Below we consider the key purpose and capabilities of a UKVI account together with some common issues encountered and how to solve them.
Accessing and managing immigration status
Individuals can view their ‘eVisa’ details, including the type of permission, expiry dates, and any conditions or restrictions attached to their stay in the UK via eVisas: access and use your online immigration status on the UK Government website.
| Common issues | Solutions |
| ·Seeing incorrect visa status | Report any errors via the Home Office error reporting portal. |
| Seeing incorrect expiry dates and conditions on the eVisa as a result of Home Office error. |
Report any errors via the Home Office error reporting portal. |
| Difficulties accessing a UKVI account due to loss of access to sign-in verification methods, i.e., mobile number and email. |
Complete form via the Home Office recover your UKVI account. |
Proving immigration status
Since visa holders now receive an eVisa instead of a physical document, the UKVI account allows them to share their status with employers, landlords and educational institutions by generating a share code via the Home Office view and prove service.
More on How to Prove Your Immigration Status With Your eVisa
Difference between the W share code and S share code
A W share code is specifically used to evidence an individual’s right to work in the UK and is intended for employers carrying out right to work checks. By contrast, an S share code is used to prove a person’s wider immigration status for purposes other than employment (or renting), such as providing evidence to a university, bank, public authority, travel carrier, or other organisation requiring confirmation of immigration status. It is important to ensure you share the correct code to the relevant parties.
Updating personal details
Visa holders can update their contact details (email, phone number, and home address) to ensure their records remain accurate. For more information, please visit the Webchat: UK eVisa support – GOV.UK
Linking travel documents
If a visa holder renews their passport, they can use their UKVI account to link new passports to their eVisa, ensuring smooth travel in and out of the UK. For more information, please visit .
| Common issues | Solutions |
| Functionality to add a new identity document has been removed or disabled on current UKVI accounts. | Contact and report to UKVI online or via telephone.
If urgent (e.g. upcoming travel) create a new UKVI account with new passport details as the sign-in and main identity/travel document and link status to eVisa on new account. Then proceed to contact and report to UKVI online or via telephone to make them aware of the change. |
Applying for permission to enter or stay in the UK
Depending on individual circumstances (for example, nationality, Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) that expired less than 24 months ago), applicants may be able to submit an application to enter or stay in the UK via their UKVI account by verifying their identity via the ID Check app rather than attending a visa application centre.
| Common issues | Solutions |
| Inability to complete identity verification process because the ID Check app is unable to detect or read the microchip in non-EEA passports or expired BRPs | Use a different phone model in case of weak NFC readers.
Use expired BRP as an alternative provided that immigration status linked is still valid and the BRP itself expired less than 24 months ago.
Book an in-person biometrics appointment at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) centre. |
Contact us
For further information on how we can support you with immigration related matters, please contact Anjola Margareth Odusola or Jasmine Randall in our Immigration team or complete an enquiry form, below.
For more information on how to create a UKVI account, please visit how to create a UKVI account.