Check UK Visa Status in the UK

At UKBloom, we understand how important it is to stay informed about your visa status while living, studying, or working in the United Kingdom. Whether you’ve just arrived, are waiting for a visa decision, or want to verify the conditions of your existing visa, checking your UK visa status is essential to maintaining your legal stay.

This detailed guide walks you through how to check your UK visa status in the UK, the tools and official services available, what your visa conditions mean, and what to do if you encounter any issues. It’s written for newcomers, international students, skilled workers, and anyone looking to ensure peace of mind about their immigration status.

Check UK Visa Status in the UK

Your UK visa status determines your legal right to stay, work, or study in the country. It also outlines your visa’s start and end dates, permissions, restrictions, and any conditions attached, such as working hours for students or limitations on public funds.

Knowing your visa status helps you:

Avoid overstaying or breaching visa conditions.
Plan renewals or extensions on time.
Access services, housing, and employment lawfully.
Prove your right to work, rent, or access healthcare.

Ways to Check Your UK Visa Status in the UK

There are several ways to check your visa status, depending on how you applied and the type of visa you hold. Below are the main official methods used in 2025.

1. Use the UK Government’s Online Visa Status Checker

The official GOV.UK “View and prove your immigration status” service is the most reliable and up-to-date way to check your visa details.
You can access it here: Click Here

What You’ll Need:

Your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP), Biometric Residence Card (BRC), or online visa share code
The email address or phone number used in your visa application
Your passport or travel document number

Steps:

Go to the official page: View and prove your immigration status.
Log in using your visa application details.
Choose how to receive your security code (email or SMS).
View your visa status, including:
- Visa type and expiry date
- Conditions (e.g., right to work, study, rent)
- Digital immigration status share code

Tip:

You can share your immigration status securely with employers or landlords using a share code, valid for 30 days.

2. Check Your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)

If you have a physical BRP card, it contains key information about your immigration status, including:

Visa category (e.g., Skilled Worker, Student)
Validity dates
Conditions (e.g., “Work permitted” or “No public funds”)

However, the BRP will no longer be used after December 31, 2024, as the UK transitions to a fully digital immigration status. From 2025, you’ll need to manage your status online.

3. Contact the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) Office

If you cannot access your online account or have technical issues, you can contact UKVI directly.

UKVI Contact Options:

Phone: +44 (0)300 790 6268
Email: Use the UKVI contact form
In Person: At selected UKVCAS service points

Before contacting UKVI, have your:

Visa application reference number
Date of birth
Passport details

Note: Calls are usually charged per minute; check rates before calling.

Checking Visa Status for Different Situations

Below are specific scenarios and how to verify your visa status accordingly.

1. If You Applied for a Visa Inside the UK

If you applied from inside the UK (for example, switching from a Student visa to a Skilled Worker visa):

You’ll receive an email confirmation when your application is received.
Once approved, you’ll get another email confirming your visa decision.
Your updated immigration status will appear in your UKVI account within a few days.

2. If You Applied for a Visa Outside the UK

If you applied from abroad:

You can track your visa decision via the Visa Application Centre (VAC) website you applied through (e.g., TLScontact or VFS Global).
Once in the UK, link your visa to your online UKVI account for digital access.

External link: Track your visa application

3. For EU, EEA, or Swiss Citizens

If you hold pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, check your status via the same View and Prove portal.

This will show:

Your digital immigration status
Whether you can work, study, or claim benefits
Any family permit links

External link: EU Settlement Scheme status checker

4. For Students

International students in the UK can verify:

Their right to study using their visa or BRP
Work conditions (usually up to 20 hours per week during term time)
Visa expiry date (for planning extensions)

Internal link suggestion:
→ UK Student Visa Extension Guide

5. For Skilled Workers and Professionals

Those under the Skilled Worker Visa or Health and Care Visa can confirm:

Their sponsor employer’s name
The expiry date of their permission to work
Any work restrictions

Internal link suggestion:
→Skilled Worker Visa Process.

How to Read and Understand Your Visa Conditions

Here’s a simple guide to interpreting your visa details:

Visa Condition	Meaning
“Work permitted”	You can legally work in the UK.
“Work limited to 20 hrs per week”	Common for students during the term.
“No recourse to public funds”	You cannot claim certain UK benefits.
“Leave to remain until…”	The expiry date of your visa.
“Dependents allowed”	You can bring family members on dependent visas.

Understanding these conditions helps you stay compliant with immigration rules.

Common Problems When Checking Visa Status

Issue	Possible Cause	Solution
Can’t log in	Wrong email or phone	Try the exact details used in your visa application.
Visa not visible online	Account not linked	Contact UKVI to merge your accounts.
Expired BRP	Digital status now replaces BRP	Use your online immigration status.
Error messages	Technical issues	Use another browser or contact the GOV.UK support line.

Digital Immigration Status: What You Need to Know (Post-2024)

From 1 January 2025, the UK government is moving to digital-only immigration records. Physical BRPs will be phased out.
All visa holders will access their status through the UKVI digital account.

Benefits of the digital system:

Real-time updates of visa status
Easier to share proof of immigration status
Reduced risk of document loss or theft

What you should do:

Create or log in to your UKVI account.
Link your visa to your digital profile.
Keep your contact and passport details up to date.

Extending or Updating Your Visa Status

If your visa is about to expire, apply to extend or switch visas before your current one ends.
Late applications may lead to unlawful residence or difficulty re-entering the UK.

Key steps:

Visit https://www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration
Choose the correct visa extension category.
Apply at least 8 weeks before expiry.

Internal link suggestion:
→ Link to “Visa Extension and Switching in the UK: Complete Guide” article.

FAQs: Check UK Visa Status in the UK

1. Can I check my visa status without a BRP?

Yes. Use your digital UKVI account to view your immigration status online.

2. How long does it take for my visa status to appear after approval?

Usually, within 5 working days after your visa is granted.

3. What should I do if my online visa details are wrong?

Contact UKVI immediately through the GOV.UK correction form.

4. Can my employer check my visa status?

Yes. Employers can verify your right to work using your share code and date of birth.

5. How can I track my visa application progress?

Use the Visa Application Centre tracking tool (VFS or TLScontact), or check your email for updates from UKVI.

Helpful Resources (External Links)

Conclusion

Checking your UK visa status is more than an administrative task; it’s a crucial step toward building a secure and stable life in the UK. With digital immigration status becoming the new standard, staying informed ensures you remain compliant and confident about your rights to live, study, or work.

Always use official GOV.UK services for accurate and secure information, and update your digital records whenever your personal details change.

Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Please refer to official UK government sources or seek professional legal support for specific guidance.