Picture this: you’re standing in your new boss’s office, excited about starting your dream job, when they ask for proof of your right to work. You reach for your familiar plastic biometric residence permit, only to realize it’s no longer accepted. Welcome to 2025, where proving your immigration status in the UK has gone completely digital.
If you’ve been living in the UK with a biometric residence permit (BRP) or any other physical immigration document, this year marks a seismic shift in how you prove your status. Gone are the days of carrying around that crucial plastic card. Instead, welcome to the age of eVisas and share codes – a digital revolution that’s both exciting and, let’s be honest, a bit overwhelming.
But don’t worry. I’m here to walk you through everything you need to know about proving your immigration status in 2025. Whether you’re applying for a job, renting a flat, or simply trying to understand what this digital transformation means for your daily life, this guide has you covered.
The Digital Revolution: What Changed in 2025?
The UK government has officially pulled the plug on physical immigration documents. Your biometric residence permit, visa vignette stickers, immigration stamps, and biometric residence cards are now museum pieces. Everything has moved online through something called an eVisa.
Think of it as your immigration status getting a modern makeover. Instead of fumbling around for a physical card that could get lost, damaged, or stolen, your entire immigration history now lives securely in the cloud. It’s like trading in your old flip phone for the latest smartphone – same functionality, but infinitely more sophisticated.
By the end of April 2025, over 4.3 million people had already created UKVI accounts to access their eVisa, showing just how massive this transition has been. If you haven’t made the switch yet, you’re definitely not alone, but it’s time to get on board.
Understanding Your eVisa: Your Digital Immigration Identity
So what exactly is an eVisa? An eVisa is an electronic record of a person’s immigration status that removes the need for physical documents. Think of it as your digital immigration passport, containing all the same information that used to be printed on your BRP, but now stored securely online.
Your eVisa contains everything someone needs to know about your immigration status:
- Your immigration category (Student, Worker, Family, etc.)
- Your permission dates (when your status expires)
- Your conditions (work restrictions, study requirements, etc.)
- Your travel rights (whether you can travel and return)
The beauty of the eVisa system is that digital records cannot be stolen, lost, or tampered with, therefore providing a safeguard to proving immigration status. No more panic attacks when you can’t find your BRP!
The Share Code: Your New Best Friend
Here’s where things get really clever. To prove your status to employers, landlords, or anyone else who needs to verify your immigration position, you don’t show them your eVisa directly. Instead, you generate something called a share code.
A share code allows you to prove your immigration status to people such as employers or landlords, and you’ll need to give them your date of birth along with the code. It’s like giving someone a temporary key to a specific room in your house – they can see what they need to see, but nothing more.
How Share Codes Work
The share code system is brilliantly simple:
- You generate a code through your UKVI account
- You share the code (and your date of birth) with the employer/landlord
- They check your status using the government’s online checking service
- They get instant verification of your rights
Share codes are valid for 90 days and can be used multiple times within that period. This means you can apply for several jobs or rental properties using the same code, which is incredibly convenient.
Step-by-Step: How to Access Your eVisa
Getting to your eVisa isn’t rocket science, but it does require following the right steps. Here’s your complete roadmap:
Step 1: Create Your UKVI Account
You need a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account to access your eVisa. If you don’t have one yet, don’t panic – getting an eVisa is free and won’t change your permission to live in the UK.
To create your account, you’ll need:
- Your current immigration document details
- A valid email address
- Access to a mobile phone for verification
Step 2: Link Your Immigration History
The system needs to connect your physical documents to your digital record. This might require:
- Your BRP number
- Your passport details
- Previous application reference numbers
- National insurance number (if you have one)
Step 3: Verify Your Identity
The government takes security seriously, so expect to go through identity verification. This typically involves:
- Answering questions about your immigration history
- Providing additional documentation if requested
- Potentially having a video call for verification
Step 4: Access Your eVisa
Once everything is set up, you can log into your account and view your complete immigration status. You’ll see all your permissions, restrictions, and important dates in one place.
Generating and Using Share Codes: The Practical Guide
Now for the part you’ll probably use most often – creating share codes to prove your status.
When You Need a Share Code
You’ll need to generate a share code for:
- Job applications and right to work checks
- Rental applications and right to rent checks
- Bank account openings
- University applications
- Benefits applications
- Healthcare registration
How to Generate Your Share Code
The process is refreshingly straightforward:
- Log into your UKVI account
- Navigate to “Prove your immigration status”
- Select the purpose (work, rent, benefits, etc.)
- Generate your unique 9-character code
- Note the expiry date (90 days from creation)
What Your Share Code Shows
When someone uses your share code, they’ll see:
- Your name and date of birth
- Your immigration status
- Your work/study permissions
- Any restrictions on your status
- The expiry date of your current permission
They won’t see sensitive information like your full immigration history or personal details beyond what’s necessary for verification.
Right to Work: Proving Your Employment Eligibility
UK employers face statutory obligations to verify every worker’s right to work, with updated penalties reaching £60,000 per illegal worker in 2025. This makes it crucial that you understand how to prove your work eligibility effectively.
