How to View and Prove Your UK Immigration Status

How to view and prove your UK immigration status, an easy and practical guide. Find out how to get an online share code, who needs one, how others can use it to check your status, and what to do if things go wrong.

Quick start

Go to the official service: View and Prove your immigration status.
Sign in to your UKVI account using your passport or ID details and a code sent to your phone or email.
Create a share code and choose what you are proving (for work, rent or other checks).
Give the share code and your date of birth to the employer, landlord or organisation that needs to check you.
They check online using the official checker. For work they use Right to Work. For renting in England they use Right to Rent.

What is a share code? A 9-character code that lets someone view your current immigration status online. A code lasts up to 90 days. You can make a new one any time.

Key points you should know

eVisa is your digital immigration status. It lives in your UKVI account and shows your identity and the rights you have in the UK (for example, to work or rent).
You do not usually show your BRP or eVisa on a phone screen to prove status. Instead, you share access using a share code and your date of birth.
British and Irish citizens do not get a share code. They use their passport or other documents instead.
Right to Rent in England: some people can still rely on a BRP or other documents, but many will use the online share-code route. Landlords in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland do not use Right to Rent checks.
Keep your UKVI account details up to date (name, nationality, passport number, photo, contact details). If your details change, update the account first, then generate a new code.

Who needs to prove their status and when

Starting a job or changing employer

Most non-British/Irish citizens must prove their right to work. The fastest method is with a share code for the employer to check online using the official service. If you are a British or Irish citizen, your employer will check your passport or other accepted documents instead.

Renting a home in England

Landlords and letting agents must check adults before a new tenancy starts. Many people will use a share code. British and Irish citizens use their identity documents instead. Right to Rent checks do not apply in Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland.

Proving status to government, councils or services

You may be asked to prove your status to access certain public services or benefits. Many organisations accept a share code result page as evidence. If they need to run the check themselves, give them a share code and your date of birth so they can view it live.

Travel

When you travel, your eVisa is linked to your identity document. Make sure your UKVI account shows the current passport or ID card you will use to travel. Keep the details up to date before you travel.

How to set up your UKVI account (first time)

Go to eVisa: access and use your online immigration status and follow the steps to set up a UKVI account.
Have one of the following ready to link your status:
- Passport or national ID card
- Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) – including expired BRPs
- Biometric Residence Card (BRC)
- UKVI customer number (if you have one)
Verify your identity and set a secure sign-in method (a code to your phone or email). Keep your contact details current, or you may be locked out later.

Tip: If you cannot finish setting up or you cannot sign in later, use the official recovery page to recover your UKVI account.

How to view your eVisa

Sign in at View and Prove your immigration status.
Enter the security code sent to your phone or email.
You will see your eVisa: identity details and the rights you currently hold (for example, “Right to work” and any conditions).

What if the details are wrong? Report mistakes (for example, wrong date of birth or wrong immigration status) using the “report an error” link on GOV.UK.

How to create a share code

Go to View and Prove and sign in.
Choose what you need to prove (for example, right to work or right to rent).
Click “Get a share code”. A 9-character code is created.
Share the code and your date of birth with the person or organisation that needs to check.
The code is valid for up to 90 days. You can reuse it until it expires, or generate a new one at any time.

Security note: Only give your share code to people who genuinely need to check your status, such as an employer or a landlord. They will see limited personal details, and only what is needed for the check.

How others check your status

Employers (Right to Work)

Employer opens the Right to Work checker.
They enter your share code and date of birth.
They view what kinds of work you can do and whether there is a time limit. They should keep a copy of the check result for their records.

Landlords and letting agents in England (Right to Rent)

Landlord or agent opens the Right to Rent checker.
They enter your share code and date of birth and follow the on-screen steps.
They confirm your right to rent and any time limits. They keep evidence of the check.

Other organisations

Some public bodies or service providers may use the general Check someone’s immigration status page. The process is similar: they enter your share code and date of birth and see your current status.

Common scenarios and what to do

You have Settled or Pre-settled Status (EU Settlement Scheme)

You can view and prove your status online using your UKVI account. For work or rent, generate a share code and give it to the employer or landlord. Keep your passport or national ID details up to date in your account, especially if you renew your document.

You have a Skilled Worker, Student or other visa

You can use the same service to view and prove your status. Your share-code check will show any work conditions (for example, permitted hours for Student visas) and any end date if your permission is time-limited. If you extend or switch visas, expect your status to change in your UKVI account—check it and generate a new code.

You have a BRP or BRC

Many people with a BRP/BRC will use the online share-code route. For Right to Rent in England, some BRP holders can still rely on their card for a limited time. If you have eVisa access, the online route is often faster and avoids repeat checks, use it when you can.

You are British or Irish

You will not get a share code. Employers and landlords will check your passport or other accepted documents instead, or may use a certified identity service provider.

You changed your name, nationality, passport or photo

Update your UKVI account first. Then generate a new share code so your checker sees the latest details. If your travel document changes, update it before you fly.

You cannot sign in to UKVI

Use the account recovery route: Recover your UKVI account.
If you still cannot access it, contact UKVI via webchat: Contact UKVI online.

Your eVisa details are wrong

Report the error using the official link on the eVisa guidance page. Give clear evidence (for example, scans of documents) to help fix the issue faster.

Your share code isn’t working

Check the code has not expired (codes last up to 90 days).
Make sure the checker is using the correct service (Right to Work or Right to Rent).
Create a new code and share it again.

You need to prove status but you can’t access your eVisa today

If you cannot get into your account, there are alternative routes:

For work: the employer may be able to request a Home Office Employer Checking Service outcome if the online route is not available in your case.
For renting in England: landlords can ask the Home Office for a Right to Rent check if the online route is not available in your case.

