The share code system now forms the cornerstone of UK immigration status verification, replacing physical documents with a digital process that employers, landlords, and benefits agencies can check in real time. Understanding how to obtain, view, and use these codes has become essential for anyone with UK immigration status.
All Biometric Residence Permits expired permanently on December 31, 2024, making the transition to eVisas mandatory. Those who have not yet created a UKVI account risk losing the ability to prove their rights to work, rent, or access public funds. The shift affects workers, students, families, and settled residents alike, with share codes serving as the primary tool for status verification.
This guide covers everything from creating a UKVI account to generating and sharing codes with verifiers, drawing on official GOV.UK guidance and established legal requirements.
How Do I Get a Share Code for My UK Immigration Status?
A unique code generated through your UKVI account that allows third parties to verify your immigration status online.
Anyone with UK immigration status who must prove rights to work, rent accommodation, or access benefits.
Create a UKVI account on GOV.UK and generate codes from the “View and Prove Your Immigration Status” service.
Your right to work, rent, claim benefits, and travel—no physical documents required.
Share codes have replaced physical BRPs for eVisa holders. Employers and landlords use them via the Employer Checking Service or online portal to confirm status. Codes remain valid for 90 days before requiring renewal. Access is available through the official GOV.UK View and Prove service.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Service URL | view-immigration-status.service.gov.uk |
| Primary Use | Prove immigration status digitally |
| Code Validity | 90 days from generation |
| Account Required | UKVI online account |
| Documents Replaced | Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) |
| Verification Methods | Online check via share code and date of birth |
| Reusable | Yes, until expiry date |
| Cost | Free through official GOV.UK services |
How to Check Immigration Status Using a Share Code in the UK?
Checking your immigration status involves accessing your UKVI account and reviewing the information displayed there. The process differs depending on whether you are checking your own status or verifying someone else’s.
Checking Your Own Immigration Status
Your eVisa displays your identity, immigration status, and UK rights including permission to work, rent, and claim benefits. After signing into your UKVI account, you should verify that all details—including your name, nationality, and photo—match your current records. If any information appears incorrect, update it before generating share codes.
To check your status, visit the View and Prove Your Immigration Status service on GOV.UK. You will need the email address or phone number associated with your account, along with your passport, national ID, or UKVI number to sign in.
How Employers and Landlords Verify Status
Third parties cannot independently check immigration status. Instead, they rely on codes you provide. When you give someone your share code and date of birth, they enter these details into the GOV.UK verification service, which returns real-time information about your rights and any restrictions.
Employers use the Employer Checking Service to verify right to work. Landlords use a similar portal to confirm right to rent. Both services show only the information needed for that specific check, protecting your privacy while confirming your status.
Verifying Settled or Pre-Settled Status
For EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens under the EU Settlement Scheme, status is viewable online with no physical card issued. Decision letters remain valid only in limited circumstances—for example, when presenting pre-settled status to Jobcentre Plus alongside residence evidence. Share codes serve as the standard proof method for all other verifications.
How to View and Prove Your Immigration Status with a Share Code?
Step 1: Create or Access Your UKVI Account
Begin by visiting the official “View and Prove Your Immigration Status” page on GOV.UK. You can sign in using your passport, national identity document, Biometric Residence Permit (valid or expired), or UKVI number, combined with your registered email address or phone number.
If you do not yet have an account, the system will guide you through registration. You will need to enter details matching your UKVI records and set a password. Enabling two-factor authentication using either a mobile device or email address is required for security.
Step 2: Verify Your Identity
Identity verification requires entering information that matches your immigration records exactly. Discrepancies between your provided details and official records can prevent access. For those with complex immigration histories, additional verification steps may be necessary, potentially extending the setup process.
Step 3: Generate Your Share Code
Once your account is active and your details confirmed, generating a share code takes seconds. From your account dashboard, select the option to create a share code. The system will generate a unique code valid for 90 days—you can then print or save it for reference.
When sharing your code with employers or landlords, provide your date of birth alongside it. This combination allows verifiers to access the specific information needed for their check, without exposing unnecessary personal details.
All Biometric Residence Permits expired permanently on December 31, 2024. Physical BRPs, biometric residence cards, and passport vignettes are no longer valid proofs of immigration status. You must transition to eVisas and use share codes for all verifications.
Step 4: Report Errors Before Sharing
Before providing your share code to any third party, check that the information displayed on your eVisa is accurate. Errors in your birth date, status, or conditions should be reported immediately through the UKVI account. Updating incorrect details before sharing prevents complications with employers, landlords, or benefit agencies.
What is a Settlement Status Share Code and How to Check It?
The EU Settlement Scheme grants EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens either settled or pre-settled status following Brexit. Settled status provides permanent residence rights, while pre-settled status offers temporary permission that can later be upgraded. Both statuses now exist digitally with no physical documentation issued.
