For many people living in or moving to the United Kingdom, checking their visa or immigration status is a regular necessity. Whether you need to prove your right to work, rent a home, or simply verify your own record, the process has moved almost entirely online. This guide covers the main official methods for checking UK visa status, explains what a share code is, and details how to access your eVisa, while also addressing common troubleshooting issues.
How to Check Your UK Visa Status Online
For your own UK visa/immigration status
Requires: Passport/BRP details or UKVI account
For giving or checking someone else’s status (employer/landlord)
Requires: Share code from the individual
To view and prove your digital immigration status
Requires: UKVI account login
For US visa application status
Requires: Application ID and consulate location
- The UK has transitioned to digital eVisa status, replacing physical documents.
- Share codes are temporary – they expire and must be renewed for each check.
- The UK Immigration: ID Check app is mandatory for many applications to confirm identity.
- US visa status can only be checked via the CEAC tracker for most non-immigrant visas.
- If you cannot access your eVisa, you may need to update your UKVI account or contact the Home Office.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Official UK check tool | https://view-immigration-status.service.gov.uk |
| eVisa replaces BRPs from | 2025 |
| Share code validity | 90 days from generation |
| UK Immigration: ID Check app | Google Play and Apple App Store |
| US visa check | https://ceac.state.gov |
| What you need to sign in | Passport, national ID card, BRP, expired BRP, or UKVI customer number |
| Additional login requirement | Access to mobile number or email linked to account |
| Purpose of share codes | Prove right to work, rent, study, or travel |
| Checker needs | Share code and your date of birth |
| Share code reuse | Can be reused until it expires (90 days) |
The main official page for this is the GOV.UK eVisa service, where you can view your digital status and generate a share code. The underlying check portal is the View immigration status service. To sign in, you need the identity document you used for your UKVI account — such as a passport, national identity card, biometric residence card, expired BRP, or UKVI customer number — plus access to the mobile number or email linked to that account.
What is a Share Code and How to Use It for Immigration Checks
A share code is a temporary code that allows an authorised person, such as an employer or landlord, to view your immigration status online. It is not an immigration document itself, but a secure way to grant access to your digital record.
How to Get a Share Code
Log into your UKVI account via the GOV.UK eVisa service. Once you have viewed your eVisa and confirmed the information is correct, click to get a share code. You will then choose the reason for the code — such as right to work, right to rent, or something else — and the system generates a unique code.
How to Use a Share Code to Check Someone’s Status
If you are an employer or landlord, you use the dedicated GOV.UK service for checking someone’s immigration status. You enter the share code provided by the individual, along with their date of birth. The system then displays their status for the specific purpose selected. It is important to use the correct service for the check type, as work and rent checks are not interchangeable.
How Long is a Share Code Valid For?
GOV.UK states that a share code lasts 90 days and can be reused multiple times until it expires. After that, a new code must be generated.
A share code is not the same as a physical immigration document. It is only a way for an authorised checker to view your online status. The checker must use the correct official GOV.UK service for the purpose, because work and rent checks are not interchangeable.
Checking Your eVisa and Settled Status in the UK
An eVisa is a digital record of your immigration status, which the UK Home Office is rolling out to replace physical documents like Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs). By the end of 2025, all status is expected to be digital.
How to Check Your eVisa Status
You view your eVisa through your UKVI account on GOV.UK. Once logged in, your eVisa shows your identity, your immigration status, and the rights you have in the UK — for example, to work, rent, or claim benefits. You can then generate a share code to prove that status to others.
How to Check Your Settled Status
Settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme is also a form of digital status. You check it through the same GOV.UK eVisa service, using the same UKVI account. The process is identical: log in, view your status, and generate a share code if needed.
The UK Home Office is digitizing all immigration status to reduce fraud and streamline checks. BRPs are being phased out during 2025, with all status becoming digital by the end of that year. This means the UKVI account is becoming the primary method for all immigration status management.
Using the UK Immigration: ID Check App
The UK Immigration: ID Check app is an official Home Office application used primarily during visa applications to confirm identity. It is available on Google Play and the Apple App Store. The app is mandatory for many application types, allowing you to scan your passport or BRP and submit a facial image.
