Indefinite Leave to Remain Proof in 2025

Having valid Indefinite Leave to Remain proof means you can meet legal requirements when applying for jobs, renting property, accessing benefits or returning to the UK after travel.

In most cases, immigration status in the UK is now proven digitally using eVisas. Physical documents like Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs), passport vignettes or status letters are being phased out and now in most cases are no longer accepted as valid proof of ILR. This means that individuals must now rely on the Home Office’s online service to view and prove their ILR, using share codes to give employers, landlords or other organisations access to their immigration status in real time.

This guide explains the current process for proving ILR under the digital immigration system. It covers who needs to take action, how to access or request digital proof, what to do if you no longer have valid documents, and how the No Time Limit (NTL) application fits into the process for older ILR holders.

 

Section A: What Is Indefinite Leave to Remain?

 

Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) is a form of immigration status granted to individuals who have been lawfully living in the UK and are no longer subject to immigration time limits. It gives the holder the right to stay in the UK permanently, as long as they do not lose that status through prolonged absence or revocation. Holders have no time limit on their stay and are regarded as settled, provided they do not lose that status through absence or revocation. ILR is usually granted to people already in the UK after a qualifying period on a visa route, such as Skilled Worker, family, long residence.

Indefinite Leave to Enter (ILE) is similar in legal effect to ILR but is granted to individuals outside the UK prior to entry. While the route of grant differs, ILE holders have the same rights and restrictions as those with ILR once inside the UK.

Both statuses are considered “settled status” under UK law.

 

2. Rights Associated With ILR

 

Holders of ILR or ILE enjoy many of the same rights as British citizens. In particular, they may:

 

• Live and work in the UK without needing a visa or sponsorship.
• Run a business or study without immigration restrictions.
• Access the NHS; healthcare is generally free for settled persons.
• Claim public funds (e.g. Universal Credit, Child Benefit) if they meet the usual eligibility criteria; ILR holders are not considered subject to immigration control.
• Use public services and schools.
• Sponsor certain family members to join them in the UK under family‑visa rules.
• Re‑enter the UK after travel abroad. However, ILR can lapse if the holder is absent from the UK for two or more consecutive years.

 

ILR does not automatically confer British citizenship. Those wishing to naturalise must meet additional requirements and apply separately. People with the right of abode (e.g. British citizens) have stronger rights and are not subject to immigration control.

 

3. Distinction Between ILR, Settled Status and British Citizenship

 

ILR and ILE grant permanent residence but can be lost if the holder stays outside the UK for 2 years or more.

Settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme is a digital form of permanent residence for certain EU/EEA/Swiss nationals. It lapses after 5 years of absence (4 years for Swiss citizens).

British citizenship provides right of abode; citizens are not subject to immigration control and cannot lose status through absence. ILR is usually a prerequisite for naturalisation.

 

4. Distinction Between ILR, Settled Status and British Citizenship

 

ILR and ILE are often compared with other forms of permanent status. It’s important to understand how they differ:

 

• Settled Status (EUSS):Granted to EU, EEA and Swiss nationals (and their family members) under the EU Settlement Scheme. Like ILR, settled status allows permanent residence. However, settled status is managed exclusively through the digital eVisa system, and has specific eligibility rules linked to historic residence.
• British Citizenship:ILR is typically a prerequisite for applying for naturalisation. However, ILR does not make someone a British citizen. ILR holders must apply separately for citizenship and meet additional criteria such as English language proficiency, Life in the UK Test, and residence requirements. Unlike citizens, ILR holders can lose their status through absence or revocation.
• Right of Abode:Unlike ILR, a person with right of abode (e.g. a British citizen) is not subject to immigration control and may live in the UK indefinitely without conditions.

 

5. Conclusion

 

ILR/ILE is a form of settled immigration status that allows an individual to live and work in the UK without time limits. Holders enjoy broad rights but must maintain their status and understand the limitations. As the UK moves to a digital immigration system, proof of ILR will increasingly be provided via an eVisa, though existing physical proof continues to be valid in some circumstances until transitional deadlines.

 

Section B: Why Proof of ILR Is Required

 

Simply having ILR is not enough; you must be able to prove that you hold this status when requested.

The Home Office requires that ILR be proven digitally through a UKVI eVisa account. Paper documents such as BRPs or vignettes and other legacy documents are being phased out as valid evidence. However, the rules do not invalidate all legacy documents immediately.

