UK eVisa: How to Set Up Your UKVI Account and Generate a Share Code

Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) have been replaced by eVisas. If you have leave to remain in the UK, your immigration status is now held digitally in a UKVI account. This guide explains what a UKVI account is, how to access it, and how to prove your right to work, rent, or travel using a share code.

What is a UKVI account?

A UKVI account (UK Visas and Immigration account) is your online record of your UK immigration status. It stores your visa details, your leave conditions, and your travel history. You access it at gov.uk/account.

If you applied for a UK visa after January 2021 through the online application system, you already have a UKVI account linked to the email address you used for your application.

How to access your UKVI account

Go to gov.uk/account and sign in with your email and password.
If you have forgotten your email address or password, use the 'forgotten email' or 'forgotten password' recovery flows on the sign-in page.
If you cannot access your account, contact the UKVI helpline. You will need to verify your identity before access can be restored.
Once signed in, you can view your current visa status, expiry date, and leave conditions.

What is a share code?

A share code is a 9-character alphanumeric code that lets a third party — such as an employer, landlord, or university — verify your UK immigration status online. You generate a new share code each time you need to prove your status.

Share codes expire after 90 days. If your code expires before it is used, generate a new one. Each code can only be used by one verifier.

How to generate a share code

Sign into your UKVI account at gov.uk/account.
Go to 'View and prove your immigration status'.
Select the reason for sharing: right to work, right to rent, or general immigration status.
A 9-character share code will be displayed. Write it down or screenshot it.
Give the share code and your date of birth to the person who needs to verify your status.

How verifiers use the share code

Employers and landlords use the share code at:

Right to Work check: gov.uk/prove-right-to-work
Right to Rent check: gov.uk/prove-right-to-rent

The verifier enters the share code and your date of birth. The system displays your current immigration status and whether you have the right to work or rent. The verifier must retain a record of this check.

Travelling internationally with an eVisa

Your eVisa does not appear in your passport. When you travel, airlines and border staff verify your status through border systems — you do not need to show a document separately.

However, if you experience problems at check-in (particularly with airlines unfamiliar with the eVisa system), generating a share code in advance of travel allows you to show your status to airline staff if needed.

Problems with your UKVI account

Common issues and how to resolve them:

Name mismatch between account and passport: Contact UKVI to update your record. Do not travel until the mismatch is resolved.
Status not showing correctly: If your status has recently changed (new visa granted, BRP surrendered), allow 5 working days for the system to update.
Cannot access account: Use the recovery links on the sign-in page. If unsuccessful, call the UKVI helpline (0300 790 6268 for UK callers, Monday to Friday 9am–5pm).

Last verified: May 2026. UKVI account functionality may change as the Home Office continues the eVisa rollout. Check GOV.UK for the latest guidance.