After your visa is granted, the app is generally not needed for day-to-day status checks. You manage your eVisa and generate share codes through the GOV.UK website using your UKVI account.
How to Check US Visa Application Status
For those dealing with US visas as well, the US system is entirely separate. The official tool is the CEAC visa status tracker, operated by the U.S. Department of State. You need your application ID and consulate location to check the status of most non-immigrant and immigrant visa applications.
Statuses you may see include “Ready,” “Administrative Processing,” “Issued,” or “Refused.” If your status shows “Administrative Processing,” expect potential delays. There is no share code or eVisa equivalent in the US system; the CEAC tracker is the primary method.
Troubleshooting: What to Do If You Cannot Access Your eVisa or Share Code
Problems with accessing your eVisa or UKVI account are not uncommon. Below are the most frequent issues and the steps recommended by GOV.UK.
Can’t Sign In
Use the identity details and contact method linked to your UKVI account. If you are locked out, seek account recovery help through the service.
eVisa Not Set Up Yet
Check that you have finished setting up your UKVI account to access your eVisa. If the account is incomplete, you will not be able to view your status.
Wrong Details Shown
If your eVisa shows the wrong date of birth, status, or other details, report an error through the UKVI system.
Share Code Won’t Generate
If you can view your eVisa but cannot generate a share code, report an error. GOV.UK advises contacting UKVI webchat for help.
Changed Personal Details
If you have changed your name, nationality, or need a new photo because you are not recognised, update your UKVI account before trying to get a share code.
If you have lost access to your UKVI account completely, resolution steps are not fully automated. You may need to use the UKVI webchat or contact the Home Office directly. It is crucial to keep your contact details (email and phone number) up to date in your account.
Key Milestones in UK Digital Immigration Status
- 2024+: Rollout of eVisa for most visa holders in the UK.
- 2025: BRPs phased out; all status digital by end of year.
- Ongoing: GOV.UK services updated; UKVI accounts become primary method.
Understanding the Shift to Digital Immigration Status
The UK Home Office is digitizing all immigration status to reduce fraud and streamline checks. eVisas require an online account, which may pose challenges for individuals without reliable internet access or digital literacy. Share codes provide a one-time verification method but need to be regenerated every 90 days, which can be a source of friction for frequent checks. The US system remains separate with its own CEAC tracker, meaning travellers and dual-status holders need to know which system applies to their specific situation.
Official Sources and Quotations
“Your eVisa shows your identity and immigration status. This includes what rights you have in the UK, for example to work, rent or claim benefits.”
GOV.UK – eVisas: access and use your online immigration status
“On this website, you can check your U.S. visa application status.”
U.S. Department of State – CEAC Status Tracker
What to Do After Checking Your Status
After checking your status, the appropriate next step depends on what you find. If your status is “pending,” wait for the official decision email. If your status shows rights such as the ability to work or rent, save a screenshot or generate a share code for proof. If the status is incorrect, contact UKVI using the online form or phone helpline. For US visas, if your status shows “Administrative Processing,” expect delays and check back periodically.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for my eVisa to update after a decision?
Usually within a few hours to a day. Check your UKVI account for the latest status.
Can I use my share code multiple times?
No, each share code is valid for 90 days for a single check. Generate a new one for each party.
What if I don’t have a share code to check someone’s status?
You cannot check without a share code. Ask the person to generate one from their UKVI account.
Do I need an app to check my UK visa status?
No, you can check through the GOV.UK website. The app is only needed for identity confirmation during applications.
Is the US visa status check the same as the UK one?
No, US visa check is separate at ceac.state.gov. UK visa checks are on GOV.UK.
What if my eVisa shows the wrong date of birth?
Report an error through the UKVI system. Do not attempt to use the incorrect status for any checks.
Can I check my UK visa status without a share code?
Yes. You can log into your own UKVI account to view your eVisa directly. A share code is only needed to let someone else check your status.
How do I update my UKVI account details?
Log into your UKVI account on GOV.UK and navigate to the account settings section. You can update your name, nationality, photo, and contact details there.
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