Last reviewed: 30 April 2026 | Sources: Home Office — eVisas: access and use your online immigration status, GOV.UK | UKVI account guidance
⚡ TL;DR — Skip to what matters
EU settled status is digital-only — no physical document exists. You prove your status by generating a share code through your UKVI account. The share code is a 9-character alphanumeric code, valid for 90 days, that employers, landlords, banks and border officers use to check your status via the Home Office online service. If you lose access to your UKVI account, use the account recovery process at GOV.UK. Never generate a share code showing incorrect information.
📋 Key Facts at a Glance
- Share code: 9-character code generated from your UKVI account, valid 90 days, unlimited uses within that period
- Where to generate: gov.uk/prove-right-to-work (right to work) or gov.uk/prove-right-to-rent (right to rent)
- Recipient also needs: your date of birth to look up the share code result
- What employers/landlords see: your status, right to work/rent, and conditions — not your full immigration history
- Travel: link your passport to your UKVI account before travel — airlines check eVisa automatically
- Account recovery: gov.uk/recover-ukvi-account — if you lose access to your email/phone
- UKVI account login: requires the identity document used when you applied (passport or national ID card)
- Errors in eVisa: report immediately via the Home Office Resolution Centre — do not use a code showing wrong information
- Source: GOV.UK — eVisas: access and use your online immigration status | Citizens Advice eVisa guide
Why there is no physical document
From 1 January 2025, the UK moved entirely to digital immigration status. Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) have been replaced by eVisas. EU Settlement Scheme holders have been digital-only since the scheme launched — there was never a physical EUSS card. Your settled or pre-settled status exists as a record in the Home Office database, accessed through your UKVI account.
This means your ability to prove your status — to employers, landlords, banks, universities, government departments and at the border — depends entirely on your ability to access your UKVI account and generate a share code. Keeping your account accessible is a critical practical priority.
How to generate a share code
- Go to gov.uk/prove-right-to-work (for employment checks) or gov.uk/prove-right-to-rent (for rental checks)
- Sign in to your UKVI account using the identity document you used when you applied (passport or national ID card) plus your phone number or email address
- Complete the two-factor authentication
- Select "Generate a share code"
- Choose the purpose (right to work, right to rent, or other)
- Note the 9-character share code — share it along with your date of birth with the person or organisation checking your status
The share code is valid for 90 days and can be used multiple times within that period. You do not need to generate a new code for each use. After 90 days, generate a new code.
What the share code shows
When someone enters your share code and date of birth into the Home Office checking service, they see:
- Your name, date of birth and nationality
- Your current immigration status (settled or pre-settled)
- Your right to work in the UK (yes/no and any conditions)
- Your right to rent in the UK (yes/no)
- The expiry date of your status (if applicable — settled status has no expiry)
They do not see your full immigration history, past visas, or the details of your original EUSS application.
Travelling with settled status
Airlines, ferry operators and Eurostar check your eVisa automatically when you provide your passport details at check-in or boarding. Before travelling:
- Ensure the passport you are travelling on is linked to your UKVI account — if you have renewed your passport since applying, update your account
- Generate a share code before you travel (carry an offline screenshot as backup in case of poor connectivity at the border)
- If you are waiting for a decision on a new application, you can still travel — your existing status applies during the pending period
If you lose access to your UKVI account
Losing access to your UKVI account means losing your ability to prove your settled status. This is a serious problem — act immediately.
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Forgotten password | Use "Forgot password" on the UKVI sign-in page |
| Lost access to email used to register | Account recovery at gov.uk/recover-ukvi-account — you will need your identity document |
| Lost access to phone number used for 2FA | Account recovery process — contact UKVI webchat if online recovery fails |
| Wrong information showing on eVisa | Report immediately via the Home Office Resolution Centre online reporting tool |
| Cannot access at all before urgent employer/landlord check | Employer Checking Service (for employers) or contact UKVI Resolution Centre for temporary status confirmation |
Frequently asked questions
My employer is asking for a physical document — what do I say?
Employers have a legal obligation to conduct right-to-work checks using the online share code service for EUSS holders — they cannot require a physical document. Point them to the Home Office employer guidance at gov.uk/view-right-to-work. If they refuse to accept a share code, contact the UKVI Employer Checking Service or seek advice from ACAS.
My share code shows I have pre-settled status but I applied for settled status — is it correct?
Check your UKVI account for the current decision on your application. If your application is still pending, your share code will show your current (pre-settled) status. If a decision has been made and your account still shows pre-settled, contact the UKVI Resolution Centre immediately.
Can I give my share code to multiple people at once?
Yes — a share code can be used by multiple people (e.g. multiple employers, or an employer and a landlord) within the 90-day validity period. You do not need to generate separate codes for each use.
I changed my passport — do I need to update my UKVI account?
Yes. When you renew your passport, link the new passport to your UKVI account as soon as possible. Airlines and border officers check eVisa status against the passport details — if your new passport is not linked, you may have difficulty at the border. Update your details at gov.uk/update-uk-visas-immigration-account-details.
What if I need to prove my status urgently but cannot access my account?
Contact the UKVI Resolution Centre via webchat at gov.uk/contact-ukvi-inside-outside-uk. For employment checks, the Employer Checking Service allows employers to verify status directly with the Home Office. Do not delay — account access problems can usually be resolved within days if reported promptly.
Sources & References
- Home Office — eVisas: access and use your online immigration status: gov.uk/evisa
- Home Office — Prove your right to work: gov.uk/prove-right-to-work
- Home Office — Recover your UKVI account: gov.uk/recover-ukvi-account
- Citizens Advice — Getting an online immigration status (eVisa)
- Independent Monitoring Authority (IMA) — UKVI and share codes: how to prove your status digitally
- Home Office — eVisa: view your eVisa and get a share code: gov.uk
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute immigration or legal advice. EU Settlement Scheme rules change frequently — always verify at GOV.UK. For more guides visit our EU Settled Status hub.
