At Remitly, we’re invested in your life abroad. If you’ve recently immigrated to the UK, you might have to prove your immigration status for things like applying for jobs, renting an apartment, or accessing services. This process can feel complicated and overwhelming, but the right knowledge will help you prove your immigration status with confidence.
In this article, we’ll provide a clear, step-by-step guide on how to prove your immigration status in the UK. This process is mostly digital and much more straightforward than it may seem. We’ll show you what the digital status is, how to get a ‘share code,’ and when you might need to use it.
What is a digital immigration status?
In the UK, your digital immigration status is also called an eVisa. These eVisas are used to provide a record of:
- Your identity and immigration status; for example, what type of visa you have.
- The conditions of your status; for example, if you’re allowed to study or work while in the UK.
Digital immigration status or eVisas are replacing physical documents with a secure online system. Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) have already been completely replaced by eVisas. Soon, eVisas will also replace Biometric Residence Cards (BRCs) and wet ink stamps and vignettes or stickers in passports.
If you apply for a visa in the UK or have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you’ll likely be issued an eVisa. This new digital system is secure and provides a reliable and easy way to view and prove your rights in the UK.
How to prove your immigration status online
Your eVisa proves your immigration status in the UK and provides information about your rights. This information relates to your rights to work, rent accommodation, and claim benefits. Through the government’s online system, you can get a share code to prove your immigration status to potential employers or landlords and when you’re travelling.
- Step 1: Visit the gov.uk website. Use your UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration) online login information to access the eVisa portal. Make sure that you are accessing the official government site with a dot UK top level domain or website address in order to prevent any data breaches.
- Step 2: Enter your details. You’ll need one of the following methods of identification:
- your passport
- national identity card
- valid or expired Biometric Residence Card (BRC)
- expired Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)
- UKVI customer number.
You’ll also need to provide your date of birth and have access to the cell phone number or email address that you use to access your UKVI account.
- Step 3: Get your share code. When all of your information is verified, the online portal will generate a ‘share code.’ This is a unique 9-digit alphanumeric code that is valid for 90 days. For example, a share code might look like ‘S1234567’ or ‘W9876543’.
- Step 4: Share your status. Your share code will allow other people or organisations, like a landlord or an employer, to see some of your personal details. They’ll need your date of birth and your share code to access this information on the government’s website.
Using your immigration status in real life
When you receive your share code, you’ll be informed what information is visible by using the code. You can provide your share code to as many people as needed within the 90-day validity period. You can also get a new share code whenever you need one.
Share codes are case sensitive and should be entered into the government’s website exactly as they appear. The first letter of your share code provides immediate information about your rights. For example, ‘R’ indicates ‘renting’, while ‘W’ indicates ‘working’.
Common situations where you might be asked to provide a share code include:
- Right to work: A share code might be requested of you when you’re applying for or starting a new job.
- Right to rent: When renting a property from a landlord or letting agent in England. This only applies in England, not in other UK countries.
- Accessing services: When opening a bank account or applying for certain benefits.
- NHS: If you’re registering with the National Health Service, you’ll have to provide a share code to prove your entitlement to healthcare.
What is the ‘right to rent’?
Landlords in England are legally required to obtain proof of tenants’ immigration status under the 2014 Immigration Act. In other words, they must prove that their tenants have the ‘right to rent’ under English law.
Other UK countries do not require landlords to check tenants’ immigration status. Landlords in Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales can request proof of immigration status if they have a lawful purpose to do so. However, if they require these personal details without proper justification, this could be considered a data protection breach or discriminatory behaviour that violates equality laws.
Share code security
One of the benefits of the online visa system is that a share code provides access only to necessary information. When you generate a share code, the online portal will display the information connected to your code. This allows you to be in control and knowledgeable of what personal information you’re distributing.
In addition to the curated information that is tied to a share code, the 90-day validity period works to protect your personal information. Even if you provide a share code to a potential landlord or employer, they will lose access to your information when the code expires.
As with all personal information, it’s smart to be careful about who you give access to your share code. If you have provided someone with a share code and you no longer want them to access your information, formally withdraw your consent via a written communication to the person or organisation. If they continue to view your information, report them to the Information Commissioner’s Office.
Physical vs digital documents
As eVisas become the prevalent method for proving immigration status in the UK, there might be some confusion in switching from physical documents. If you still have a Biometric Residence Card, Biometric Residence Permit, or other document, don’t throw them away. These physical documents can be used when logging in to access your eVisa, even if they are expired.
If your physical documents are still valid, they can continue to be used until they expire. However, the system is transitioning to fully digital, and eVisas will soon be the primary proof of immigration status. If you’d like to review the most current rules around physical versus digital documents, refer to the government website.
Support in proving your immigration status
With the switch to digital eVisas, you may find yourself in need of support in figuring out how the digital system works. You can contact the UKVI directly with any questions.
If you’re immigrating as a student, your university or school may have specific offices to help you set up digital accounts. Here’s a helpful guide to set up a UKVI account that was produced by Swansea University.
If you’re struggling with the online platforms, consider popping into your local library to get face-to-face help navigating the UKVI portal.
Your path forward in the UK
Whether you’re applying for a new job or trying to rent an apartment, proving your immigration status in the UK can be done easily and securely online by generating a share code. The UK’s digital system is designed to make life simpler and more secure for immigrants.
If you’re interested in further exploring proving your immigration status in the UK, check out the gov.uk website for more resources.
If you’re curious to learn more about life in the UK, check out Remity’s other related blog posts:
- How to Start Freelancing While LIving in the UK
- How the UK Government Protects Immigrants from Cyber Attacks
- How Does Voting Work in the UK?
FAQs
Is my immigration status in the UK something that I should keep private or secret?
Your immigration status is something personal, but can be shared when you are proving your right to work or rent. You will also need to share information about your immigration for school applications, travel, and government services.
Be wary of sharing your immigration status and other personal details on public social media and with strangers.
Should I feel skeptical if someone is asking about my immigration status in the UK?
If the person is an official representing a school, the UK government, access to healthcare, or a letting agency, you can feel confident in providing them with your share code. The share code provided by the eVisa service only shares the information that the recipient needs.
How long does it take for changes in my immigration status to be reflected in the digital system?
There is no set timeline for how long it will take for your immigration status to be reflected in the eVisa system. It could take a few days to a few weeks or even longer, depending on the type of visa for which you’re applying. More information on visa processing times can be found here.