A Guide to Proving Your Immigration Status in the UK – Moving to the UK for study brings many changes, and you must also ensure compliance with Immigration Rules regarding your immigration status. For international students, proving immigration status is necessary in various situations, from securing accommodation to accessing university resources, and also whilst travelling. While it is not difficult to evidence your immigration status, it is important that international students understand how they can evidence their immigration status. This guide outlines the specifics of proving your status, managing documents and accessing support if you encounter any issues.

Why you need to prove your immigration status

Throughout your stay in the UK, you will need to prove your immigration status on multiple occasions. This verification is required for tasks like:

• University enrolment: universities require proof of immigration status during enrolment to confirm your eligibility to study.
• Student accommodation: landlords require proof of status to check that tenants are authorised to live in the UK.
• Employment: if you plan to work part-time, prospective employers will ask for proof of your eligibility to work within the restrictions of your student visa.
• Access to healthcare and other public services: in certain cases, you may need to show your immigration status to access NHS services and other public facilities.
• To prove your immigration status for the purpose of travel: from January 1st 2025, the UK’s immigration system will be electronic, and you will need to be confident evidencing your immigration status in order to return to the UK after travelling abroad.

Digital versus physical immigration status

The UK government has implemented a digital immigration system for most international students, which is accessible through the UK Visas and Immigration’s (UKVI) online services. This transition means you may not have physical proof of your immigration status, but will instead rely on digital access via the online portal. This system is used for people entering the UK on student visas.

• Digital status (eVisa): this is accessible via the UKVI website and includes the details of your visa and your permission to stay in the UK. You’ll need to log in using your passport, national identity card or Biometric Residence Permit number, date of birth, and access credentials. If you are unable to access your UKVI account or if you do not have an eVisa, you should create a UKVI account to access your status as soon as possible – all international students are expected to be able to access an eVisa by January 1st 2025.
• Physical documents: some students may already hold a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP), which provides a physical record of status. If applicable, your BRP should be kept in a secure place, as it may be requested in any of the situations listed above. In a bid to smooth the process of transitioning physical documents to eVisas, it has recently been announced that BRPs can also be used for the purpose of travel until March 31st 2025; however, holding an eVisa will also assist carriers.

Types of documents needed

To make the process of proving your immigration status smoother, international students should be able to access the following documents:

• Passport and visa stamps: your passport, along with a copy of the passport photo page and any visa stamps, should be stored securely. Students should also retain proof of their arrival to the UK if their passport has not been stamped by an immigration officer. 
• Biometric Residence Permit: if you have been issued a BRP, this should be retained, and should accompany you if you travel outside of the UK. 
• Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS): your CAS letter from the university confirms your place and is linked to your visa application. Many institutions will require a copy during enrolment, and many employers will also need access to your CAS when undertaking a Right to Work check.
• Government notifications: any letters or emails from the Home Office relating to your visa or immigration permission should be kept for reference.

Using secure digital storage (such as encrypted cloud services) to store copies of these documents is a practical way to ensure you have backup access, especially if physical documents are lost or damaged.

Accessing and sharing your digital immigration status

Your digital immigration status can be accessed through the government’s ‘View and Prove’ service on the UKVI website. Here’s a step-by-step guide to using this system:

1. Log in: visit the UKVI ‘View and Prove’ page and log in with your personal details, including your passport, identity card or BRP number (from the document linked to your UKVI account) and date of birth. A security code will also be sent to your mobile phone or email.
2. Generate a share code: if you need to provide proof to a third party (e.g., a landlord or employer), you can create a “share code” which will enable the third party to access online evidence of your immigration status.
3. Sharing the code: share this code with the relevant individual or organisation. This code will be valid for 90 days and provides the third party with digital access to your status. The share code system enables secure sharing without the need to reveal personal login details.

Only share your digital status code with trusted institutions or individuals, such as employers, universities, or accommodation providers. International students must ensure that their digital status is connected to their current identity document (the document used for travelling from 01 January 2025), and must ensure that their personal information on their UKVI account is up to date. This will help to prevent potential issues when evidencing your immigration status or travelling.

Protecting your immigration status

Protecting your immigration status involves following the conditions of your visa carefully. Non-compliance issues, such as working more than the permitted number of hours or ceasing to study, can have consequences for your current and future visas.

• Work restrictions: for students, the hours you’re allowed to work depend on your course and level of study. Confirm your permitted work hours on the UKVI online portal, and make sure any work commitments align with these restrictions.
• Address changes: notify UKVI and your university of any change of address promptly. This helps keep your record accurate, as an incorrect address can lead to missed communications.
• Expiry dates: check your visa expiry date well in advance. If you wish to remain in the UK, start the renewal process early to ensure an in-time application is submitted prior to the expiry of your existing permission to remain.
• Staying up to date with policy changes: visa conditions and policies can change. Following reliable sources, like the UK government’s official announcements, will keep you informed about any changes that may affect your status.

When should I work with a solicitor?

Engaging a solicitor may be beneficial if you encounter complex or unusual circumstances that could affect your immigration status. This could include visa rejections or refusals, discrepancies in your status record that are unresolved by UKVI, or potential compliance issues related to work hours or visa conditions. Immigration solicitors can help clarify your legal rights, assist with applications, appeals and manage administrative reviews. For students nearing visa expiry or planning to extend their stay, a solicitor can provide detailed guidance on application requirements, deadlines and any recent changes in the Immigration Rules that could impact your eligibility. Seeking professional advice early in such scenarios can often save time and mitigate potential issues with your immigration status.

Disclaimer – The views expressed in this blog are those of a third party and do not reflect the views and opinions of the SecureMyScholarship team.