Section A: What is UKVI?
UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) is the part of the Home Office that runs the UK’s visa, immigration and nationality casework. UKVI processes applications, makes decisions, maintains immigration records and oversees the sponsor system for employers and education providers. Most people interact with UKVI through online services at key points, when applying for permission, proving status, updating identity details or managing sponsorship duties.
People searching for “UKVI login” are often trying to reach the right Home Office service rather than looking for background. Several different platforms sit under the UKVI umbrella, so getting the right entry point matters.
1. UKVI Role & Responsibilities
UKVI is responsible for administering the UK’s immigration system in line with government policy and immigration law. Day to day, this includes processing applications to enter and stay in the UK, handling settlement and citizenship applications and managing compliance activity across visa holders and licensed sponsors.
UKVI work also includes checking applications against eligibility and suitability requirements, issuing immigration permission and taking enforcement-led action where there are suspected breaches, including sponsor non-compliance and wrongdoing in applications.
UKVI sits within the Home Office alongside other operational areas that affect immigration outcomes. Border Force carries out border control activity, Immigration Enforcement focuses on compliance and enforcement activity in country and HM Passport Office deals with passport services. UKVI is the main casework function for visas, immigration permission, settlement and citizenship and it also owns the sponsorship framework that applies to licensed employers and education providers.
2. UKVI Services
UKVI services are increasingly delivered digitally.
UKVI controls the decision-making and record-keeping that sits behind most immigration outcomes. Problems that start as “login issues” often turn into wider risks, because inability to access the right service can delay an application, block a status share code, or leave passport details out of date when someone needs to travel. The safest approach is to treat “UKVI login” as a service choice question first, then work through access and account recovery using the correct Home Office platform for the task.
The practical point for users is that “UKVI login” can mean different things depending on what you are trying to do, for example:
a. Visa applications
UKVI handles visa and immigration applications made from overseas and from within the UK. The main categories include work routes such as Skilled Worker and Global Business Mobility, family routes such as partner and parent applications, study routes such as Student and Child Student and visitor routes.
Applications are made online and commonly involve identity verification, document upload and biometrics. UKVI may also request further information or invite a credibility interview where relevant to the route.
b. Sponsor licences
UKVI oversees the sponsorship system for employers and education providers. A sponsor licence is required to sponsor eligible workers and international students under the relevant routes. UKVI can grant a licence, refuse it, suspend it, downgrade it, or revoke it depending on eligibility and compliance.
Sponsors manage sponsorship activity using the Sponsor Management System (SMS). Access is restricted to authorised Level 1 and Level 2 users using SMS login credentials and activity on the system is a core part of how UKVI assesses sponsor compliance.
c. eVisas and digital immigration status
UKVI has moved towards a digital status model where immigration permission is held as an electronic record, such as an eVisa. Users access and share proof of status through the View and Prove service.
That service allows you to check visa conditions, share proof of status with employers, landlords or education providers and update passport details or contact information. Keeping identity and contact details up to date is particularly important where you travel, change passport, or need to prove right to work or right to rent, because the Home Office checks are driven by the digital record rather than a physical card.
DavidsonMorris Strategic Insight
If your right to live in the UK depends on immigration permission, UKVI is going to be part of your day-to-day life here. UKVI is both the decision maker and the record keeper, so it pays to be proactive and keep your details up to date. If there’s an error in your record, correcting it can take time. Problems tend to surface when you need the system to work quickly (think travelling, starting a new job, renewing a tenancy or responding to a Home Office request). Checking access early and keeping your records accurate reduces the chance of being caught out.
Section B: UKVI Login Guide
There is no single UKVI login page. The Home Office operates several separate systems and each has its own official entry point. Using the wrong one is a common reason people get locked out or create duplicate accounts.
Visa applications and application sign-in
If you are starting a new visa application, begin from the main GOV.UK visa service page: https://www.gov.uk/apply-to-come-to-the-uk.
