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UK Immigration: Official Checks and Trusted Help
Reviewed: 31 August 2026
UK immigration rules change frequently. This page helps you find the correct official service; it does not assess whether you qualify for a visa or give legal advice.
1. Check your immigration status online
An eVisa is a digital record of your UK immigration status and the conditions attached to it. Use your UKVI account to view your eVisa and check details such as your name, immigration permission and conditions.
Official service:
Keep your UKVI account details current. Update your passport or travel document, name, nationality, photograph or contact details when required:
https://www.gov.uk/update-uk-visas-immigration-account-details
2. Before travelling
Check that the passport or travel document you will use is linked to your UKVI account. Airlines and border authorities may use the information connected to your eVisa.
Also check:
• your passport validity
• the name and personal details shown in your UKVI account
• your immigration permission and expiry date
• whether you need a visa for another country during transit
• current carrier and border requirements
Do not rely on screenshots alone. Use the live official service and allow time to correct errors before travel.
3. Prove your right to work
If you are not a British or Irish citizen, you may be able to generate a share code for an employer. Select the correct purpose—right to work—and give the employer the code and your date of birth.
https://www.gov.uk/prove-right-to-work
An employer must carry out the appropriate check. A job offer does not automatically give you immigration permission, and a genuine employer cannot guarantee a visa decision.
4. Prove your right to rent in England
Some people can use a share code to prove their right to rent. The rules described by this service apply to renting in England.
https://www.gov.uk/prove-right-to-rent
Landlords must follow discrimination law. If you believe you have been treated unfairly, seek advice from an appropriate housing or legal adviser.
5. Choose the correct visa route
Start with GOV.UK:
https://www.gov.uk/check-uk-visa
https://www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration
Common routes include work, study, family, visitor, settlement and protection routes. Each has different eligibility, evidence, fees, financial requirements and conditions.
Never assume that information about another person’s case applies to you. Check the current Immigration Rules and route guidance on the date you apply.
6. Skilled Worker sponsorship
A Skilled Worker application normally requires an eligible job with an approved sponsor, a Certificate of Sponsorship and compliance with the relevant salary, skill and English requirements.
Check:
https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/register-of-licensed-sponsors-workers
Paying someone for a job offer or Certificate of Sponsorship is a serious warning sign. Verify the sponsor independently and read the written employment terms.
7. Family and relationship applications
Marriage or civil partnership in the UK does not automatically grant immigration status. Visitor, fiancé(e), partner, spouse and family routes have different rules.
Official family visa guidance:
https://www.gov.uk/uk-family-visa
If you plan to marry or form a civil partnership in the UK, check whether you need a Marriage Visitor visa or another type of permission:
https://www.gov.uk/marriage-visa
8. Extensions, switching and expiry dates
Know the expiry date and conditions of your permission. Do not wait until the last moment. Some routes allow switching in the UK and others do not.
Keep copies of:
• your application and document checklist
• submitted evidence
• payment and submission confirmations
• Home Office correspondence
• decisions and share-code records
If you have a pending application, travel can affect it. Check the route guidance or obtain regulated advice before leaving the Common Travel Area.
9. Find regulated immigration advice
Immigration advice should come from a person authorised to provide it. Check the Immigration Advice Authority adviser finder or a regulated solicitor.
https://www.gov.uk/find-an-immigration-adviser
https://www.sra.org.uk/consumers/register/
Before paying, confirm the adviser’s identity, authorisation, scope of work, fees and complaints procedure. Avoid anyone promising a guaranteed result or asking you to provide false information.
10. Scams and reporting concerns
Be cautious if someone:
• guarantees a visa or faster decision
• asks for payment to a personal account without paperwork
• claims to be the Home Office and demands gift cards or cryptocurrency
• sells jobs or sponsorship
• asks you to submit false documents
• discourages you from checking official guidance
Report suspected fraud:
https://www.actionfraud.police.uk
Important
EasyStepUK does not decide immigration applications and this page is not legal advice. Immigration decisions can have serious consequences. Use current GOV.UK guidance and obtain advice from an authorised adviser where necessary.
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