Are you sure your immigration status is exactly what you think it is right now? That single question keeps many people awake, especially when a job offer, a house move, or a family application depends on it. Knowing how to check immigration status online in the UK is no longer a “nice to know”. It is a basic requirement for individuals, couples, families, and employees trying to plan their lives with confidence.
The UK has moved almost entirely to a digital system. In many ways, this has made things quicker and cleaner. Yet for many people, it has also created uncertainty. Logins get lost, statuses look unclear, and small mistakes feel bigger than they should. The good news is that this process is far more manageable than it seems when you understand the right steps.
This guide explains how to check immigration status online in plain English. No legal jargon. No guesswork. Just clear, practical guidance from expert law firm Watford to help you stay informed, compliant, and in control.
How to Check Immigration Status Online for Individuals?
For most people living in the UK on a visa, settled status, or limited leave, this is where the process begins. If you want clarity, proof, and peace of mind, understanding how to check immigration status online for yourself is the first and most important step. Below is the process for how you can check your immigration status.
Access the Official Service
Start by visiting the GOV.UK View and Prove Your Immigration Status service. This is the only official platform recognised across the UK. Avoid third-party websites, as they cannot show or confirm your legal status.
Sign in to your UKVI Account
Next, log in using your UK Visas and Immigration account details. Most people created this account when they used the ID Check app during their visa or settlement application. These login details matter. Without them, you cannot view or prove your status, so keep them safe and accessible.
View your eVisa
Once signed in, your eVisa appears on screen. This shows:
- Your immigration status type.
- Validity or expiry dates.
- Your ability to rent or work in the UK.
This digital record replaces older physical documents and acts as your official proof.
Generate a Share Code
A share code allows others to check your status securely. You will need it when proving your right to work, rent, or access services. The code is time-limited and linked only to the purpose you select, which keeps your information controlled.
Share your Details Securely
To complete the check, the person verifying your status needs:
- Your share code.
- Your date of birth.
They can then confirm your status directly through the government system, without accessing any personal history beyond what is necessary.
When to seek legal support
Sometimes, the system does not reflect what it should. Status may appear missing, incorrect, or outdated after a visa decision. In these cases, speaking with an experienced immigration solicitor helps resolve errors before they lead to refused jobs, delayed moves, or compliance issues.
Once you understand how to check immigration status online for yourself, the next step often involves checking someone else’s status, especially a partner or family member, which we will cover next.
How to Check Your Partner’s Immigration Status?
For couples and families in the UK, checking a partner’s immigration status often becomes a practical need rather than a legal exercise. It comes up when planning work, housing, travel, or future applications. The key is to do it correctly, with consent and clarity, while staying within the rules.
Request a Share Code from your Partner
The process starts with your partner. They must log in to their UKVI account and generate a share code. This step matters because consent protects personal data and keeps control with the person whose status is being checked. Without a share code, you cannot legally view their details.
Access the Official Checking Portal
Once you have the code, visit the GOV.UK Check Someone’s Immigration Status service. This is the only recognised platform for third-party checks. Using the official portal avoids errors and ensures the information is current.
Enter the Required Details
You will need:
- The 9-character share code.
- Your partner’s date of birth.
Enter these carefully. A small typo can block access or show no result.
Understand the Results
The system will display your partner’s visa type, expiry date, and any conditions attached to their stay, such as work limits or study rights. This helps you plan next steps without assumptions or guesswork.
When Family Law Advice Matters
If your situation involves marriage, a civil partnership, dependants, or a future joint application, this is where legal advice adds value. A specialist family law solicitor can align your personal plans with immigration rules and prevent avoidable delays.
Now that you know how to check immigration status online for a partner, the next section looks at how employees handle status checks in the workplace under the current digital system.
How to Check Immigration Status Online in the UK as an Employee?
If you work in the UK, the rules around immigration checks are now clear and fully digital. In 2026, understanding how to check immigration status online in the UK is not optional for employees. It is the only accepted way to prove your right to work.
The Current System at a Glance
The UK no longer accepts physical proof for most workers. Biometric Residence Permits are no longer valid on their own. Instead, everything runs through your online UKVI account and eVisa, which employers must check before and during employment.
What Employees Must Do
To prove your right to work, you need to:
- Sign in to your UKVI account.
- Access your eVisa.
- Generate a share code for work purposes.
Your employer then checks this code through the GOV.UK system. They do not see personal history, only what they need to confirm your eligibility.
Why Early Checks Matter?
Problems often arise during job changes or visa renewals. A delayed update, an expired code, or a mismatched record can pause onboarding or payroll. Checking your status early avoids last-minute stress and protects your employment.
When Is Legal Help Needed?
If your eVisa does not update after a renewal, shows incorrect conditions, or disappears altogether, professional advice becomes important. An employment law solicitor can correct records before they affect your job or future applications.
Conclusion
By now, the process should feel clearer. We have covered how individuals view and share their own status, how couples check a partner’s details correctly, and how employees meet today’s fully digital work checks. When done the right way, how to check immigration status online is straightforward. However, small mistakes, missed updates, or unclear records can quickly lead to delayed jobs, refused applications, or unnecessary pressure on family plans.
The important thing to remember is this. You do not have to work through these systems alone or second-guess what you see on screen. Clear advice at the right time often prevents problems before they start.
Fosters Legal Solicitors support clients with calm, practical guidance that keeps immigration matters accurate and on track. If you want confidence rather than confusion, speaking with an experienced legal team can bring real peace of mind.
If you need clarity on how to check immigration status online in the UK or want reassurance that everything is in order, a short conversation with Foster Legal can make all the difference.