If you need to continue a visa application you already started, use: https://www.gov.uk/sign-in-visa. This service explains how to sign back in using the registration email link and why you may not be able to sign in if you have not returned to the application for over 10 weeks.
If you have not returned to a started visa application for over 10 weeks, you may not be able to sign in and may need to start a new application.
eVisa and digital immigration status (View and Prove)
If you need to view your immigration status, generate a share code or update passport or contact details, you should use the Home Office digital status service:
https://www.gov.uk/evisa/view-evisa-get-share-code-prove-immigration-status
This is the correct login route for accessing an eVisa and proving right to work, right to rent or other lawful status checks.
Depending on how your UKVI account was set up, you can sign in using your passport or national identity card, or in some cases a biometric residence card (BRC) or an expired BRP, plus the email address or phone number linked to the account.
Sponsor Management System (SMS)
Employers and education providers managing sponsorship duties must use the Sponsor Management System. This system does not use applicant or eVisa logins and is restricted to appointed Level 1 and Level 2 users:
https://www.points.homeoffice.gov.uk/gui-sms-jsf/home/SMS-Login.faces
If you are unsure which login you need, do not guess and do not create a new account “just to get in”. Start from the service that matches what you are trying to do. Using the wrong access point can delay applications, block access to digital status, or complicate account recovery when time is limited.
DavidsonMorris Strategic Insight
UKVI systems don’t work like a bank account with one single access point. You need to make sure you’re using the right Home Office platform for the service or information you need.
Also avoid creating unnecessary duplicate accounts. A second account can lead to application mix ups, missed messages and more difficult identity verification later on.
Section C: Using Your UKVI Account
The term “UKVI account” is widely used, but it is often misunderstood. There is no single account that gives access to every UKVI service. Instead, different Home Office platforms sit under the UKVI umbrella and your login route depends on what you are trying to do. For most people, confusion arises because visa applications, digital status and sponsorship activity all sit within UKVI, but they do not operate through one shared dashboard.
In practical terms, a UKVI account usually refers to the online access created when you apply for immigration permission or when you set up access to your digital immigration status. That access allows you to interact with UKVI electronically, rather than through paper documents or physical cards.
Depending on the service, this can include submitting applications, receiving requests from UKVI, viewing decisions, accessing an eVisa, or sharing proof of status with third parties. The functions available depend on the specific Home Office system you are signed into, not on a single universal account.
A common cause of difficulty is assuming that an applicant login can be used for sponsor activity, or that sponsor access can be used to view an individual’s immigration status. These systems are separate and are assessed separately by the Home Office. Using the wrong access route can lead to missed notifications, incomplete reporting or loss of access at a key point.
UKVI relies heavily on digital records and electronic communication. If the wrong account is used, or if multiple accounts are created unnecessarily, the risk is not just inconvenience. It can affect decision-making, compliance assessments and the ability to prove lawful status. Treating “UKVI account” as a shorthand for several different systems, rather than a single login, is the most reliable way to avoid those problems.
1. Who needs online access to UKVI services?
Different users need different forms of UKVI access and problems usually arise when people assume the same login applies to everyone.
a. Visa applicants
People applying for permission to enter or stay in the UK usually need online access linked to their application. This allows them to complete the form, upload documents, pay fees, receive requests from UKVI and, where permission is granted digitally, access their eVisa.
b. Immigration status holders
People who already hold immigration permission may need online access even if they are not making a new application. This is particularly relevant where status is held digitally. Online access allows them to view their status, generate share codes and update passport or contact details when these change.
c. Employers and education providers
Sponsors do not use applicant accounts. Employers and education providers access sponsorship functions through the Sponsor Management System. Only appointed Level 1 and Level 2 users can log in and access is restricted to the activities permitted by their role. Sponsor access sits entirely outside applicant and eVisa accounts.
d. Legal representatives and advisers
Advisers can assist with applications, evidence and communications, but online access depends on the platform and the way the application has been set up. In practice, advisers often manage submissions and correspondence while applicants retain control of personal login details, particularly where digital status access is involved.