 

1. Right to Work and Rent

 

Employers and landlords must verify that a person has the right to work or rent, respectively. The government has introduced an online service using share codes, but manual document checks remain lawful in certain situations.

For employment, proof is required during recruitment and can be requested at any time by an employer.
For renting property, landlords must check an individual’s immigration status before granting a tenancy agreement.

Individuals with a digital eVisa should generate a share code through their UKVI account for right to work or right to rent checks. A share code is valid for 90 days.

Without a valid eVisa, ILR holders may be wrongly refused employment or accommodation.

Employers may conduct a manual check of an endorsement or vignette in a current passport that states “Settlement,” “Indefinite Leave to Enter or Remain” or “No Time Limit.” Landlords can also accept an expired passport containing an ILR stamp or vignette.

All Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) expired on 31 December 2024. According to Home Office guidance, BRP holders can continue to use their expired card for up to 18 months after its printed expiry date to obtain a share code for right to work or rent checks. The card cannot be used for international travel after 2 June 2025.

 

2. Accessing Services and Benefits

 

ILR holders can access public services and claim benefits if they meet the usual eligibility rules. For example:

 

• Healthcare: Settled persons may access NHS services without paying the Immigration Health Surcharge.
• Benefits: ILR holders may apply for benefits such as Universal Credit, Child Benefit and State Pension (subject to habitual residence and other conditions).
• Education: They may study without immigration restrictions.

 

Government departments and service providers may require proof of status. A digital eVisa viewed via the UKVI account is the preferred method, but an ILR stamp/vignette in a passport remains acceptable until replaced by an eVisa.

 

3. Applying for British Citizenship

 

Applicants for naturalisation must show that they hold ILR or ILE and have done so for at least 12 months (unless married to a British citizen).

From 2025 the Home Office strongly prefers a digital eVisa. Legacy documents like BRPs or paper letters may be submitted but may trigger additional verification and cause delays.

Applicants who do not have digital proof should apply for No Time Limit (NTL) to obtain an eVisa before applying for citizenship.

 

4. Re‑Entering the UK After Travel

 

ILR status permits the holder to leave and re-enter the UK without applying for a new visa, provided they have not spent more than two consecutive years abroad. However, they must prove ILR upon arrival.

Since 1 January 2025, physical documents like BRPs and ILR stamps in passports are no longer valid at the border. ILR holders must ensure:

 

• Their eVisa is active and linked to their current passport
• They carry the correct passport when travelling
• Their UKVI account is up to date

 

Failure to provide valid digital evidence may result in delays at the border or refusal of entry. In some cases, a Returning Resident visa may be required.

 

5. Conclusion

 

You must be able to prove your ILR when applying for jobs, renting a property, accessing public services, re‑entering the UK or applying for citizenship. As the system transitions to digital records, eVisas are becoming the main method of proof, but manual checks using passport endorsements remain lawful. Ensure your documents or digital record are up to date to avoid disruption.

 

Section C: Accepted Proof of ILR in 2025

 

The UK is moving to a fully digital immigration system, but transitional provisions mean that not all physical documents have been invalidated. The following explains which forms of ILR proof are accepted in 2025.

 

1. UKVI eVisa: Primary Proof

 

An eVisa is a secure digital record of a person’s immigration status held by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). It records your identity, the type of permission you hold (e.g. ILR) and any conditions. It’s used for immigration checks by employers, landlords, the NHS, HMRC and Border Force. It is also required for naturalisation applications and other immigration-related matters.

To use your eVisa:

 

• Create or log into your UKVI account at GOV.UK.
• Link your current passport so that border and status checks match your identity.
• Generate share codes via your account to prove your status to employers, landlords or other bodies; codes remain valid for 90 days.

 

There is no fee for creating a UKVI account or accessing your eVisa.

 

2. Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs)

 

All BRPs expired on 31 December 2024; the expiry was applied even if your underlying ILR remains valid.

You may continue to use an expired BRP to obtain a share code for right to work or right to rent checks for up to 18 months after its printed expiry date.

BRPs cannot be used for international travel after 2 June 2025.

New BRPs are no longer issued following a successful NTL application; instead, successful applicants receive an eVisa.

 

3. Passport Vignettes, Wet‑Ink Stamps and Letters

 

Many long‑term residents hold ILR as a vignette or wet‑ink stamp in an expired or current passport. These remain valid evidence of ILR for manual right to work or right to rent checks. Employers or landlords must verify that the endorsement shows “Indefinite Leave to Enter or Remain,” “Settlement” or “No Time Limit.”

