you can prove your immigration status when requested, and ways to manage your status effectively to avoid potential issues.
What Are the Types of Immigration Status?
Your immigration status determines what you can do while in the country, including your right to work, study, claim benefits or stay indefinitely. The most common types of immigration status include:
- Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or settlement: allows permanent residence in the UK without time restrictions.
- Settled and Pre-Settled Status: granted under the EU Settlement Scheme to eligible EU, EEA and Swiss citizens, and their family members.
- Limited permission to enter or remain: issued to those who hold a visa on the basis of work, study or family or private life. Limited permission to remain can also be issued in other circumstances, including on an exceptional basis outside of Immigration Rules.
- Asylum or Humanitarian Protection: for individuals granted permission to stay due to persecution or serious harm in their home country.
How Can You Prove Your Immigration Status?
Since the UK government is moving to a digital immigration system, physical documents such as biometric residence permits, biometric residence cards, and passport visa stamps are not always issued and can often not be relied on to prove your immigration status. When seeking employment, renting a property or travelling, individuals must rely on their eVisa, which is an electronic record of their immigration status.
To access your eVisa via the UKVI website, you will need:
- Your passport, national identity card or Biometric Residence Permit used to create your UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account
- Your date of birth
- The email address or phone number used during your visa application, so that you can generate a code to access your UKVI account
These details will allow you to log into the government’s online system to view and share your status when required.
The Process for Proving Your Status Online
The government provides an online service for individuals to check and share their immigration status. To prove your status, follow these steps:
- Visit the official government website: go to gov.uk/view-prove-immigration-status.
- Sign in to your UKVI account: as detailed above.
- Generate a share code: this unique code allows employers, landlords or other authorised organisations to check your immigration status.
- Provide your share code and date of birth to the organisation who needs to verify your immigration status: the recipient can enter these details on the government website to verify your status.
The share code is valid for 90 days and should only be shared with trusted organisations when requested.
Addressing Common Concerns
Many people have questions about the transition to digital status. Below are answers to some of the most common concerns:
What if I lose access to my UKVI account?
If you forget your login details or no longer have access to your registered email or phone number, you can reset your account details through the UKVI website. If needed, you can contact UK Visas and Immigration for further assistance.
What if my employer or landlord asks for physical proof?
You should direct them to the government’s online system where they can check your status using a share code. Employers and landlords are legally required to use this digital process.
How do I update my details if I get a new passport?
If you renew your passport or national identity card, you must update your UKVI account with the new details. When you travel, it is very important that your eVisa is connected to the document you use to travel; this will enable the carrier to verify your immigration status, and should enable you to cross the UK border without any issue.
Support and Resources
If you need help accessing or proving your immigration status, there are several resources available:
Government and official resources
The government provides tools and services to verify immigration status and understand Immigration Rules, including:
- UK Visas and Immigration helpline: for technical issues with eVisa accounts.
- Gov.uk online services: to check and share immigration status with employers, landlords, and other relevant parties.
- UKVI Guidance: the UKVI website provides up-to-date information on Immigration Rules, application processes, and official guidance to help individuals understand their rights and obligations. This includes details on visa applications, settlement routes and the process for proving immigration status.
Legal and professional advice
For those facing complex immigration issues, professional legal support can provide tailored assistance. Specialist immigration solicitors can help individuals with visa applications, appeals and settlement processes. They provide legal representation in cases of status disputes, refusals or challenges to Home Office decisions. Immigration solicitors can also assist with applications under the EU Settlement Scheme, ILR and British citizenship.
Expat communities and support groups
Support networks can offer practical assistance and advocacy for migrants:
- Charities and NGOs: organisations like the Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants help individuals navigate immigration challenges, including proving their status.
- Community groups and expat forums: these platforms provide peer support, shared experiences, and practical advice for those adjusting to life in the UK.
By using these methods and resources, you can avoid issues when proving your immigration status and enable a smooth experience throughout the process.