2. How to Register for a UKVI Account
Many Home Office services are now delivered digitally, and you may need a UKVI account to access your eVisa, get a share code and manage certain applications. Whether you are applying for permission, accessing digital status or managing sponsorship activity, registration happens as part of the specific Home Office service you are using. There is no single registration page that covers every UKVI function and starting in the wrong place is a common cause of confusion.
UKVI account creation usually begins when you start using a specific GOV.UK service. For example, visa applicants are prompted to create sign-in details as part of the application process, while status holders are guided through registration when setting up access to their digital immigration status.
This service-led approach matters because your account is tied to that specific process. Attempting to register through an unrelated government page can result in an account that does not connect to your application or status record.
Registration involves providing an email address and setting up secure sign-in credentials. The email address becomes the main contact point for UKVI messages linked to that service, including requests for further information and decision notifications.
Using an email address you control long term is important. Changing email access later can be difficult and can interrupt access to applications or status records at critical points.
Depending on the service and the route, UKVI may require identity verification as part of registration. This can involve confirming passport details, completing digital identity checks, or attending a biometric appointment. These steps link your online access to your immigration record and allow UKVI to issue and maintain digital status where relevant.
Employers and education providers do not register for UKVI access in the same way as applicants. Sponsor access is only available once a sponsor licence has been granted. Level 1 and Level 2 users are then appointed and issued with separate login credentials for the Sponsor Management System. Sponsor registration and applicant registration are entirely separate processes.
Once registration is complete, logging in gives you access to the specific UKVI service linked to your application, status record, or sponsorship role. There is no single universal UKVI login page. The correct sign-in route depends on the task you are trying to complete and using the wrong entry point is one of the most common causes of access problems.
Login problems are rarely just technical. Inability to access the correct UKVI service can delay applications, prevent status sharing, or leave passport details out of date when travel is planned. Using the right login route and keeping account details current reduces the risk of those issues arising at the point where time and flexibility are limited.
3. UKVI Login Credentials & Verification
You should always begin from the GOV.UK page for the service you need. Visa applicants are directed back to their application through the relevant GOV.UK service page. People accessing digital immigration status are routed through the eVisa and “View and Prove” services. Sponsors access the Sponsor Management System directly through the SMS login page.
Searching for a generic “UKVI login” and clicking the first result often leads users to the wrong system, which can prevent access or prompt unnecessary account creation.
Most UKVI services require the email address used during registration and the password created at that point. Additional verification steps may apply, such as a one-time security code sent to your email address or phone number. These checks are designed to protect immigration records and personal data.
If your email address or phone number has changed since registration, login can fail until the details are updated or account recovery steps are completed.
4. Sponsor and organisational logins
Sponsors do not log in through applicant or eVisa accounts. Employers and education providers use the Sponsor Management System, which is restricted to appointed Level 1 and Level 2 users. Access issues for sponsors are usually caused by user permissions or credential problems rather than the sponsor licence itself.
5. Recovering access if you cannot log in
If you forget your password or lose access to the email or phone number linked to your account, recovery options are provided through the relevant GOV.UK service, for example, the ‘recover your UKVI account’ link shown in the eVisa guidance. In some cases, additional identity checks are required before access is restored.
Only create a new account when the Home Office guidance for that service directs you to do so, as duplicate accounts can disrupt applications and status records.
DavidsonMorris Strategic Insight
With eVisas now the standard method of proving UK immigration status, protecting access to your UKVI account is absolutely essential. If you can’t sign in when needed, expect to run into practical problems like difficulties re-entering the UK after travel or proving your right to work or right to rent.
Section D: UKVI Services Available via Login
Once you have signed in to the correct UKVI-related service, the functions available to you depend on the platform you are using and your role in the immigration process. There is no single dashboard that covers every UKVI function. Instead, access is segmented across different services, each linked to a specific purpose such as applications, digital status, or sponsorship.
1. Making and managing visa applications
Online access allows applicants to complete and submit visa and immigration applications through GOV.UK. This applies to applications made from outside the UK and to applications made in country, including extensions, switching routes, settlement and citizenship.