The New Process for Employers
From 1 January 2025, BRPs and BRCs are no longer valid for right to work checks, and all status checks must be carried out using a Share Code via the official GOV.UK portal.
Here’s what happens when you provide a share code to an employer:
- You provide your 9-character share code and date of birth
- Employer accesses the online checking service
- System displays your work permissions and restrictions
- Employer saves the verification details for their records
- You’re cleared to start work (assuming you have the right permissions)
Your Rights as an Employee
Your employer cannot reject your application because you gave them an eligible immigration document instead of a share code. However, since physical documents are no longer valid for most immigration statuses, the share code has become the standard method.
Common Work Permission Scenarios
Your share code will show one of several work permission types:
Unrestricted Work Rights:
- Indefinite Leave to Remain holders
- British citizens (though they typically use passports)
- EU Settled Status holders
Restricted Work Rights:
- Student visa holders (limited hours)
- Dependent visa holders (may have work restrictions)
- Some family visa categories
No Work Rights:
- Visitor visa holders
- Some family members with no work conditions
Right to Rent: Proving Your Housing Eligibility
Proving your right to rent follows a similar process to work checks, but with some important differences.
The Landlord’s Perspective
Landlords are legally required to check your right to rent before they can offer you a tenancy. Using your share code, they can instantly verify:
- Whether you have permission to live in the UK
- How long that permission lasts
- Any restrictions on your housing rights
Limited vs. Unlimited Right to Rent
Your share code will indicate whether you have:
Limited Right to Rent:
- Permission that expires on a specific date
- Requires follow-up checks from landlords
- Common for visa holders with time-limited status
Unlimited Right to Rent:
- Permanent permission to live in the UK
- No follow-up checks required
- Available to ILR holders and British citizens
Traveling with Your Digital Status
One of the biggest adjustments for many people is learning to travel without physical documents. You can travel with your eVisa after you add your passport or travel document details.
Before You Travel
Make sure to:
- Link your passport to your eVisa
- Check that your travel document is valid
- Confirm your re-entry rights
- Have your UKVI account details accessible
At the Border
UK border control can access your eVisa electronically using your passport details. However, it’s smart to:
- Know your UKVI account login details
- Have screenshots of your status (as backup)
- Carry any supporting documents for unusual circumstances
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even the best systems have hiccups. Here are the most common problems people face and how to solve them:
Can’t Access Your UKVI Account
Problem: Forgotten password, locked account, or technical issues Solution:
- Use the password reset function
- Contact UKVI support through official channels
- Allow extra time before important deadlines
Share Code Not Working
Problem: Employer/landlord says your share code is invalid Solution:
- Check the code was entered correctly
- Verify you provided the correct date of birth
- Generate a new code if the old one expired
- Ensure the person checking has access to the right system
Immigration Status Not Showing
Problem: Your eVisa doesn’t reflect your current status Solution:
- Check if you have multiple UKVI accounts
- Ensure all your documents are properly linked
- Contact UKVI if your recent application isn’t showing
- Gather evidence of your current status
Technical Difficulties
Problem: Website not loading, system errors, or access issues Solution:
- Try different browsers or devices
- Clear your cache and cookies
- Check for system maintenance announcements
- Use alternative access methods if available
Special Circumstances and Exceptions
Not everyone fits neatly into the standard eVisa system. Here are some special situations you might encounter:
Recent Visa Applications
If you’ve recently applied for a new visa or extension, your status might be in limbo. In these cases:
- Your old permission may have expired
- Your new eVisa might not be ready yet
- You may have temporary status during processing
- Additional documentation might be required
Multiple Nationalities
If you hold multiple passports:
- Ensure all relevant documents are linked to your eVisa
- Be consistent about which passport you use for travel
- Update your account if you get a new passport
- Understand which nationality gives you the best rights
Family Members
Dependents and family members have their own eVisas:
- Children get separate eVisas (even if on parent’s application)
- Spouses have independent status records
- Each person needs their own UKVI account
- Family members may have different permission dates
Looking Ahead: Future Developments
The digital immigration system is still evolving. Here’s what we can expect:
Enhanced Integration
The government is working on integrating the eVisa system with other public services:
- Automatic updates to HMRC for tax purposes
- Direct links to NHS systems
- Integration with local council services
- Streamlined university application processes
Mobile App Development
While currently web-based, there are plans for mobile applications that would make accessing your eVisa even easier on the go.