Checking Your Settlement Status
Access your status through the GOV.UK eVisa service using your UKVI account. The digital record shows whether you hold settled or pre-settled status, along with any conditions. For those who applied to the EU Scheme by June 30, 2021, biometric residence cards remain valid for UK entry if unexpired—however, obtaining a share code provides a reliable backup verification method.
Using Share Codes with Settlement Status
Settled and pre-settled status holders use share codes identically to other visa holders. Generate a code from your account and provide it alongside your date of birth when required. For Jobcentre Plus purposes, combining your share code with additional residence evidence such as payslips or utility bills may be necessary when dealing with pre-settled status.
Citizens Advice provides detailed guidance on using settlement status with employers, landlords, and government services. Their resources address specific scenarios including combined households and family member considerations.
Key Milestones in the Digital Transition
The shift from physical documents to fully digital immigration status verification has occurred in distinct phases, with the final transition point now passed.
- Before December 31, 2024: Biometric Residence Permits remained valid. Holders were encouraged to create UKVI accounts and prepare for the eVisa transition.
- December 31, 2024: All BRPs expired permanently regardless of printed expiry dates. eVisa became the mandatory proof of immigration status.
- 2025 onwards: Biometric residence cards and passport vignettes are being phased out. The share code system serves as the standard verification method for all immigration status checks.
This timeline affects all immigration status holders including workers, students, families, and settled residents. Early transition ensures uninterrupted access to rights including employment, housing, and public funds.
What to Expect: Known Facts and Remaining Uncertainties
| Established Information | Information That Remains Uncertain |
|---|---|
| Official GOV.UK service handles all share code generation and verification | Exact code validity periods may vary by immigration category |
| 90-day validity applies to standard share codes | Future updates to verification procedures not yet announced |
| BRPs expired December 31, 2024 | Timeline for full BRC phase-out beyond 2025 |
| UKVI account required for all status holders | Whether additional document types will gain share code compatibility |
Why the eVisa System Was Introduced
The Home Office introduced eVisas to modernize immigration status management, reducing reliance on physical documents that could be lost, damaged, or forged. Digital records also allow instant verification by employers, landlords, and government agencies without requiring individuals to carry or present documentation.
This transition aligns the UK with digital immigration systems used in other countries while addressing longstanding issues with BRP validity periods that did not always match actual immigration permission. The 2024 deadline for BRP expiry ensured a clean break to the new system, though it required affected individuals to take action before the deadline.
The share code system maintains privacy by limiting information shared during verification. When an employer or landlord checks a code, they see only the details relevant to their specific need—typically right to work or rent—rather than full immigration history.
Guidance from Official Sources
“Your eVisa shows your immigration status and rights in the UK, including your right to work, rent a home, and claim benefits. You can use it to prove your status to employers, landlords, and others.”
— GOV.UK on eVisa usage
“If you have pre-settled status and need to prove your status to Jobcentre Plus, you may need to provide your share code along with other evidence of your residence in the UK, such as payslips or utility bills.”
— Citizens Advice on EU Settlement Scheme
What Happens Next: Next Steps for Status Holders
If you have not yet created a UKVI account, do so immediately through the View and Prove Your Immigration Status service. Verify that your details are correct, then generate a share code to have on hand for any upcoming verifications.
When your current code approaches its 90-day expiry, simply generate a new one from your account. Keep records of codes you have shared, and update your details promptly if anything changes.
For those planning travel, the FCDO travel advice for UK residents covers entry requirements and documentation needs for international destinations.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is a share code valid?
Share codes remain valid for 90 days from the date of generation. After expiry, you must generate a new code through your UKVI account.
Can I still use my BRP as proof of status?
No. All Biometric Residence Permits expired permanently on December 31, 2024. You must use your eVisa and share codes for all status verification purposes.
Do employers need my physical documents?
No. Employers verify status using your share code and date of birth through the Employer Checking Service. Physical documents are no longer required.
Can landlords check my immigration status without a share code?
Landlords cannot check your status independently. You must provide your share code and date of birth for them to verify your right to rent.
What if my eVisa shows incorrect information?
Report any errors in your eVisa immediately through your UKVI account before sharing codes with employers or landlords. Incorrect details can cause verification failures.
How do I access my UKVI account if I have forgotten my sign-in details?
Use the sign-in help option on the GOV.UK login page. Support options include webchat and guided videos for account recovery.
Can I travel abroad with just my eVisa?
Your eVisa confirms your UK immigration status. For international travel, ensure you have a valid passport or travel document. Check entry requirements for your destination before travelling.
What is the difference between settled and pre-settled status?
Settled status grants permanent UK residence rights. Pre-settled status is temporary and must be upgraded to settled status within five years of arrival to maintain rights.
Amelia Ward is Managing Editor at PlaylisterUK.co.uk, running the daily news list, the publishing schedule and the music submissions workflow.