Through the application service, users can upload supporting documents, pay Home Office fees and receive requests from UKVI. Where biometrics are required, the system links to the relevant enrolment provider so appointments can be booked and managed.
2. Checking application progress & decisions
Signing in allows applicants to check for updates on an application and to view messages from UKVI. Status information is usually limited and high level and applicants should not expect real-time tracking. Decisions and requests for further information are often communicated by email, with the account acting as the access point for viewing or responding to those communications.
3. Viewing and proving digital immigration status
Where immigration permission is held digitally, online access allows users to view their eVisa and generate share codes to prove status. This is how right to work, right to rent and other checks are carried out in practice.
Users can also update passport details and contact information through the digital status service. Keeping this information accurate is particularly important where travel is planned or where third parties need to verify status, as checks are driven by the digital record rather than any physical document.
4. Managing sponsor licences & sponsorship activity
Licensed sponsors use the Sponsor Management System to carry out sponsorship functions. Through SMS, appointed users can assign Certificates of Sponsorship or Confirmations of Acceptance for Studies, report changes in circumstances and monitor sponsor licence status.
Access to these functions is limited to authorised Level 1 and Level 2 users. Activity on the system forms part of how UKVI assesses sponsor compliance, so accurate and timely reporting is critical for licence protection.
5. Updating records and maintaining compliance
Depending on the service, signing in allows users to update personal or organisational information held by the Home Office. Changes such as new passport details, updated contact information, or reportable sponsor events should be made through the appropriate online system rather than by informal contact.
Failure to keep records up to date can result in difficulties proving status, delays in decision-making, or compliance action where reporting duties are not met.
DavidsonMorris Strategic Insight
Login failures usually happen at the worst time, when you need quick access and information. The problem becomes more complicated because you’re not just dealing with a username and password; UKVI systems also rely on identity matching. So if your passport details have changed or your contact details are out of date or the system can’t link your identity to the right record, you can still be locked out even when you know your credentials.
At that point, time starts to go against you. Recovery usually involves verification steps that don’t work well with travel plans, job start dates or tenancy deadlines. In these instances – avoid the temptation of creating a new account; that usually makes the underlying issue even worse.
Section E: UKVI User Responsibilities
Access to UKVI digital services carries obligations. Whether you are applying for immigration permission, relying on a digital status record, or managing sponsorship duties, the Home Office expects users to engage with its systems accurately, securely and in line with published requirements. Problems that begin as login or access issues often escalate into compliance or status risks if they are not handled properly.
1. Accuracy and proper use of UKVI systems
Information entered through UKVI systems should be accurate, complete and consistent with supporting documents. This applies across applications, digital status records and sponsor reporting. Users should only use UKVI services for their intended purpose and should follow any instructions or deadlines issued through official channels.
Login credentials should not be shared unless the system expressly allows authorised access, such as appointed sponsor users operating within the Sponsor Management System.
2. Data protection and account security
UKVI systems operate under UK data protection law, including the UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018. Users are expected to take reasonable steps to protect their accounts and personal information.
This includes keeping contact details current, updating passport or travel document details when they change and using secure devices and connections when signing in. Access should be limited to records and services you are entitled to view or manage.
3. Consequences of errors, misuse, or misleading information
Incorrect or misleading information can have serious immigration consequences, even where there is no intention to deceive. Outcomes can include refusal or cancellation of immigration permission, delays or increased scrutiny in future applications, or compliance action against sponsors, including suspension or revocation of a sponsor licence.
Where deception is suspected, civil penalties or criminal investigation can also follow.
4. Getting help with login and technical problems
Technical or access issues should be addressed through official GOV.UK help routes for the relevant service. These routes guide users through password resets, account recovery and service-specific support steps.
Unofficial websites, unsolicited emails, or messages offering help with UKVI login details present a fraud risk and should be treated with caution.