Landlords may accept an expired passport containing an ILR vignette.

Paper letters confirming ILR (e.g. status letters or Immigration Status Documents (ISDs)) are not accepted for employment or renting, but may be used as supporting evidence in an NTL application.

Individuals with ILR endorsed in a passport can continue to use these documents to travel during the transition, but they are encouraged to obtain an eVisa and carry the correct passport.

 

4. Conclusion

 

In 2025 the digital eVisa is the Home Office’s primary method of confirming ILR. However, an ILR vignette or wet‑ink stamp in a passport remains legally valid for right‑to‑work and right‑to‑rent checks and for travel until the government announces otherwise. BRPs are expired but can still be used to obtain share codes for a limited period. Status letters and ISDs should be replaced with an eVisa.

 

Section D: How to Prove ILR Using a UKVI Account

 

ILR holders are now generally expected to prove their status via a UKVI account, which provides access to your eVisa and share codes.

 

1. Creating or Accessing Your UKVI Account

 

Go to the official UKVI account portal on GOV.UK and sign in using the email address and password associated with your immigration applications. Two‑factor authentication (by email or text) will confirm your identity.

If you do not already have an account, you will be prompted to create one. Use the same personal details and passport information provided in your original ILR or visa application. There is no cost to create a UKVI account or access your eVisa.

Keep your login details secure and update your email or phone number if they change.

 

2. Linking Your Passport and Viewing Your Status

 

When you log in you will see your name, date of birth, the type of immigration status (e.g. ILR) and any conditions. You must ensure that your current passport or travel document is linked to your account. If you obtain a new passport, update your UKVI account so that border checks correctly match your status. Failure to link an up‑to‑date passport could cause delays at the border or during status checks.

 

3. Generating and Sharing Share Codes

 

A share code is a temporary, secure code used to allow third parties to view your digital status. To generate a code:

 

• Log into your UKVI account.
• Select the reason for sharing your status (e.g. right to work, right to rent).
• Generate a share code.

 

Share codes are valid for 90 days. Provide the code and your date of birth to the employer or landlord. They must enter it at the GOV.UK “Check someone’s immigration status” service. Screenshots or printouts are not accepted; only real‑time digital checks produce legal confirmation.

 

4. Conclusion

 

To prove ILR status, you should set up and maintain a UKVI account, link your current passport and generate share codes when required. This digital process provides secure, real‑time confirmation of your right to work, rent and access services.

 

Section E: How to Get Proof of ILR if You Don’t Have It

 

If your ILR is not recorded digitally or you no longer have valid proof (e.g. your BRP expired or your passport vignette is lost), you can regularise your status by applying for No Time Limit (NTL). An NTL application confirms that ILR or ILE has already been granted and issues your status in the form of an eVisa.

 

1. When to Apply for an NTL

 

You should consider an NTL application if you:

 

• Were granted ILR or ILE before BRPs were introduced and never received a BRP.
• Have an ILR vignette in an expired passport.
• Lost, had stolen or destroyed your BRP or passport containing ILR.
• Need to update your record due to a name change or other personal details.
• Cannot access your UKVI account because no digital record exists.

 

 

2. Is NTL Free?

 

NTL applications must be made from within the UK on the official online form and are free of charge. Applicants must enrol biometrics at a UKVCAS centre (photograph and fingerprints) so that UKVI can verify identity and issue the eVisa.

 

3. Documents Needed

 

When applying you should provide:

 

• Current valid passport or UK travel document.
• Any documents showing ILR or ILE (e.g. expired BRP, passport vignette, Home Office letter).
• Evidence of any name change (e.g. deed poll, marriage certificate).
• If you no longer have original documents, you may submit alternative evidence such as:
• Old Home Office correspondence or copies of previous passports.
• Proof of long‑term UK residence (tenancy agreements, utility bills, employment records).
• A signed personal statement explaining your immigration history.
• Crime reference number if your documents were stolen.

 

The Home Office will check internal records and may ask you to provide additional information. The burden is on the applicant to show that they previously held ILR and have not lost it (e.g. by being absent from the UK for more than two consecutive years).

 

4. Process for Those Granted ILR Before BRPs Existed

 

Long‑term residents whose ILR predates BRPs (typically before 2012) may have never had biometrics recorded. The NTL process will:

 

• Verify the original grant of ILR using archived records.
• Collect current biometric data.
• Create or link a UKVI account.
• Issue a digital eVisa confirming your status.

