Immigration status and entitlements

Confirming immigration status and access to public funds

There are different ways a person can confirm their immigration status and show that they can access public funds and other services.

Most people who have leave to remain now confirm their status online, through an eVisa, but some people may still have an immigration document.

If a person does not have an eVisa or immigration document, it must not be assumed that they are in the UK unlawfully. Further enquiries are needed, especially when immigration status affects eligibility for a service.

Confirming immigration status using an eVisa

A person’s eVisa shows their immigration status and the conditions attached to it, including whether they can work or access public funds (benefits and local authority housing assistance).

A person can view their eVisa through their UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account and generate a share code for organisations that need to check their status.

The Home Office provides a list of government departments and statutory bodies that can access an eVisa directly without a share code.
Councils using NRPF Connect or the RTPF checker can instantly look up a person’s status when they have an eVisa.

EUSS and public funds

If a person has pre settled status or a pending EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) application, their eVisa will show that they can access public funds.
However, they may need to meet a right to reside test to qualify for certain benefits or local authority housing assistance.

Managing an eVisa

A person must:

• set up a UKVI account if they do not already have one (support is available through Home Office funded organisations)
• update the Home Office when any personal details change
• report an error if they think the information on their eVisa is incorrect
• use 'view and prove' to obtain a share code when needed
• add passport or travel document details before travelling with an eVisa
• check when their leave expires and seek immigration advice or prepare an application in time

Documents that can still be used to confirm immigration status

Some people do not have an eVisa. For example, people seeking asylum or people with older grants of indefinite leave to remain.
Documents that may evidence immigration status include:

• certificate of right of abode
• an ILE/ILR stamp in a current or expired passport
• an entry clearance vignette (due to be phased out)
• an ARC card issued to a person seeking asylum
• a BAIL 201 notice issued to a person seeking asylum or a person on immigration bail

A person who has an old indefinite leave stamp or vignette may need to apply for a No Time Limit (NTL) application before creating a UKVI account. They should seek immigration advice first if they have been outside the UK for more than two years in one period, or if they have been subject to deportation proceedings, as their leave may have lapsed.

Biometric residence permits (BRPs) are no longer issued by the Home Office.

When a person does not have an eVisa or document

The following people may be lawfully present but not have documentary or digital proof of their status:

• nationals of non visa countries (including EEA nationals) who have entered as a standard visitor and have not stayed beyond six months
• people who are exempt from immigration control, including Irish citizens and diplomats
• people who have lived in the UK a long time with ILR or the right of abode and never had documentation or have lost it

If a person does not have an eVisa or document, further enquiries must be made to establish whether they have permission to stay. A lack of documents does not mean they are here unlawfully.

If a person appears to be without permission, they should be signposted to an immigration adviser and to our information on immigration options.
People who have lived in the UK since before 1 January 1988 may be lawfully present and should get immigration advice to find out if they can evidence their status by applying through the Windrush Scheme.

Page updated: 26 March 2026