DavidsonMorris Strategic Insight
In the past, you could use a physical document as proof of your status. That’s not the case anymore. Your online status record is what employers, landlords and other third parties rely on and you’re expected to provide access through share codes and digital checks. That creates two practical risks. First, you can hold valid immigration permission but still be unable to prove it quickly if you can’t access the right service.
Second, mistakes in your record may go unnoticed until a real-world check. Keeping passport details updated and checking your status record for accuracy reduces that risk, particularly well before you plan to travel or start a new role.
Section F: Summary
UKVI sits within the Home Office and runs the casework and systems that underpin most UK immigration outcomes, from visa decisions to settlement and citizenship. In day-to-day terms, UKVI is not just a decision maker, it is also the record keeper. Increasingly, the record is digital and access to it depends on signing into the right Home Office service for the task in hand.
“UKVI login” is often searched as if there is one gateway, but the reality is service-specific. Applicants sign in through the visa application journey, status holders use digital status tools such as View and Prove to access an eVisa and generate share codes and sponsors use the Sponsor Management System through separate sponsor credentials. Using the wrong entry point is one of the most common reasons people get stuck, create duplicate accounts, or miss key communications.
Online access also carries responsibilities. Information submitted through UKVI services needs to be accurate and consistent, login details should be kept secure and contact and passport details should be kept current so status can be proved and travel plans are not disrupted. When access problems arise, the safest approach is to work through official service-based recovery routes rather than improvising, as mistakes at the account level can quickly become status or compliance issues.
Section G: Need Assistance?
If you are stuck in a UKVI login loop, cannot access your eVisa, or need sponsor system access restored urgently, get professional help before the issue disrupts travel, recruitment, right to work checks or an in-flight application.
Book a fixed-fee telephone consultation with one of our advisers for guidance on your circumstances.
Section H: UKVI Login FAQs
What does “UKVI login” actually mean?
“UKVI login” is a general term people use when trying to sign in to a Home Office immigration service. There is no single UKVI login that works for all purposes. The correct sign-in route depends on what you are doing, such as continuing a visa application, accessing an eVisa, or using the Sponsor Management System.
Is there one UKVI account for visas, eVisas & sponsorship?
Visa applications, digital immigration status and sponsorship activity sit on different Home Office systems. Applicant accounts, eVisa access and sponsor access are separate and cannot be used interchangeably.
How do I log in to view my eVisa?
You access your eVisa through the Home Office digital status service, often referred to as “View and Prove”. You sign in using the details you set up when you registered for digital status. Sponsor logins and visa application logins do not provide access to an eVisa.
I applied for a visa but cannot find where to log back in. What should I do?
You should return to the GOV.UK service page for your specific visa and use the option to continue your application or sign in. Using a generic “UKVI login” page often routes users to the wrong system.
What if I no longer have access to the email or phone used for my UKVI account?
Most UKVI services provide account recovery routes that involve identity checks. You should follow the recovery process for the specific service you were using rather than creating a new account, unless the Home Office guidance for that service directs you to do so.
Can my employer or landlord log in to my UKVI account to check my status?
Employers and landlords do not log in to your account. You generate a share code through the digital status service, which they use to carry out a check on GOV.UK.
I am a sponsor. Why can’t I access sponsorship functions through my UKVI account?
Sponsorship functions are accessed through the Sponsor Management System. Only appointed Level 1 or Level 2 users can log in using SMS-specific credentials. Applicant and eVisa accounts do not provide sponsor access.
What happens if my passport changes and I do not update my digital status?
If passport details are not kept up to date, problems can arise when travelling or when proving status. The Home Office expects users to update identity details so checks align with the digital record.
Is it safe to sign in to UKVI services on a mobile device?
Yes, provided you use a secure connection and a trusted device. Public Wi-Fi and shared devices increase the risk of account compromise and should be avoided where possible.
When should I seek professional help with UKVI login issues?
Professional advice is sensible where access problems are delaying travel, blocking right to work or right to rent checks, affecting sponsor reporting deadlines, or where multiple accounts or status records may be involved.
