For expats and those looking to make a long-term home in the UK, proving immigration status can be an unavoidable necessity in day-to-day life. Whether you’re starting a new job, renting a home, or returning to the UK after travel, understanding how to verify your immigration status is important. Here, we’ll guide you through the various types of immigration status, how to access and share them, and what steps to take if issues arise.

Understanding immigration status types

The UK has various types of immigration status, each with distinct eligibility criteria and conditions. Knowing your specific type will help you understand what documentation may be required in different situations. Below are some common immigration statuses:

• Settled status: this status can be granted to those who have lived in the UK continuously for five years, often under the EU Settlement Scheme. With this status, individuals can remain in the UK indefinitely.
• Pre-settled status: available to those who have been in the UK for less than five years, this status allows continued residency and work rights but must be upgraded to settled status after five years. Pre-settled status is also issued under the EU Settlement Scheme.
• Indefinite leave to remain (ILR): ILR grants permanent residency and is awarded to those who meet the UK’s residency requirements, such as those who have lived in the country for a certain number of years on specific types of work visa. Those that hold ILR may also be eligible to naturalise as a British citizen.
• Limited permission to remain: issued to individuals who hold limited permission to remain in the UK, which will expire on a specific date. Such status can be issued on the basis of work in the UK (Skilled Worker), UK ancestry, studies, being in a relationship with someone present in the UK, and various other reasons. Immigration categories that award limited permission to remain require regular visa renewals, with some routes leading to settlement (or ILR) after a specified number of years.

These statuses come with various requirements and documentation, so it’s wise to stay informed about your immigration status and keep any supporting documentation to hand.

Key documents for proving status

The UK’s transition towards digital immigration records means that many status holders now rely on online verification rather than physical documents. Here’s an overview of the common types of proof:

• Digital immigration status (eVisa): for many individuals, immigration status is entirely digital. Digital status can be accessed via the UK government’s portal, where users can retrieve and share their status as needed.
• Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) and Biometric Residence Card (BRC): although no longer issued, physical documents are still held by some, especially non-EU nationals. BRPs and BRCs include biometric data, providing a physical way to prove immigration status. Individuals with these cards should keep them secure and updated, and should also ensure that a UKVI account is secured, so that an eVisa can be accessed in readiness of the UK’s transition to a digital immigration system on January 1st 2025.
• Alternative documentation: for those on certain visas, passport stamps or other government-issued documents may suffice as proof. In specific cases, landlords or employers might request supplementary evidence, such as evidence of studies or work in the UK.

How to prove your status online

With the UK moving towards digital status, most people now need to access, view, and share their immigration details online. Here’s how to work through this process effectively:

• Accessing your digital status: digital status is stored on the UK government’s secure online portal, which can be accessed by creating a UKVI account and then entering personal details, such as your date of birth and travel document or BRP number. Once logged in, if an eVisa is held, you can review your immigration status and see any permissions associated with it.
• Generating and sharing verification codes: to prove your status, you’ll need to generate a ‘share code’ to give third parties access to your digital immigration status. For instance, employers and landlords often need these codes to complete checks. Each share code is temporary, generally valid for 90 days, and can be re-issued if needed.
• Troubleshooting common issues: if you encounter difficulties logging in, such as forgetting credentials, or if a share code isn’t working, the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) helpline provides support.

Situations requiring proof of status

Your immigration status may need to be verified in several circumstances, each with slightly different processes and requirements.

• Employment and right to work checks: employers in the UK must confirm a person’s eligibility to work. If you are not British or Irish, a share code will most likely need to be provided to your employer, so they can undertake a Right to Work check. Sometimes, employers may also require sight of additional documents – for example, evidence of studies or skilled work will be required for international students, and skilled workers who are undertaking supplementary employment alongside their sponsored employment.
• Renting property: under the Right to Rent scheme, landlords and letting agents must verify that tenants have the right to live in the UK. This process also involves the use of a share code.
• Healthcare access: healthcare providers may require proof of your immigration status to ensure you are entitled to free healthcare in the UK. In these cases, having a BRP or digital proof accessible can prevent delays.
• Re-entering the UK after travel: from January 1st 2025, when returning to the UK, you should have your digital status available in order to evidence your immigration status to carriers and UK border officials. Although the majority of BRPs are due to expire on December 31st 2024 (with permission to remain often expiring after this date), the UK government has recently announced that, to assist with the transition to a digital immigration system, BRPs can be used for the purpose of travel until at least March 31st 2025.

Being aware of what’s required in these situations will allow for a smoother process, especially in time-sensitive scenarios.

Addressing common concerns

Digital immigration status is new for many expats, and there are reasonable concerns regarding its security and reliability. Below are some considerations and tips for managing your immigration status digitally:

• Privacy and security of digital status: the government portal is secured by UKVI, and only those you share your status code with can view your details. The information shared is limited to what’s relevant to your immigration status, keeping personal data secure. However, it’s sensible to only share your status code with trusted parties and to avoid unnecessary sharing.
• What to do if you lose access: if you’re unable to log in, the UKVI helpline can assist with account recovery. It’s recommended to keep backup records of your login credentials and regularly update contact information within the portal to ensure accessibility.
• Changes to your immigration status: these will likely be automatically linked to your UKVI account, so your online account (and eVisa) should be automatically updated. You may, however, need to inform certain parties, like employers or landlords, if your status has changed; this will likely involve you having to generate another share code.

These steps help to ensure that you have uninterrupted access to proof of status, regardless of changes in circumstances.

Seeking support and resources

For many, the complexities of immigration documentation are best navigated with professional guidance or support from reliable resources.

• Government and official resources: UKVI provides online guidance, forms, and up-to-date information on Immigration Rules via their website. The Expat Network also offers resources, from articles to forums, covering expat-specific immigration concerns.
• Legal and professional advice: in some cases, consulting immigration solicitors may be beneficial, particularly if you’re managing complex immigration status changes or have encountered verification issues. Solicitors can advise on documentation and clarify your legal standing, especially during visa renewals or ILR applications.
• Expat communities and support groups: expat forums are a valuable source of shared experiences and advice. These networks can provide practical insights into navigating the UK immigration process, often including updates on any recent policy changes impacting expats.

By understanding these steps, you can avoid common challenges and enable a smooth experience when demonstrating your right to live and work in the UK.