Expanded Functionality
Future updates may include:
- Digital-only application processes
- Real-time status updates
- Enhanced family linking features
- Improved employer/landlord verification systems
Tips for Success in the Digital Age
Mastering your digital immigration status requires a new set of skills. Here are my top tips:
Stay Organized
- Keep your UKVI account details in a secure password manager
- Set calendar reminders for important dates
- Take screenshots of your status for offline reference
- Maintain backup contact methods
Be Proactive
- Generate share codes before you need them
- Check your status regularly for any changes
- Update your contact details when you move
- Link new passports as soon as you get them
Know Your Rights
- Understand exactly what permissions your status includes
- Know the expiry date of your current permission
- Be aware of any restrictions on your activities
- Stay informed about policy changes
Plan Ahead
- Start visa renewal processes early
- Don’t leave important checks to the last minute
- Have backup plans for technical difficulties
- Keep physical copies of important correspondence
Building Confidence in the Digital System
Change can be unsettling, especially when it involves something as important as your legal status. But the digital system offers significant advantages:
Security Benefits:
- No risk of lost or stolen documents
- Tamper-proof records
- Instant verification
- Reduced fraud risk
Convenience Factors:
- 24/7 access to your status
- No need to carry physical documents
- Multiple uses of the same share code
- Instant updates when status changes
Environmental Impact:
- Reduced plastic waste from BRPs
- Less paper documentation
- Lower carbon footprint
- Sustainable long-term solution
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What happens if I can’t access my eVisa account? A: Contact UKVI support immediately through official channels. They can help you regain access or provide alternative verification methods while you resolve the technical issues.
Q: Can I still use my BRP if it hasn’t expired yet? A: No, from January 1, 2025, BRPs are no longer accepted for right to work or right to rent checks. You must use your eVisa and share codes instead.
Q: How long do share codes last? A: Share codes are valid for 90 days from when you create them. You can generate multiple codes and use them as many times as needed within that period.
Q: What if my employer doesn’t know how to use the share code system? A: The government provides guidance for employers on their website. You can direct them to the official employer checking service or offer to help them through the process.
Q: Can I generate share codes for different purposes? A: Yes, you can generate specific share codes for work, rent, benefits, or other purposes. Each code shows only the information relevant to that specific check.
Q: What if I’m traveling and can’t access my eVisa? A: UK border control can access your status through your passport. However, it’s wise to have your UKVI account details accessible and consider taking screenshots as backup.
Q: Are there any fees for using the eVisa system? A: No, accessing your eVisa and generating share codes is completely free. There are no ongoing charges for using the digital system.
Q: What if my status changes after I generate a share code? A: Your share code reflects your status at the time of generation. If your status changes significantly, generate a new share code to ensure accuracy.
Q: Can I help family members access their eVisas? A: Each person needs their own UKVI account, but you can assist them with the setup process. Children’s accounts are typically linked to their parents until they reach adulthood.
Q: What if the online system is down when I need to prove my status? A: While rare, system outages can occur. Keep screenshots of your status as backup, and consider generating share codes in advance of important deadlines.
The Path Forward
Proving your immigration status in the UK has fundamentally changed in 2025. The shift from physical documents to digital systems represents more than just a technological upgrade – it’s a complete reimagining of how immigration status works in the modern world.
Yes, there’s a learning curve. Yes, it can feel overwhelming at first. But once you master the system, you’ll wonder how you ever managed with that plastic card that seemed to disappear whenever you needed it most.
The key to success in this new digital landscape is preparation and understanding. Take the time to set up your eVisa properly, practice generating share codes, and familiarize yourself with the system before you’re under pressure to use it.
Remember, millions of people have already made this transition successfully. The system is designed to be user-friendly, and support is available when you need it. With the right knowledge and preparation, proving your immigration status in 2025 can be smoother and more secure than ever before.
Your immigration status is one of your most important legal documents. In the digital age, it’s also one of your most accessible and secure. Embrace the change, master the system, and step confidently into the future of UK immigration.
The plastic card era is over. The digital age has arrived. And you’re ready for it.
Article Synopsis
The UK immigration system underwent a complete digital transformation in 2025, replacing all physical documents like biometric residence permits (BRPs) with electronic visas (eVisas). This comprehensive guide explains how to navigate the new system, from creating a UKVI account to generating share codes for proving immigration status to employers and landlords.
Key changes include mandatory use of digital share codes for right to work and right to rent checks, with BRPs no longer accepted from January 1, 2025. Over 4.3 million people have already transitioned to the new system, which offers enhanced security through tamper-proof digital records that cannot be lost or stolen.
The guide covers practical steps for accessing eVisas, generating 90-day share codes, troubleshooting common issues, and understanding your rights in various scenarios including employment, housing, and travel. Special circumstances like recent visa applications, multiple nationalities, and family member situations are also addressed, along with future developments in the digital immigration system.
Sources
- Government of the United Kingdom – eVisas: access and use your online immigration status
- Government of the United Kingdom – Prove your right to work to an employer
- Citizens Advice – Getting an online immigration status (eVisa)
- Gangster Licensing Authority (GLA) – eVisa – Moving to a digital proof of immigration status
- Rights of Women – E-Visas: Proving your immigration status from 1st January 2025
- Home Office in the media – Media factsheet: eVisas
- DavidsonMorris – Share Code: Right to Work & Rent Checks UK
- DavidsonMorris – Right to Work Share Code Guide 2025
- Fragomen – United Kingdom: eVisa System on Track for 2025 Commencement
- Thaxted Legal – evisa – digital UK immigration status – change from BRP to evisa
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