Section I: Glossary
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| UKVI | UK Visas and Immigration, the Home Office directorate responsible for visa, immigration, settlement and citizenship casework and for running the sponsorship system. |
| Home Office | The UK government department responsible for immigration, security and law enforcement, including the directorates that manage visas, border control and immigration enforcement. |
| UKVI account | An online account used to access a specific Home Office immigration service, such as an application platform or a digital status service, depending on the user’s purpose. |
| eVisa | A digital record of a person’s UK immigration status held by the Home Office, used to prove permission to enter or stay and any conditions that apply. |
| View and Prove | The GOV.UK service used to view digital immigration status and generate a share code so third parties, such as employers or landlords, can check status online. |
| Share code | A time-limited code generated through the digital status service that allows an employer, landlord, or other checker to view an individual’s immigration status online. |
| BRP | A physical document issued to some people to evidence immigration status. Even if your BRP is expired, you may still be able to use it (in some cases) to sign in to your UKVI account to view your eVisa and get a share code. |
| Sponsor licence | Permission granted by the Home Office allowing an employer or education provider to sponsor eligible overseas workers or students under the relevant immigration routes. |
| SMS | The Sponsor Management System, the Home Office online platform used by licensed sponsors to assign sponsorship documents and meet reporting and record-keeping duties. |
| Level 1 user | A sponsor-appointed SMS user with primary responsibility for day-to-day sponsor management, including assigning sponsorship documents and reporting changes. |
| Level 2 user | A sponsor-appointed SMS user with limited access, typically able to carry out restricted sponsor actions depending on the permissions granted. |
| CoS | A Certificate of Sponsorship, assigned by a licensed sponsor to a worker as part of a work visa application. It is an electronic record rather than a physical certificate. |
| CAS | A Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies, issued by a licensed education provider to support a Student or Child Student visa application. It is an electronic record. |
| UKVCAS | The UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services provider used for biometric enrolment and document handling for certain in-country applications. |
| OISC | The Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner, the regulator for immigration advisers who are not solicitors or barristers. |
| SRA | The Solicitors Regulation Authority, the regulator for solicitors and law firms in England and Wales. |
Section J: Additional Resources & Links
| Resource | What it is for | Link |
|---|---|---|
| View and prove your immigration status | Access your digital status, generate a share code and update key details linked to your eVisa record. | https://www.gov.uk/view-prove-immigration-status |
| Online immigration status checks for employers | Employer guidance on using a share code to carry out an online right to work check. | https://www.gov.uk/view-right-to-work |
| Online right to rent checks | Landlord and agent guidance on checking status using the online service. | https://www.gov.uk/check-tenant-right-to-rent-documents |
| Apply to come to the UK | Starting point for most visa applications, with route selection and links to the relevant online forms. | https://www.gov.uk/apply-to-come-to-the-uk |
| Find a visa application centre | Overseas applicants can find where to enrol biometrics and submit documents, depending on location and provider. | https://www.gov.uk/find-a-visa-application-centre |
| Register of licensed sponsors: workers | Check whether an organisation holds a Home Office sponsor licence to sponsor workers. | https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/register-of-licensed-sponsors-workers |
| Register of licensed sponsors: students | Check whether an education provider is licensed to sponsor international students. | https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/register-of-licensed-sponsors-students |
| Sponsor Management System (SMS) login | Sponsor login page for Level 1 and Level 2 users to manage sponsorship activity. | https://www.points.homeoffice.gov.uk/gui-sms-jsf/home/SMS-Login.faces |
| Sponsor a Skilled Worker | Home Office sponsor guidance hub for Skilled Worker sponsorship duties and processes. | https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/sponsor-a-skilled-worker |
| Contact UKVI | Official contact routes for help, including service-specific technical support and account access issues. | https://www.gov.uk/contact-ukvi-inside-outside-uk |
| UKVI organisational information | Overview page explaining what UK Visas and Immigration is and what it does within the Home Office. | https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-visas-and-immigration |
