How to Check My Immigration Status UK

If you are living in the UK, or planning to move there, knowing how to check my immigration status UK is very important. Whether you need to work, rent, claim benefits or just want peace of mind, checking your immigration status means you know exactly where you stand. In this article, we’ll walk through the full process in simple language. We’ll explain what you need, why you might check your status, and how to do it step by step.

Why you might want to check your immigration status (Other reasons, here are some things…)

Here are some of the reasons you might need to check your status:

To make sure you are legally allowed to live and stay in the UK.
To prove your right to work in the UK, or right to rent a home.
To check if you can claim certain public funds or benefits.
To avoid accidentally breaking immigration rules by overstaying or being unclear about your rights.
To prepare for travel in or out of the UK (for example, airports may ask).
To update your details (like your passport, email, address) and ensure your official record is correct.

Because of all these, when you search for check my immigration status UK or ask how to check my immigration status in the UK, it’s useful to have a clear, easy‑to‑follow guide.

Key terms you should know

Here are some important terms with simple definitions:

Term	What it means
Immigration status	The permission you have to be in the UK: whether you can stay, work or claim benefits.
View and prove your immigration status	The online service on the UK government website where you can view your status. (GOV.UK)
eVisa (online immigration status)	A digital record of your status instead of a paper permit. (GOV.UK)
Share code	A code you generate to allow someone else (like your employer or landlord) to check your status. (University of York)
UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI)	The part of the UK Government that handles visas and immigration.

Who can use the online service to check status?

Most people with immigration permission in the UK can use the online service. This includes those who:

Have a visa that allows them to stay or work.
Have pre‑settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme. (Citizens Advice)
Have a biometric residence permit (BRP) or biometric residence card (BRC), though many of these are being replaced by eVisas. (Citizens Advice)

If you are visiting the UK for a short time (for example, under 6 months) and your permission is a “visitor” type visa, you may not have an eVisa account — but you still may want to check what your rights are.

Step‑by‑Step: How to check your immigration status

Here is a step‑by‑step guide:

1. Gather what you need

Before you start, make sure you have:

The identity document you used when you applied (for example, your passport or national ID card) (University of York)
Your date of birth.
Access to the mobile phone number or email address used in your application/account. (GOV.UK)
The account login details for your UKVI account (if you already created one).

2. Log in to the online service

Visit the “View and prove your immigration status” service on GOV.UK. (GOV.UK)
Once you are logged in, you will be able to see:

Your name and date of birth.
What immigration status you hold (for example: student visa, work visa, settled status).
The expiry or end date of your leave.
The rights you have (for example: can you work? can you claim benefits? can you rent?). (University of York)

3. Check your rights and conditions

Once you can view your status, make sure you check:

Whether you have the right to work in the UK.
Whether you have the right to rent property.
Whether you are eligible for benefits or public funds (if applicable).
All of these will be shown in your online status record. (nrpfnetwork.org.uk)

4. Generate a share code (if needed)

If you need to prove your status to someone else (for example an employer, landlord or benefits office), you can get a share code.

Log into your online status.
Select “Get a share code” and follow the prompts. (University of York)
Give the share code and your date of birth to the organisation checking your status. They will use it to view your status online. (GOV.UK)
Note: the share code expires after 90 days, so if you wait longer you may need a new one. (Citizens Advice)

5. Keep your details up to date

It’s very important you keep your account and personal details up to date:

If your passport or identity document changes.
If you change your name (for example through marriage) or address.
If your contact email or phone number changes.
Failing to update can cause problems when someone checks your status. (Citizens Advice)

Common Issues and Questions

Here are some Frequently Asked Questions (and answers) to help you:

Q1. I applied long ago and I don’t see a status online – what do I do?

If you applied before digital records were common, you might not yet have an eVisa online status. In that case you may need to ask to replace your old document with an eVisa. (Citizens Advice)
If you don’t have access to your email/phone for your account, you may need to recover your account via UKVI. (GOV.UK)

Q2. My share code shows incorrect information—what then?

If you find errors (for example wrong name, wrong passport) you should contact UKVI to ask for correction. You might also seek advice if you believe your rights are being limited. (Citizens Advice)

Q3. Can I still prove my right to work/rent manually, without online service?

Yes. If you cannot use the online service, you can use manual checks (for example your BRP, passport) and your employer/landlord may need to use the Employer Checking Service. (Davidson Morris)

Q4. Why is checking my status so important?

Because wrong or outdated immigration status can prevent you from working, renting, or accessing public services. Worse, it might mean you inadvertently stay beyond your permission which can lead to serious consequences.
When someone asks “How to check my immigration status in the UK”, one of the most helpful answers is: do it now so you know your position, rather than wait until you need proof.

Summary: How to Check My Immigration Status UK

Here is a quick summary table:

Step	What to do
1	Gather your ID document, date of birth, login or email/phone used.
2	Log into the GOV.UK “View and prove your immigration status” service.
3	Review your status details: type of leave, expiry date, rights.
4	If required, generate and share a share code with employer/landlord.
5	Keep your account and details up to date so everything stays valid.

Final Thoughts

When you type “other reasons, here are some things… check my immigration status UK” or ask “how to check my immigration status in the UK”, remember this: checking your status is not just a formality. It’s a practical step that protects your ability to live, work, rent and access services in the UK.

Make it a habit: if you ever change identity documents, move home, or your leave is extended or altered — check again. If you share your status via a share code, make sure it is valid (not expired). If you find errors, act quickly to correct them.

Everyone has the right to know where they stand. Going through these steps gives you clarity and helps you avoid problems later.