A UKVI account can seem like a five-minute admin task until you reach a screen asking for a document number you have not kept handy. Getting the right papers, numbers and contact details together first can make the process much easier.
Before you start, decide what information you can use to look up immigration status later, especially if you need to show your permission to work, rent or study. The current UKVI process also checks whether you already have an account, so creating a second one when an existing account is available can cause unnecessary problems.
Check whether you already have an account
Some people start the registration process without realising they may already have a UKVI account. You may already have one if you used the UK Immigration: ID Check app for a visa application, created an account during an earlier visa application, replaced a physical immigration document with an eVisa, or applied under the EU Settlement Scheme.
That means the first document check is actually a records check. Search your email for previous UKVI messages and find the address you used during an application. If you can sign in to an existing account, use that account instead of starting again.
For someone who has recently changed passports, this step matters even more. Your current passport details need to be reflected in the account, particularly if you plan to travel or prove your status after the registration is complete.
If your circumstances have changed since your last application, do not rely on memory alone. Use the document that reflects your current situation, and keep previous paperwork nearby in case a reference number or date is requested during the process.
Have your identity documents ready
For a standard account setup, UKVI says you need a phone number and email address that you can use whenever you sign in. You will also need one of several identity or application references, depending on what documents you hold.
A valid passport can be used with your visa application number. This is usually a GWF number or UAN. If you have a BRP, you may instead use your valid passport together with your BRP number. An expired BRP can also be used in certain cases, for up to 24 months after the expiry date printed on the card or until 31 December 2026, whichever comes first.
Do not assume an old BRP is useless simply because it has expired. Keep the card available while setting up your account if it falls within the permitted period, and make sure the details you enter match your official records.
Prepare for the identity check
Creating the account is only part of the process. UKVI will ask you to confirm your identity and link the account to your eVisa, so you should have access to a smartphone if you are able to use the identity checking app.
You may need to have your passport or other accepted identity document nearby while completing the checks. The exact route can differ depending on the documents you hold, and UKVI provides another way to confirm identity if you do not have a valid passport or eligible expired BRP, or if you cannot use a smartphone or the app.
A simple practical tip is to charge your phone before you begin and make sure you can receive texts or access your email. Losing access to the contact details used for sign-in can turn a straightforward registration into a recovery exercise.
Check your details before you finish
Once your account is created and linked, take a few minutes to inspect the information shown in your eVisa. Check your name, date of birth, nationality, passport or travel document details and other personal information carefully.
This is also the point to check whether the eVisa is linked to your current passport. UKVI advises travellers to make sure their account details are up to date and their current passport or travel document is linked before travelling. A share code can also be generated through the online service and is valid for 90 days.
Conclusion
The easiest UKVI account setup is usually the one prepared before the first screen appears. Put your current contact details, passport, visa application reference and any relevant BRP information in one place, then check old UKVI emails to confirm that you are not opening a duplicate account. A few minutes spent matching your documents and numbers now can save you from having to correct account details when you urgently need to prove your status.