 

Once approved, you will receive notification that your status is recorded digitally and can be accessed via your UKVI account.

 

5. Conclusion

 

If you have Indefinite Leave to Remain but no longer hold valid proof, applying for an NTL confirmation is the official route to obtain a digital record and ensure a secure way to prove your status online. Whether your documents are expired, missing or never issued, the NTL application allows you to regularise your position and access your status through a UKVI account.

 

Section F: Proving ILR for British Citizenship Applications

 

To naturalise as a British citizen under sections 6(1) or 6(2) of the British Nationality Act 1981, applicants must prove that they are free of immigration time restrictions at the date of application and, unless married to a British citizen, have held ILR for at least 12 months.

The Home Office expects this status to be confirmed via a digital eVisa linked to a UKVI account, replacing legacy documents like BRPs or passport vignettes.

 

1. What Evidence Does the Home Office Require?

 

To meet the immigration status requirement for citizenship, the applicant must show that:

 

• They have been granted ILR or ILE
• That status has not been lost (e.g. by absence of 2+ continuous years from the UK)
• The ILR or ILE was held for at least 12 months prior to the application (unless married to a British citizen)

 

The Home Office now prefers a digital eVisa to confirm ILR or ILE. This allows automatic verification without further checks.

Applicants may still submit an expired BRP or an ILR vignette, but because BRPs are no longer valid for right to work or rent and vignettes are being replaced, legacy documents often require additional verification and may delay processing.

If your ILR is not recorded digitally, you should apply for an NTL to obtain an eVisa before submitting your citizenship application.

 

2. Why an eVisa Is Preferred

 

An eVisa allows the Home Office to verify your status immediately and ensures your immigration history matches current records. Relying on outdated evidence may result in requests for additional documents or interviews. Because physical BRPs expired on 31 December 2024 and are no longer valid for official checks, digital confirmation is now the most reliable way to prove settled status.

 

3. Avoiding Delays

 

To minimise delays in your citizenship application, check that your ILR is visible in your UKVI account.

If you do not have an eVisa, submit an NTL application before applying for citizenship.

Verify that your current passport is linked to your UKVI account and that your name and personal details match the identity documents you will provide with your naturalisation application.

Do not rely on an expired BRP; the Home Office has confirmed that BRPs ceased to be valid for legal checks from January 2025.

 

4. Conclusion

 

For British citizenship applications in 2025, ILR must be clearly evidenced. The Home Office strongly favours digital proof via an eVisa. Applicants with only legacy documents should regularise their status through an NTL application before applying for citizenship. Doing so ensures that your settled status can be verified quickly and reduces the risk of delays or refusal.

 

Section G: Common Problems to Avoid

 

Even if you no longer have your BRP or ILR stamp, there are formal routes to recover your settled status.

If you lose your BRP, you do not need to replace it. Instead, apply for an NTL to receive a digital eVisa.

If you’ve lost your passport that had an ILR stamp, apply for NTL. Submit any supporting evidence (e.g. expired passport numbers, copies of letters, employment records) and a personal statement.

People who settled in the UK many years ago sometimes lack documentation or are unsure of their status. To confirm your status, review any old Home Office correspondence or passport endorsements. If you believe you had ILR, apply for NTL with as much evidence as possible. The Home Office will check internal records.

If you came to the UK before 1973 or have ties to the Windrush generation, you may be eligible for the Windrush Scheme, which provides free confirmation of status.

If your UKVI account does not show your ILR, confirm that you are using the email address linked to your most recent Home Office application. Check that your current passport number matches the one linked to your eVisa. Use the UKVI online support form to report the problem. You may be advised to apply for NTL so that your status can be linked to a new account.

If you need assistance, contact the UKVI Resolution Centre or use the UKVI eVisa helpline.

Use the “Contact UKVI” form on GOV.UK. Provide personal details, previous BRP or vignette numbers and explain the issue.

Request that UKVI checks internal records to confirm ILR or ILE.

 

Section H: Conclusion

 

Following the withdrawal of BRPs and the ongoing move to eVisas, ILR holders must ensure that their status is confirmed and accessible through a UKVI account. Physical documents such as ILR vignettes remain valid for manual right to work and right to rent checks, but they will eventually be phased out. If you rely solely on a physical stamp, consider obtaining a digital eVisa via a free NTL application.