Step-by-step: prove your right to work

Sign in at View and Prove.
Select “Prove your right to work” and get a share code.
Send the code and your date of birth to the employer securely (for example, by email or in the application portal).
Your employer checks the code at Right to Work and keeps a copy of the result.
If your permission has a time limit, set a reminder to renew before it expires and generate a fresh code after renewal.

Step-by-step: prove your right to rent in England

Sign in at View and Prove.
Select “Prove your right to rent” and get a share code.
Give the code and your date of birth to the landlord or agent.
They check the code at Right to Rent.
If your permission has an end date, expect a follow-up check before that date if you are still renting.

What the checker will see

Your name and key identity details
Your immigration status (for example, Settled Status, Skilled Worker, Student)
Any limits on work (for example, permitted employer or hours) or rent (for example, time-limited permission)
The date your permission expires, if there is a time limit

They will not see everything in your application. The result page only shows the details needed to make a decision about work, rent or access to services.

Keeping your details up to date

Always update your UKVI account when anything changes:

Name change (for example, after marriage)
New nationality
New passport or national ID card
New phone number or email address
New photo if your appearance has changed and the current one no longer looks like you

Update your details, then create a new share code so your checker sees the latest information.

Accessibility and support

No smartphone? You can receive your sign-in code by email. You can also use a trusted friend’s device or a public computer if needed, just sign out after using it.
Low English skills? The online journey uses simple steps. Ask the checker (employer/landlord) to wait while you complete it. You can also ask a support group or a legal adviser to help you.
Technical issues? Try a different browser, clear your cache, or use private browsing. If that fails, use the official recovery or contact pages linked in this guide.

Security, privacy and fraud protection

Only share codes with genuine requesters. Never post your code publicly.
Codes expire after up to 90 days. You can delete risk by generating a fresh code each time.
Check URLs are official GOV.UK addresses before you sign in or share your details.
Keep your sign-in method secure. If you lose access to your phone or email, recover your account quickly to prevent lock-out.

FAQs: common Google questions answered

How do I prove my immigration status online?

Go to View and Prove, sign in to your UKVI account, and generate a share code. Give the code and your date of birth to the employer, landlord or service provider. They check it on the official GOV.UK website and see your current status and any conditions.

What is an eVisa?

An eVisa is your digital immigration status held by the Home Office. It shows your identity and the rights you have in the UK (for example, to work and rent). You view it and prove it online through your UKVI account.

How long does a share code last?

Up to 90 days. You can generate a new code any time. If you think the code was shared with the wrong person, create a new code and send that instead.

Can I use a screenshot of my eVisa?

No. A screenshot is not proof. The person checking must use the live online result page, accessed with your share code and date of birth.

Do British or Irish citizens need a share code?

No. They prove identity and right to work or rent with passports or other accepted documents. Share codes are for people with digital immigration status.

Do landlords outside England use Right to Rent?

No. Right to Rent checks apply in England only.

My employer/landlord says they cannot see my status. What should I do?

Check that you generated the correct type of code (work or rent). Confirm your date of birth is correct. If the code expired, create a new one. If you still have issues, sign in and make sure your personal details match your documents, then try again.

My details have changed. How do I update them?

Sign in to your UKVI account and update your details (name, nationality, passport/ID, photo). After updates, generate a new share code.

What if I cannot access my UKVI account?

Use the official recovery page to regain access. If you still cannot sign in, contact UKVI using the webchat. For urgent checks, the employer or landlord may be able to use a Home Office checking route where appropriate.

Can I prove my status without the internet?

Online checks are the main method. If you cannot access the internet, use a public library, a community centre, a friend’s device (log out afterwards), or ask the employer/landlord to help you. As a fallback in some cases, they may request a Home Office check.

Will my share code show my full personal history?

No. It shows only the details needed to confirm your current rights and any conditions.

My BRP shows an old date. Is it still ok?

If you also have digital status, use the online share-code route, it is the most reliable. For some checks (for example, Right to Rent in England), the rules allow certain BRP uses for a limited time; however, many organisations prefer a share code because it shows your current status in real time.

Can an employer refuse my share code and ask for extra documents?

If you have digital status that can be checked online, employers should use the official online check. They should not need extra Home Office letters. If they have trouble, ask them to try again using the correct service link in this guide.

Can I see what an employer or landlord sees?

Yes. When you view your eVisa, you can see the same high-level details that a checker will see. You can also download or print the “profile” page for your own records.

Troubleshooting checklist

Code not recognised: Re-create a new code. Confirm you selected the right purpose (work or rent).
Cannot sign in: Use account recovery, try another browser, and check your junk/spam folder for sign-in codes.
Personal details mismatch: Update your UKVI account (passport number, spelling of your name, new photo).
Organisation insists on paper: Send them the official link to the online checker and explain the process. If needed, ask them to contact the Home Office for guidance.
Travel coming up: Update your passport/ID in your UKVI account before you travel. Carry the same document you used in your account.

Essential official links (bookmark these)

Glossary

UKVI account: Your sign-in for viewing and managing your eVisa.
eVisa: Your digital immigration status held by the Home Office.
Share code: A time-limited code that lets others view your current status online.
Right to Work: The legal permission to work in the UK. Employers verify it before you start.
Right to Rent: The legal permission to rent a home in England. Landlords verify it before a new tenancy.
BRP/BRC: Biometric Residence Permit / Card. Physical cards that many people previously used. The UK is moving to digital status (eVisas).

Summary

Your digital eVisa is the easiest way to prove your immigration status. Sign in to your UKVI account, generate a share code, and ask the employer, landlord or organisation to run the check online. Keep your account details up to date, and use the official links in this guide to recover access or fix errors fast.

How to View and Prove Your UK Immigration Status – eVisa And Share Codes