 

Section I: Frequently Asked Questions

 

How can I prove my ILR in 2025?

You can prove ILR either by presenting your eVisa through a UKVI account or, during the transitional period, by showing a passport endorsement that states “Indefinite Leave to Enter or Remain,” “Settlement” or “No Time Limit.” Share codes generated through your UKVI account are required for most online checks and remain valid for 90 days.

 

Is my BRP still valid for proving ILR?

All BRPs expired on 31 December 2024. You can use an expired BRP to obtain a share code for right‑to‑work or right‑to‑rent checks for up to 18 months after its printed expiry date. BRPs cannot be used for international travel after 2 June 2025.

 

I only have an ILR vignette in an old passport—can I still use it?

A current or expired passport containing a vignette or wet‑ink stamp confirming ILR or ILE remains valid for manual right‑to‑work and right‑to‑rent checks. However, for long‑term convenience, you should apply for an eVisa using the No Time Limit (NTL) process.

 

Do I need a UKVI account to prove my ILR?

While physical endorsements are still accepted for some checks, the Home Office is transitioning to a fully digital system. You need a UKVI account to view your eVisa and generate share codes. There is no fee to create or access the account.

 

What if I’ve lost all proof of my ILR?

You can apply for confirmation of status through a No Time Limit (NTL) application. Submit as much supporting evidence as possible, including previous passport numbers, letters from the Home Office or proof of long‑term UK residence. The application is free and results in a digital eVisa.

 

Can I still use a BRP for naturalisation?

BRPs are no longer valid for official status checks from January 2025. An eVisa is now the preferred and most reliable form of proof when applying for British citizenship.

 

How do I get a share code to prove my status?

Log in to your UKVI account, select the reason for sharing your status and generate a share code. Each code is valid for 90 days and can be used for right to work, right to rent or other official checks.

 

What if the UKVI system doesn’t show my ILR?

 

Contact UKVI using the online help form. Include your personal details, previous BRP or vignette numbers and a description of the issue. You may be advised to apply for an NTL so your ILR can be linked to a new or existing UKVI account.

 

Can I apply for NTL if I’m outside the UK?

NTL applications can only be submitted from within the UK. If your ILR has lapsed because you were outside the UK for more than two consecutive years, you may need to apply for a Returning Resident visa.

 

Is applying for NTL the same as applying for ILR?

An NTL application confirms that ILR or ILE has already been granted. It does not provide settlement. If you do not already have ILR or ILE, you must apply for it through an appropriate visa route.

 

Section J: Glossary

 

Term	Definition
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)	A form of immigration status allowing a person to live in the UK without time restrictions and access work, benefits and services.
Indefinite Leave to Enter (ILE)	Similar to ILR but granted before entry into the UK. ILE provides settled status with the same rights as ILR.
eVisa	A digital immigration status held online and accessed via a UKVI account, replacing physical documents such as BRPs and visa vignettes.
UKVI Account	An online Home Office account where individuals can view, manage and share their immigration status using a secure login.
Share Code	A temporary, secure code generated through a UKVI account to allow third parties to check a person’s immigration status online.
No Time Limit (NTL) Application	An application used by ILR or ILE holders to confirm their status and receive a digital eVisa when no current proof is available.
Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)	A physical card that was previously issued to confirm immigration status. BRPs expired on 31 December 2024 and are no longer valid.
Vignette	A visa or immigration stamp in a passport, used before BRPs were introduced. No longer accepted as legal proof of ILR.
UKVCAS	UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services – the platform used to book appointments and submit documents and biometrics for UK applications.
Returning Resident Visa	A visa for former ILR holders who lost their status after spending more than two years outside the UK.

 

 

Section K: Additional Resources and Links

 

Resource	Description	Link
UKVI eVisa account setup	Official GOV.UK portal for creating or accessing your UKVI account to manage your eVisa	View and Prove Immigration Status
No Time Limit (NTL) application	Apply online to confirm existing ILR and obtain a digital eVisa	NTL Application Guidance
Check someone’s immigration status	Employer and landlord tool for checking eVisa status using a share code	Check Immigration Status
Report a problem with immigration status	Online form for resolving eVisa or UKVI account access issues	UKVI eVisa Help
BRP expired: guidance on next steps	Explanation of BRP expiry and use during the transition to digital records	BRP Guidance
Naturalisation as a British citizen	Requirements and evidence for citizenship applications, including proof of ILR	Naturalisation Guidance